Guide to Portuguese restaurants in London

Spacious A Toca Restaurant is one of the most popular spots in London for Portuguese cooking. The venue is humble and has two private rooms. On the authentic menu you'll find small plates for sharing, soups and salads, meat and fish recipes, and vegetarian alternatives. This restaurant also has a menu for kids.

Battersea Power Station's Joia is a 14th and 15th floor restaurant with fab views and a dreamy coral colour scheme. It comes from Michelin-starred chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. The menu is inspired by his travels around the Portuguese Iberian Peninsula. Food is varied and authentic, there are Spanish and Portuguese wines, and an elegant signature cocktail collection.

Lively Casa Madeira is a vibrant riverside restaurant. Based in a railway arch, it's a popular choice for Portuguese food. Sample small dishes like garlic bread, oysters, and mussels before trying grilled meat or fish, burgers, pasta, or pizza. This restaurant also does generous authentic stews made for two people to share.

Head to Lisboeta for a sociable Portuguese meal. The restaurant is spread across three floors and is full of laid-back homey style. On the menu you'll find lots of plates to share like cured halibut or piri-piri summer squash. Larger plates are also available, as well as a diverse Portuguese wine list.

At O Cantinho De Portugal you can try out recipes from regions all over the country. This family-run restaurant serves authentic food in a low-key setting and is a big hit with London's Portuguese community. You can savour dishes like sautéed clams, grilled sardines, francesinha sandwiches, and creamy cod bake, paired with a Portuguese wine.

All-day dining destination Estrela Bar aims to make you feel like you're in Portugal. This family-run venue has a classic look and streams live sport from Portugal. A range of authentic food and drinks are served here, from simple sandwiches and petisco dishes to share to generous portions of meat and fish. You can also try traditional desserts.

Based in Crystal Palace, A Torre is a family-run restaurant with a cheerful atmosphere and friendly and attentive service. On the simple menu you'll find starters like bread and olives or fish cakes, meat and fish recipes, and a vegetable paella for vegetarian diners. Portuguese desserts, including pastel de nata, are available to round off your meal.

Volta do Mar, which originally launched in Covent Garden, moved to Chelsea in late 2023. This new location features a terrace and a private dining room, along with an indoor seating capacity of up to 40 guests, making it suitable for everything from business lunches to romantic dinners and family feasts. The menu at Volta do Mar showcases the rich diversity of Portuguese cuisine, enriched by its connections with South America, Africa, and Asia.

Way out in West London there's Stella's Café and Restaurant, a homey eatery with a mint green interior. Grilled meat, including piri-piri chicken is the speciality, plus there are petiscos to share such as croquettes and garlic king prawns. This vibrant spot hosts some special dinners with live music. 

Discover flavours from Portugal at O Barros. This low-key restaurant has a simple look and a friendly atmosphere. The menu is full of authentic dishes such as mussels, fried squid, sirloin steak, and grilled pork loin. A small selection of plant-based dishes are also served at this cosy restaurant.

You'll find Portuguese cuisine in Camden at O Tino. This modest restaurant is a firm local favourite with a friendly atmosphere and generous portions of food. Al fresco tables are available too. There's plenty of choice if you're into fish and seafood but there are alternatives too like vegetable soup, grilled chorizo, or pork medallions.

Pico Bar & Grill serves cocktails, wine, and authentic Portuguese small plates from a railway arch location. There's plenty of outdoor space for al fresco drinks and meals. The food menu features paella, salads, and plates like stuffed mushrooms and cod fish cakes. Pizza and pasta are also served, along with refreshing cocktails and beer.

If you're in Leyton you can try Portuguese cuisine at Oceano Restaurant. This welcoming family-run venue has a sleek look. Plenty of meat and fish dishes are on the menu but there are some plant-based options too. Start with soup, olives, or octopus salad before trying mains like fried steak, fish stew, or seafood rice.

South London's Lusitania has a spacious garden as well as the indoor dining area. This stylish spot is friendly, with attentive service and authentic cuisine. Fresh ingredients are used for recipes like croquettes, seafood rice, salted cod fish loin, and lamb cutlets. Complete your meal with wine from Portugal or Brazil.

Decked out with classic blue and white Portuguese tiles, Bar Douro is a relaxed dining destination where you can watch the chefs in the open kitchen. A variety of small plates are available to try here, including smoked Portuguese sausage and cheese selections. The award-winning wine list is exclusively Portuguese.

Battersea's Caravela serves Portuguese cuisine in a classic setting with intricate tiled floors. On the menu you'll find traditional dishes including soups, tapas, and grilled meat and fish like grilled chorizo or chicken wings. Veggie and vegan dishes are served as well. Complement the food with Portuguese or international wines, sangria, or cocktails.

Streatham is home to Maria's Kitchen, a relaxed eatery with a classic interior and indoor and outdoor tables. The menu here is simple but authentic. Begin with starters like parma ham with melon or king prawns followed by dishes like salt fish cod or steak. The menu also includes several options suitable for vegetarian diners.

Grelha D'Ouro is a laid-back and lively bar and restaurant where dogs are welcome and you can play darts or pool. There's a colourful canopy outside and a spacious tiled dining area. Cocktails, wine, and small plates are the big draw here, with a varied range of dishes that are the ideal accompaniment to drinks. At weekends the venue is open late.

Low-key local venue The Three Lions is a good choice for authentic Portuguese cooking. This corner restaurant is cosy and serves heaping portions of classic recipes. Choose from omelettes, sandwiches, and salads when you want a lighter meal or go all in with piri-piri chicken, steak, or seafood rice. Small tapas plates to share are also served.

Colourful restaurant Manos Grill has a simple interior and a leafy garden for al fresco dining. Takeaways are also available here. You can try generous portions of authentic dishes like steak baguettes or grilled meat or fish recipes. Portuguese wine is available to complement your meal here.

East London's Mar & Terra is a lively spot that's popular for events, including weddings. Sometimes you can enjoy live music here whilst you eat. The simple menu includes a range of meat and fish dishes as well as mains like sliced roasted octopus and clams. Portuguese wine is also available here, including the country's unique green wine.

For a tasty Portuguese meal or ingredients to use at home, Hackney's A Portuguese Love Affair is the place to go. This compact venue is warm and rustic, with authentic deli goods lining the shelves. The counter is stocked with desserts and small bites, whilst the restaurant menu includes favourites like empanadas, cod fish cakes, and meat and cheese selections.

Bitoque in Harlesden is a great destination for fans of fish and seafood. This welcoming restaurant serves up hearty portions of authentic Portuguese recipes, including small plates just made for sharing. On the menu you'll find dishes like paella, scallops, and sautéed clams, as well as some meaty options like steaks. 

With its welcoming atmosphere and friendly service, Velho Portugal soon makes diners feel at home. You'll discover plenty of traditional dishes, including small plates to share or begin your meal. As well as tapas, you can choose from sandwiches, burgers, soup, and a variety of classic meat and fish dishes. Traditional desserts are served too, including pastel de nata.

With influences from Portugal and Spain, The Adega specialises in Iberian tapas. The attractive dining room is decorated with Portuguese tiles and colourful murals. Quality ingredients are used to create dishes like pork belly, cod fritters, slow-cooked chorizo, and salads. Complete the meal with wine - the wine list is mainly Portuguese and Spanish, and includes Portuguese green wine.

Decked out in warm and earthy colours, La Casita is a popular local place for Portuguese and Mediterranean food in Streatham. This cosy spot has a vibrant and diverse menu with dishes like paella, pasta, pizza, and traditional meat and fish recipes. Breakfast is served too. There are also plenty of tapas to share for social meals.

For straightforward food that's fuss-free but satisfying, don't miss Casa do Frango. These eateries specialise in piri-piri chicken, rice with plantain, and dishes that are ideal for sharing in a group. The environment is light and airy but things get more intimate in the clandestine cocktail bar at each venue.

If you love to eat meat then you'll appreciate Os 3 Reis Portuguese Grill. This spot specialises in chargrilled steak and chicken. You can eat in the understated restaurant but this place also does takeaways and catering. Fresh cuts of meat are the main attraction but pizza and grilled fish dishes are on the menu too. Portuguese wine and sangria is served to complete the experience.

One of London's most renowned Portuguese bakeries is Santa Nata. Only authentic pastel de nata are sold here, celebrating Portugal's famed baking tradition. The bakery's interior is crisp and modern, and a bell rings whenever a fresh batch of pastries becomes available. For a real taste of Portugal without leaving London, this is a must-visit.

Lisboa Patisserie is a fixture in West London and has some famous names like Yotam Ottolenghi amongst its fans. It's a vibrant and lively spot where the sweet treats often sell out quickly. Buy a snack to take away or enjoy it at an indoor or outdoor table. Fresh coffee is available here to go with it.

Artisan bakery Café de Nata specialises in Portugal's famous pastel de nata custard tarts. These compact and bustling bakeries prepare each pastry carefully by hand for an authentic taste of Portugal. Pair yours with the freshly-ground coffee here for the ideal pick-me-up. The pastries are available with a variety of different toppings and flavours.

Colourful deli and café Made in Portugal stocks a varied selection of Portuguese groceries like wine, juices, cooking sauces, and bakes. You can also get takeaway food or enjoy something to eat on-site at one of the outdoor tables. Dishes on the menu include sandwiches, seafood recipes, and lighter bites like pastel de nata.

The counter at Vilamoura Café & Shop is stacked up with mouthwatering pastries and cakes. You can also get more filling meals like lasagne, steak, and sandwiches. Whether you're having a lighter bite or something larger, you can complete the experience with Portuguese soft drinks or freshly-made hot drinks. 

Stockwell's Funchal Bakery is popular with the local Portuguese community. Its particularly well-known for its celebration cakes for any occasion. Portuguese groceries are also sold at this busy community hub, or you can purchase treats to enjoy immediately like sandwiches, miniature pizzas, and pastel de nata.

In North London you'll find Bom Pecado, a colourful local café specialising in Portuguese cooking. The interior is casual and cosy with walls in a deep shade of blue. Daily hot specials are available like octopus with rice or roast chicken, as well as lighter snacks available from the counter. This place also offers local delivery.

O Português Café Deli is a go-to for authentic Portuguese food, whether you need ingredients to cook at home or something to eat straightaway. This deli and eatery has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Sweet and savoury treats like pastries, cakes, and sandwiches are all served here. Try yours with a fresh coffee or a chilled beer.

Housed in a Brixton railway arch, Max Snack Bar is a welcoming local café. This popular spot has plenty of indoor and outdoor tables. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are served here and there's lots of choice if you're hungry. From the counter you can order sandwiches, salads, pastries, and cakes.