Experience the spirit of Southern Portugal in the heart of London at Casa, a boutique chain of restaurants across the city, inspired by Algarvian cooking techniques and recipes, drawing influence from Mozambique and Angola. While there are four locations to choose from, the most central is the Mayfair site, which sits on fashionable Heddon Street.
Snuggled in the buzzing West End, the restaurant is a short walk to transport links like Oxford Circus and Picadilly Circus, heralded as the brand's flagship Casa. On the ground floor, the main dining room boasts high ceilings, rustic exposed brick and a sunny colour palette of terracotta tones. Walls are decorated with ceramics collected from across Portugal and the venue's signature greenery takes form in large potted plants.
If you have a special occasion coming up, take note of the two private dining rooms on the lower ground floor, Sol and Mar, which have space for intimate dinners and are ideal for birthdays or work dos. Or, there's the Green Room, an eclectic private bar with vintage touches available to hire throughout the week.
When it comes to the menu, expect a Mediterranean feel and plenty of Piri-Piri spices. First up, order a selection of smaller sharing plates for the table, so your group can really experience the full range of Algarvian flavours. We like the sound of the Iberico pork and potato croquettes served with
mustard béchamel, alongside traditional Portuguese salt cod fritters with roasted potatoes
and caramelised onions, and Piri-Piri garlic prawns for good measure.
For mains, it's all about the Piri-Piri chicken, grilled over wood charcoal and served with lemon and garlic. As for sides, there's fire-roasted green vegetables, chips and hispi slaw. Unsurprisingly, Portuguese favourites pastel de nata feature within the desserts and if you're in the mood for a cocktail, try the Port and Tonic, with Sandeman white port, tonic, mint and orange.