Of course, ever since we created our guide to the best ram en restaurants in Lisbon, Magokoro Ramen has been on the list as one of the places serving the best Japanese broth in the capital.
For us, they’re definitely one of the best… and we’ve tried almost all of them and they’re definitely worth it.
Read here about our experience at all three Magokoro Ramen restaurants and then tell us if your mouth is watering and you want to go there.
The first house: the gateway to classic Japan
The first Magokoro Ramen restaurant opened in a small space near Santa Apolónia Station, which is still our favorite, although smaller than the other two, one near Amoreiras and the most recent in Parque das Nações.
Entering the Santa Apolónia space is like embarking on a direct trip to Japan. With a decor clearly paying homage to the authenticity of Japanese taverns, it quickly became a phenomenon among all lovers of a good, hot Japanese broth.
I remember that the video we shot there was one of the first to reach over ONE MILLION views on our social networks.
From the wooden floors to the soft lighting, every detail has been designed to recreate the atmosphere of Tokyo. And the experience begins even before the first spoonful: it’s visual, sensory and full of meaning. Here, you’ll feel like you’re in a typical Japanese tavern, aromas and flavors included.
The evolution of the concept: Japanese pop culture
We confess that the décor now used in the Magokoro Ramen restaurants in Amoreiras and Parque das Nações is not what we like best, but one thing is obvious: the little ones love it, especially when they grab the joysticks of the Arcade machines installed here, which for the parents also turns out to be a respite since they can enjoy their meals in a more relaxed way.
In these two spaces, the atmosphere is transformed into a celebration of Japanese pop culture, with hundreds of collectible figures, vibrant colors and the gaming machines that make these restaurants so irresistible for young people and families.
At the same time, everything served here retains the quality and culinary rigor found in the first house.
The Secret Lisbon experience
The secret is definitely in the broth, which is the true protagonist of any excellent ramen. And this is one of our favorites, prepared with pork or chicken bones, slow-cooked for hours until it reaches a creamy texture and a depth of flavor that is hard to match.
Each boiling bowl fills our souls, and there are some specialties on the menu that we can’t resist eating more than once, such as the latest Magokoro Special Edition (€14.5), which has Tonkotsu broth and miso, fresh homemade noodles, chashu meat, marinated egg, vegetables and lots of spice (three chillies).
Although ramen is the center of attention, Magokoro’s menu offers much more, such as one of our latest tastings, an Abura Soba de Unagi (grilled eel), a dish without broth, served with an aromatic house sauce that is delicious.
Then there are the no less delicious crispy gyozas, the Takoyakis (octopus balls) and the fantastic Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), all of which have excellent flavor and texture.
The challenge really is to resist the temptation to repeat your favorite dish.
The reasons why we love Magokoro Ramen
In addition to the intense flavors and aromas of the ramen served here, which in our opinion live up to the best ancient recipes, there are other reasons why we almost always choose these restaurants when we feel like warming our hearts and souls:
- Strategic locations
- In Santa Apolónia, it’s close to one of the city’s major public transport hubs; next to Amoreiras, one of the most popular shopping centers; and in Parque das Nações, one of the capital’s newest and most modern areas.
- Decor and family atmosphere
- Although we’re more fans of the Japanese version of the tavern, which combines Japanese tradition and modernity, there’s no denying that the alignment with pop culture is a great asset when it comes to bringing children to your restaurants.
- Artisanal broth
- Slow-cooked for an authentic taste that respects the oldest recipes.
If you’re still looking for the best ramen in town and haven’t yet been to Magokoro Ramen, you’re the only one missing out on an incredible gastronomic journey. It may not be the best you’ll ever taste, but we’re sure it will become one of your favorites.
Whether you visit the “mother house” in Santa Apolónia for a trip to more classic Japan, or the “new” locations to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of pop culture, you’ll find a “broth” to die for .
Address: Rua Caminhos de Ferro 136 (next to Santa Apolónia station); Rua Professor Sousa da Câmara 138A (Amoreiras); Alameda dos Oceanos 79A (Parque das Nações)
Opening hours: every day, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Reservations: on Instagram
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