Since opening in 2016 and adding a second site in 2026, Bar Douro has become a solid go-to for Portuguese plates in central London. With two sites — one in London Bridge's Flat Iron Square and another in the City of London — the restaurant has built a great reputation around small plates, cracking wines, and a vibe that feels more Lisbon backstreet than swanky central London.
The setup is simple — petiscos (Portuguese small plates) designed for sharing, with a menu split loosely between land, sea, and veg. Salt cod still plays a starring role, alongside plates like prawns cooked with garlic and olive oil, and smoked Portuguese sausage croquettes. Vegetable dishes also more than hold their own, available in dishes like garlic-punched potatoes and wild mushroom rice.
Desserts keep things classic and offer the perfect sweet bite post-dinner, with pastel de natas being the obvious choice — a flaky, custardy Portuguese dessert which is a must on any visit to Portugal. The wine list includes one of the most extensive selections of Portuguese wines in the UK, as well as a decent selection of ports.
What makes Bar Douro stand out isn't just the food, though. Both places (though quite different in feel) channel a similar vibe with traditional tiled walls and counter seating. The London Bridge spot, set under the arches, feels especially transportive on a warm evening, while the City location offers a slightly sleeker version of the same idea.
In a city full of restaurants chasing the next big thing, Bar Douro sticks to something more straightforward — great ingredients, well-executed dishes, and a setting that makes you forget, briefly, that you're still in London.