Epping, Portuguese Restaurant Guide

2023 Review: “Great atmosphere and something quite different!” – this “warm and welcoming” Buckhurst Hill operation mixes Goan and Portuguese influences. It’s a partnership between Cyris & Pervin Todiwala and the Redman-Schaffer family from Woodford, delivering “great little dishes” (‘petiscos’) and “fantastic Portuguese wines from independent estates”.

“Simple and so good!” – MJMK’s chain (they also own Kol and Lisboeta) of “posh Nandos” makes an outstanding choice for a “bustling if noisy” night out on the cheap. “Excellent piri piri chicken ’n’ chips” is at the heart of the food offering, but there are also brilliant sides (such as “very good African rice and slaw”) and some fab veggie options. The original SE1 branch remains the most commented-on, and has a “lovely” plant-filled upstairs. The other branches are perhaps a fraction less vibey, although the newly opened Victoria outlet wins praise as “a good airy space”.