Panda Cantina image

Panda Cantina

Restaurant Chinese restaurant Ramen restaurant

One of the Top rated Chinese restaurants in Lisbon


Address

Rua da Prata 252, 1100-052 Lisboa, Portugal

Website

www.facebook.com

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (2.2K reviews)

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Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 12 to 11 PM
  • Thursday: 12 to 11 PM
  • Friday: 12 to 11 PM
  • Saturday: 12 to 11 PM
  • Sunday: 12 to 11 PM
  • Monday: 12 to 11 PM
  • Tuesday: 12 to 11 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: ramen (39) tofu (24) level (21) good (19) spicy (16) spice (12) amazing (11) noodles (10) fried (10) wait (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Irene T. 1 year ago on Google
    Put your name down inside, and then wait by walking around and before you come back because it was about 2hrs when we put our name down and then got seated! We came during prime time so that was probably not the best idea. This is not Chinese or Japanese style noodle but it’s still really good. I would describe this as Chinese and Japanese fusion that’s done really well. I’ve eaten noodle soup in Japan, China, NYC, LAX, SF, basically everywhere with famous noodle shops and this is honestly really good (and much cheaper than in the states. The food comes out pretty hot! I got the large Ramen and it was not very big, I ate it pretty fast. So the process is: put your name down, and then when you get called, you pay for your order already before you sit down. I would recommend looking at the menu before you get to the front because you probably are already waiting while you are there. The inside is very tiny and probably only seats about 25-30 people. They do have a restroom inside and kind of cute decor with dim sum steamers. Pro tip: you should ask for your hot sauce on the side! Lots of people who are not used to eating spicy Chinese food will find the hot oil to be spicy. I saw a lot of tables of local people sweating and coughing since they didn’t taste chili oil before. I honestly loved their spice and it tasted really good. They did a pretty good job with it.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Caroline P. 2 years ago on Google
    It's really good. Unfortunately the place is really small, so it's a bit hot inside and there is always a waiting list. It took me around 30 minutes to sit, but it for the food it worth! I will definitely come back, but maybe try to arrive when it's opening.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexa 6 months ago on Google • 63 reviews
    Had this place saved to go ever since it opened but never got the opportunity to go until recently. It really is worth the hype. I've always wanted to try the tofu ramen and it was amazing. I only chose 0.5 of spice level because I wanted to taste the broth and it was the best decision. I also had the tofu outside the ramen to keep its crispness and I just gotta say, amazing! The beef ramen is also good but the person that came with me ate a level 4 spiciness and I can't handle that much spicy so it wasn't as tasty for me. The lemonade is also very sweet and tasty, perfect to combat the spiceness! Overall an amazing chinese ramen place and the waiters are extremely nice. I do suggest arriving rather early because they don't make reservations and the place tends to fill up fast.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leisa W. 4 months ago on Google • 123 reviews
    This is a shining example of doing one thing.. very well!! This ramen was delicious!! 🫶 You have a choice of beef, pork or tofu with half egg (can order additional on side.. the crumbed on the side is for the extra tofu) or Big Panda - which is all three proteins with a whole egg. We both got the beef and it was not fatty, well cooked and tender. Around 5 - 7 pieces in all. You'll also be given an option of spice level between 1 to 5 (5 being very spicy). My partner had a 2 and I had a 3. I think I can handle a fair bit of spice and 3 was perfect. Gave me a kick in the ribs (or back of throat) every now and then but was mostly balanced and tasty. We also got some crumbed tofu on the side (pictured).. it was pretty good.. good amount of salt, but I'm not the biggest fan of sweet chilli sauce and it was drizzled on it sadly.. still good though. The noodles are a bit different to usual egg ramen noodles. A bit thicker, and I was expecting them to be dough like.. but they were great, just might be different to what you're expecting. The service was clear and efficient. I wouldn't say friendly but they were pleasant enough to move through the waiting line quickly. We had to wait for a table for a short while (maybe 10 minutes) but it got very busy as we left so I'd say the line gets lengthy during busier periods. It was a rainy day so it was pretty busy. They take your name down and call you when a space is available when it gets busy. Our two ramen, plus extra tofu and two beers was around €24. All in all, highly recommend - a good value, tasty meal in a casual setting.

  • 5/5 Abhinandan C. 3 months ago on Google • 56 reviews New
    Absolutely loved the ramen. We ordered pork and beef Ramen. Authentic Japanese food. The seating area was small yet authentic and had a very cozy vibe. They give an option for choosing the level of spicy you need, we tried 3 and it was perfect but still would want to try level 4. They accept both Cash and cards. Point to note- they do not take online reservations and there is always a queue. We had to wait for 15-20 mins but it was definitely worth it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hamza F. 2 months ago on Google • 84 reviews New
    Panda Cantina's Ramen Tofu is a culinary delight – bursting with delicious flavors and surprisingly affordable. The tofu stole the show with its amazing crunch. Despite a brief wait of 15-20 minutes for seating and food, the overall experience was great. The taste, affordability, and ambiance make it a must-try for ramen enthusiasts. Looking forward to returning for another satisfying meal!

  • 5/5 Lucy B. 1 year ago on Google
    I’ve been here many times for lunch and dinner. That’s how it works: you order and pay at the entrance, which I find great because after you can just finish your meal and leave. The menu is very simple so make it even easier. They will ask you which LEVEL OF SPICINESS you like. I normally go for 2 (I love spicy and I find it the perfect level so I can still taste the food without sweating myself out). Then you seat and enjoy your amazing panda bowl! I love the concept of the cantina, meaning everyone seats in this big table side to side. Service is friendly, fast and FOOD IS AMAZING. I keep coming back every other week…. Ah! Is normal to have a line at the door, just put your name in and normally in less then 20 minutes you been having the bowl of your life :)
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yuval D. 9 months ago on Google
    A rare place. After a not too long wait (it's important to register inside when you arrive) you enter a small space that includes a long bar and a large shared table. Upon entering, you place an order at the cashier and sit down. We ordered a dish of ramen with pork and one large dish of giant panda, that includes both pork, meat and fried tofu. The degree of spiciness ranges to choose is from 0 to 5, when we took one course in intensity of spiciness zero and the other in degree 2, which was "fire" spicy ( don't go past number one) and we also added two bottles of beer. The ramen is amazing and it's a shame to waste words on a description because the only way to understand is to taste it. As for the toppings, surprisingly the tofu is the tastiest, followed by the meat and only finally the pork. In conclusion: a very recommended authentic experience and we didn't even mention the price, which is very low in relation to the excellent value.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 kim h. 5 months ago on Google • 49 reviews
    I visited because I wanted to eat warm soup on a rainy and cold day. This is a restaurant that many people recommended. All in all, it was delicious, but the noodles weren't what I expected. I expected more sticky noodles, but they were thick and snappy. The fried tofu was really delicious. The indoor atmosphere was cozy and nice.

  • 5/5 Kim R. 1 month ago on Google • 13 reviews New
    We came here on a cold and rainy day and was not disappointed. It was an absolutely delicious bowl of ramen and we could not have been happier. The noodles were perfect and the broth had so much flavor. Amazing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yuki T. 1 year ago on Google
    Great noodles! Thick and a bit chewy kind, the spice is right amount( level from 1-5, we chose 3) for summer, probably would go for 5 in winter. Beef is tender, my bf liked the fried tofu as well. Btw , pay first then sit in. Anyway give it a shot if you are in town:)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Meryl 1 year ago on Google
    Food was really good, freshly made noodles. Comparatively cheap when compared to other ramen places. The tofu one is their most popular. I had the beef and it was so good, had to come the next day to try the tofu which lived up to my expectations. Their spiciness level ranges from 0-5 5 being the spiciest. The lady said from 2 it is very spicy. I went on a hot day and didn’t want to challenge myself so i stick to level 1. The only negative point is that they do not take reservations and there’s always a queue, make sure you put your name on the waiting list if you queue, or preferably go when its opening!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pauline K. 1 year ago on Google
    Fab. I had the Giant Panda. The tofu is just amazing. Eat it fast so it doesn’t go soggy while allowing your broth to cool. Level 2 🌶 was just right if you like heat without it overpowering the other aromatics.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Megan P. 1 year ago on Google
    Good broth, spice levels increase in intensity quickly so be aware! I missed a marinated ramen egg, as this restaurant only serves half soft boiled eggs. Overall filling and enjoyable!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisa K. 3 months ago on Google • 21 reviews New
    Cool place to get a quick, tasty ramen . Definitely recommend to get tofu on the side, simply delicious. Noodles were tasty and chewy!

  • 4/5 Anuroopa G. 2 months ago on Google • 20 reviews New
    Absolutely amazing Ramen at an amazing price! No frills place but wonderful food. I have been here twice and loved the Ramen both times. This time I chose spice level 2.5 and that was great for my tolerance. They make their own noodles and the topping options make it good if you want to add choices. Must visit for ramen

  • 5/5 Malaika C. 2 months ago on Google • 16 reviews New
    This place is amazing. Super casual, fast, in and out kind of place. The noodle soups (a type of ramen kind of like shin ramen but more elaborate and flavorful) are fabulous, they customize the spice options so it’s really perfect for everyone. Great for solo travelers because trust me everyone is there with one purpose: finish the bowl in front of you. Very affordable for a heavy meal. Cant stop thinking of the flavors. My family and I visited TWICE on a short trip to Lisbon.

  • 5/5 Shai A. 10 months ago on Google
    . Bottom line - it's really good and VFM. Unfortunately the place is real small, so it's a bit hot inside and there is always a waiting list. It took me around 30 minutes to sit, but it worth it! I will definitely come back. We try beef and pork Ramen with extra portion of protein 💪

  • 5/5 Noodle alla G. 4 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    We discovered this place in one of the most touristy areas of Lisbon, but Panda Cantina is anything but touristy! The food is delicious. The fried tofu ramen is incredible, staying crispy even when immersed in the broth – we ordered it again. The atmosphere is very welcoming; you can see the open kitchen, and there's a large social table in the middle of the restaurant that makes you feel right at home. Definitely worth trying; we can't wait to go back! We've made a video that showcases the beauty of this place.

  • 5/5 Genie P. 1 year ago on Google
    It is a great noodle worthy of waiting for the queue. Fried tofu is excellent! There are spicy levels 0 to 5, as for me, it's ok with level 3. Since you cannot make a reservation for the restaurant, it is the best way to be there 15 mins before the opening.

  • 5/5 AadelineA 5 months ago on Google
    yummy and comforting. guys should just got for the large bowl or add noodles because i manage to finish a standard size (for a lady). we had spice level 1 and 2 and for asians, it’s really not spicy. space was a little tight in the hall though.

  • 5/5 Ashley T. 1 year ago on Google
    To clear up any confusion, this is definitely Chinese ramen, not Japanese style ramen. They add nori (seaweed) and a soft boiled egg and this gives the impression that it’s Japanese ramen but the flavours are exclusively Chinese ramen (to be even more clear, this is not a fusion dish either). If you are looking for Japanese ramen, don’t come here - it’s a completely different flavour profile. Put your name down as soon as you arrive and then wait outside for them to call your name/party. The noodles here are good because they are freshly made. The beef was nice though I recommend adding extra meat since you get very little in the standard portion (even if you add extra meat, it remains quite affordable). The tofu pieces are good but nothing special; they are served with regular store bought Thai sweet sauce - this is fine by me because I like that sauce but it’s kind of weird with the veggie broth flavour so I’d recommend just getting the pieces on the side. Overall, a good food option and we really appreciated that they had a vegetarian option since my partner does not eat meat. If you come from somewhere with excellent Asian food, this is definitely not worth the line. In my home of Toronto, this would be considered a regular ramen restaurant. I recommend no higher than spice level 2 for most people. You can do spice level 3 if you are familiar with Chinese chilli oil. I use a lot of chilli oil and took a level 3 but might have been happier with a level 2 to allow the flavours to be more balanced. Best approach is to take the chilli oil on the side so you can add as you please. You must pay upfront before seating which is nice and efficient - I loved this as it removes the need to flag down a server to pay before leaving.

  • 5/5 NAm S. 9 months ago on Google
    I prefere less thick noodle, only because im so used to japanese ramen. Anyway, the broth is awesome, very tasty, pork too, love the concept and the fried tofu is to die for!

  • 5/5 Tiago R. 6 months ago on Google
    Great ramen, simple and straight forward menu! Cheap and great quality! Staff is very helpful when ordering and explaining the level of spicy for your ramen. Small place so not advisable for big groups, we were 5 and were lucky to have the last 5 spots!

  • 5/5 Mariana D. 6 months ago on Google
    The food is exceptional, service is good and the atmosphere is unique. It’s one of my favorite restaurants and, in my opinion, the best one from the Panda Cantina restaurants I have been. I always order the tofu ramen with 0.5 or 1 as spicy level and the cold tea. The broth is really tasty and the fried tofu is incredible, with the perfect texture. Overall 11.90€, and the portions are more than enough. I highly recommend it!

  • 5/5 Becca L. 5 months ago on Google
    This place is fast, and has good ramen. I loved sitting cozily amongst strangers, and paying upfront so you can just leave when you’re finished. Can select spice level. They do accept cards.

  • 5/5 Linh D. 1 year ago on Google
    the restaurant is quite popular, so you had to get on a waiting list first. but once we were inside, the service was very quick. you could decide between the spicy levels of your ramen and broths. we would definitely recommend their fried tofus. they were amazing.

  • 5/5 Alan L. 1 year ago on Google
    Panda Cantina serves 👍🏻 chewy QQ ramen. The spicy soup has 5 levels. I decided to play safe and ordered level 1. Spicy beef ramen soup big portion comes with 1 egg and 2 fried tofu. Wife ordered pork ramen spicy soup level 1. The cantina opened at 6:30pm. A queue already formed outside the Cantina at 6:20pm. We decided to join the queue. 6:30pm Cantina opened and we took turn to enter and order our ramen. I love the chewy QQ ramen, the soup depend on your spicy tolerance. Level 1 was great for me. It clear soup and it grows on you the more you drink it, not the heavy braised thick soup. The fried tofu was excellent, crispy on the outside, soft in the inside. Within 15-20 mins I finished the ramen and soup! Satisfying dinner! If you visit Portugal Lisboa and you love ramen-must come here. Be early, queue before 6:15pm to be serve first. Else long queue formed, you will wait longer. Be patient, it worth it!

  • 5/5 Catarina N. 1 year ago on Google
    The best ramen in Lisbon! Try going early to give your name inside, as it can get very busy and the meals are limited every lunch/evening. After giving your name, the waiting time can go up to 1h, but very worth the wait. I specially recommend getting the fried tofu for starters and the giant Panda ramen.


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Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

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