Casa do Frango London Bridge — Restaurant in London

For as long as I’ve been in the UK (over 20 years) chicken Piri Piri has had little to do with the real thing back home. Still love that large chain but it is the South African version and different from the piri piri in mainland Portugal. You could get authentic Piri Piri Sauce in London for quite some time and make it at home, but then came Casa do Frango and I am hooked. First, the venue: the original opening in a victorian  warehouse under the train tracks of London Bridge still has the perfect ambience - the blend of industrial architecture, beautiful natural light and plenty of greenery. You will want it for your dream apartment. Make sure to get there plenty early to make use of their secret green room speakeasy for a preprandial cocktail. Winner winner - cocktails - chicken dinner

I’m originally from Portugal but have lived longer in the UK than back home. There is still nothing more satisfying than to enter a room with loud Latin vibes and the smell of Piri Piri - travelling while standing still. I have been a huge fan of casa do Frango since it first opened at London Bridge and I have now visited all three venues (Borough, Shoreditch, West End). It is my go-to when entertaining family and friends and I've recommended it to many visitors. It is a simple menu so you can concentrate on entertaining your friends, and we know the service is always good too.

Last Friday I visited their new restaurant off Regent Street (convenient after shopping or as part of a big night out) and again they have managed to keep their original vibe. This was a Friday night and the place was buzzing with Latin vibes and a young crowd. Again lots of green plants, and smiley attentive staff. When it comes to their chicken Piri Piri I know I can always eat infinite amounts, so it was ok to go crazy on the small plates to start. We have the chorizo, the garlic mushrooms, fire-roasted broccoli, and the bacalhao fitters were about the best I've ever had - so light and fluffy and fresh.

One of the reasons we love Casa do Frango, aside from being the best Piri Piri chicken in town, is the selection of Portuguese wines. Again, a simple menu, but honestly, they’re all good - you can’t go wrong. And I know, as a Portuguese person, I am bound to say Portugal makes the best wine but it is honestly one of my favourite wine regions and I've visited a good many.

Lastly, onto desserts. Portugal is not big on desserts and Casa do Frango does not try to go overboard trying to do anything elaborate. A few simple, traditional desserts given a modern edge. Do try the chocolate mousse, which is so freshly made it is like cakemix and make sure to have the optional extra shot of aguardente, poured over the top.

This place feels like home to me and heaps on the ‘saudade’ factor. I love that their care and attention to their...

Alright hear me now, I have heard brilliant things about this restaurant this hidden gem with a simple menu to compliment. This Portuguese restaurant with the interior radiating a sort of rustic jungle vibes which gets illuminated into this really calm dinner vibe when it reaches evening. They have an effective menu as it’s main attraction is their half Piri Piri chicken and they take the concept of Nandos and level it up into an actual date vibe. So if you want to take your partner on a date and you’re thinking Nandos try this place instead it will definitely be a treat for the both of you. But going in the evening is best! I got their half Piri Piri chicken and African rice, sumol pineapple, croquette and Bolo de Bolacha (dessert). The service was fantastic as well!

Iberico Pork Croquettes - smooth but flavoursome with a mustard bèchamel which wasn’t too mustardy. Done perfectly a brilliant way to start the meal. I would’ve thought there would be more than just four since it was in the sharing part of the menu and for £9 ! 7/10

Piri Piri chicken - this beautiful marinated half chicken, has seriously elevated my expectations of the renowned staple that is Piri Piri chicken. It was like an announcement to places like Nandos to step their game up. They don’t have a rivalry to those iconic sauces but they do have Piri oil and some sauce that they give you which is the next best thing. 7.5/10

African rice wasn’t exactly what I was expecting wasn’t exactly sure what made it “African” but there were sweet plantains and chorizo which actually worked quite well together but what nearly ruined it were those big oily pieces of chicken skin that weren’t even seasoned and was just a oily mess that I avoided at all cost. I was expecting a bit more flavours from the rice to be honest but I’ve always found ordering rice at a restaurant to be a bit hit or miss. However, It was an enjoyable side to the meal ! 6.8/10

Bolo de Bolacha (dessert). This was the best way to end such a positive experience with such a well put together dessert. It had a layer of Portuguese biscuits crumbled, underneath a layer of decadent vanilla cream and the finale salted caramel which I normally don’t like but with this it just worked and because they don’t give you too much it’s not overwhelming it’s just right! 10/10

The sumol pineapple was basically fizzy pineapple juice which tasted alright but sometimes it morphed into tasting like banana it was a bit weird. But I mostly liked it. 5.7/10

Overall rating: 7.3/10

For more reviews check out my...

Let’s talk about a dinner that was almost amazing but the service was a let down.

Craving Portuguese food without breaking the bank, my partner and I visited this spot after seeing glowing reviews. It was a weekday, plenty of availability online, so we figured a walk-in would be fine. That turned out to be a mistake.

We were turned away at the door because they were not accepting walk-ins due to being understaffed. The strange part? Their booking system was still accepting reservations at that exact moment. I even showed the host. After a few confusing exchanges, we were eventually seated, but the experience already felt a bit off.

We sat down and menus were tossed onto the table. Literally tossed. Not exactly the welcome we hoped for.

Thankfully, the food delivered.

The prawns came sizzling in a fragrant chili oil that was packed with flavor. I almost wanted to drink it. Fresh, easy to peel, and nicely portioned for central London. I asked to keep the oil to enjoy with my rice, but the waitress took the dish away without acknowledging the request.

We also ordered a glass of wine, which never arrived. No tap water either. No one ever checked in, and we decided to wait and see if they would notice. They did not.

The sides of potatoes were unavailable, which was disappointing.

The croquettes, however, were golden and crispy with a creamy center. Absolutely worth ordering, especially for the generous portion.

The peri-peri chicken was the highlight. Chargrilled to perfection, juicy and flavorful throughout. The half chicken, paired with casa rice, was more than enough for two. If you have a big appetite, consider ordering an extra portion of rice.

We wrapped up with an almond cake that was moist, fluffy, and delicately sweet. It had a lovely marzipan-like flavor and was the perfect finish to the meal.

Overall, the food exceeded expectations. Great value, bold flavors, and well-balanced dishes.

But the service was a real letdown. No drinks, no basic hospitality, and an awkward start at the door.

If you plan to visit, definitely make a reservation even if it looks quiet. And if you are after a smoother experience, consider trying their Heddon Street location in...