AUTHENTIC PORTUGUESE DINING IN THE HEART OF LONDON AT BAR DOURO

By Char XO | Memoirs & Musings | Press Invite

Located in the City a few minutes walk away from Moorgate and Liverpool Street station, Bar Douro is a sanctuary for food lovers seeking a taste of Portugal without the two hour flight. We headed on down on a warm Friday evening and were greeted by the friendly host.

Even better, alfresco dining in London is always a rarity as we are constantly battling the Great British weather. Bar Douro offers a large area outside their restaurant if you want to make the most of the sun (whilst you can). If you prefer dining in, Bar Douro’s interiors features high up stools so you can keep an eye on the chef’s or long tables perfect group dining. Best of all, the blue and white azulejo tiling is reminiscent of the streets of Porto and Lisbon; you’ll have everyone fooled when you tell them Bar Douro is indeed in London.

Bar Douro’s menu is a delightful display of Portugal’s rich gastronomic heritage, showcasing a variety of small plates that are ideal for sharing. Each dish is meticulously prepared using traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients, many of which are sourced directly from Portugal. Signature dishes like the Bacalhau à Brás—a comforting mix of salted cod fritters, Batatas a murro – Garlic punched potatoes, will have you ordering plate after plate. The staff recommended we try two to three places per person; this is great if you can’t decide on just one dish and means you get to try a bit of everything.

WHAT WE ORDERED

Sourdough & Bar Douro olive oil

Pataniscas de bacalhau | Salt cod fritters

Batatas a murro | Garlic punched potatoes

Gambas à Guilho | Garlic prawns

Bife à Marrare | Onglet steak & mustard sauce

Arroz de pato malandrinho | Duck rice with chouriço

Secretos de Porco Preto | Acorn-fed black pig & Montanheira salad

The standout were the ambas à Guilho (garlic prawns) which were simple yet so flavourful. We mopped up the sauce with the sourdough bread as recommended by the waiter. We also loved the Onglet steak which was cooked to perfection (medium well) and paired well with the mustard sauce. The Secretos de Porco Preto (beef check) and Arroz de pato malandrinho (duck rice) also went down really well.

The experience is further elevated by Bar Douro’s carefully curated wine list and all wines are 100% Portuguese, We opted for the house white which was delicious, crisp and accompanied our seafood dishes so well. If you are into your wines, 2019 Wine List Confidential gave Bar Douro the award for ‘London’s Best Iberian Wine List’, so you know you will be in good hands.

In summary, dining alfresco at Bar Douro offers a taste of Portugal in the heart of London. The authentic flavours transport you to Lisbon via sharing plates, an extensive wine menu accompanied by a laid-back atmosphere. It is a must visit restaurant for anyone looking to savour the best of Portuguese cuisine with reasonable prices, fresh produce and attentive service.

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