Grelha d’Ouro, Vauxhall

South Lambeth Road in Vauxhall is the center of the Portuguese community in London, and Grelha d’Ouro is one of its top spots.

On a sunny Sunday afternoon you can’t miss the place, with tables spilling out onto the pavement and locals eating, drinking and smoking. Grab a Bock beer or order some Portuguese wine and soak up the atmosphere before you order one of the incredible dishes.

The menu is huge and runs the gamut from bacalhau (cod, a Portuguese favorite) to more exotic seafood and then huge skewers of pork, beef or chicken, as well as other meat dishes. Vegetarians are looking at slim pickings in Portuguese cuisine, but the chefs are willing to cook something up to fit their needs if necessary.

Sunday afternoons can be rowdy affairs, especially if there is a Portuguese football match on one of the two large TVs. It’s a curious combination of silver service cutlery and finery with the atmosphere of a sports bar on busy days.

The portions were absolutely huge — apparently it’s a point of pride at Portuguese restaurants — and the bill was reasonable. At $91 for four people with a main course and drink each, you can have a lovely meal without spending a fortune.

Grelha d’Ouro

151, South Lambeth Road
London, SW8 1XN, U.K.

(+44) 0207 7359 764

grelhadouro.co.uk/