Portuguese goodness
November 23, 2007
Portal is a Portuguese restaurant with a wonderful atmosphere and food and their wine list is one of the better I’ve had in London. If I remember correctly, the owner used to be a distributor of Portuguese wines so his vast wine list reflects all the good ones from the various regions and he’s obviously trained his staff up on them too as they have always knowledgeable about each one. On a couple occasions he’s come to our table to let us “sample” one of his dessert wines which is a nice touch with the meal as he makes everyone feel important.
The decor is bold mixed with classic. You enter in the wine bar where you can sit at the bar or at one of the tall tables, sharing with other patrons. IN the dining room, there are about 20 tables including some in the conservatory, which I always love to sit in as you feel like you’re outside with 100% glass windows and plants lit up behind them. Or, if you’re part of a larger party you can request to sit in the wine cave which in more intimate as it’s just you and your friends surrounded by walls of bottled wines.
The food is mainly Portuguese but also has a French influence so there are many fish dishes but also meat and vegetarian ones too. I love their Bacalhau which is salted cod and they change what they serve it with so I’ve had it with humous (my fav) but also with olives and spinach. Starters are around £8 and mains are £17.
It’s also fun to just go in for a glass or two of wine and have some nibblers and chat with the guys working the bar. Definitely one of my top London restaurants. Good place to take clients too.
Tags: seafood, Portuguese, French, wine bar
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