As they say on their website, Casa do Frango brings 'the Spirit of Sunny Portugal' to London.
If like me you enjoyed a holiday on the Algarve this summer, you can swiftly transport yourself back to a warm evening enjoying piri-piri and Sangria with a visit to one of their restaurants in the capital.
The warm service, informal setting and delicious food aim to channel the coastal region's relaxed, un-fussy dining culture.
There are branches in London Bridge, Piccadilly and Victoria – which we visited for a post work mid-week dinner on a warm-ish evening.
It's decorated with traditional tile murals, plenty of greenery, wood floors and wicker seating.
Opting to sit on the terrace, we ordered cocktails, a duo of zinging lime-laced Caipirinha, while we studied the menu.
A definite plus is the all Portuguese wine list carefully chosen from world famous regions like Douro. We tried two of the whites by the glass, the Folias de Baco Uivo a dry white bursting with orange and rosemary, and the young, fruity and refreshing Terra Franca Anadia Bairrada.
They paired wonderfully with the hearty flavourful food which is made in house and features grills over charcoal Portuguese style served on pretty crockery.
Plump prawns grilled Algarve style in chili, coriander, garlic and oil, and crispy melting Iberico pork croquettes dragged through a mustard bechamel and eaten in the fingers got us into the mood for our mains.
They just had to include the Piri-Piri chicken a generous portion of ethically sourced bird, cooked over coals that, whisper it, was better than the one I’d had in Albufeira a month earlier.
Alongside a tasty casa rice with chorizo, plantain, peas and chicken skin, and a huge charred cauli doused with chili, pistachio, lemon, honey and a yoghurt dressing they were enjoyable sharing plates that left us almost too full for dessert.
The problem is they are all made in house and sounded absolutely delicious and so very reasonable at around £4-5 – like the traditional Pastel de Nata custard tarts, the chocolate mousse or almond cake.
The Bolo de Bolacha is a traditional cake with salted caramel, ‘Maria’ biscuits and vanilla cream – a must try, so we did.
Like a good holiday, food like this will fill you with sunshine and send you home with a smile on your face.
And with starters at £8-£12, mains at £13-£18 and generous sides of £4.50-£7 Casa do Frango offers exceptional quality and value for a central London restaurant.
Casa do Frango Victoria can be found in Sir Simon Milton Square. victoria@casadofrango.co.uk
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