Casa do Frango Shoreditch

The second London location for Casa do Frango (essentially, a posher, better Nando’s) finds its home in Shoreditch, tucked away in a discreet building just off Curtain Road.

If the original Casa do Frango in Borough is all about a rustic-chic, thrown together vibe, then this new Shoreditch site is definitely its sleeker, grown up sibling. Firstly, the space is much bigger and stretches across two levels, with a wine bar and bakery on the ground floor and the dining room on the first.

The interiors are also much swisher. The bar has a vintage feel, with plaster-washed walls, black and white tiled floors and house plants dotted around the place, while upstairs is a mix of dark wooden furniture and burnt orange banquettes.

The menu is pretty much identical to that of Borough, with the focus being flame-licked chicken brushed with spicy piri piri sauce. Our meal began with the sort of small plates that you could spend a warm afternoon grazing on; plump, sweet prawns still in their shells arrive floating in a pool of garlic sauce, while crisply coated empanadas conceal an earthy mix of kale and mushroom, offset by the sweet tinge of caramelised onion.

The only option for mains is a plate of half chicken brushed with piri piri, oregano or lemon and garlic. There aren’t many ways to describe good chicken apart from the clichés of  ‘juicy’ and ‘succulent’ but the chicken at Casa do Frango is both of these things, as well as good value at £10 a plate. From the range of sides, our top picks are the Batatas Fritas (golden, oily fries) and the African rice, which is flecked with crispy chicken skin, smoky chorizo and plantain.

The cinnamon-dusted Pastel de Nata (a traditional Portuguese tart) is a must-order come dessert, oozing custard and boasting crispy charred edges. Amiable service and an intriguing list of Portuguese wines help to secure Casa do Frango as a chicken restaurant which certainly trumps its well-known, ‘cheeky’ competitor.

If you've got a penchant for Portuguese cuisine, you'll no doubt be familiar with Casa do Frango, the boutique chain of restaurants inspired by Algarvian flavours and Piri-Piri spices. You'll find these trendy eateries across some of London's most desirable postcodes but if you're looking for a hipster hangout, it has to be the Shoreditch branch. 

Tucked amidst the area's most bustling hub, Casa do Frango Shoreditch sits on the edge of Great Eastern and Commercial Streets, with easy access to both Liverpool Street and Old Street tube stations, as well as plenty of buses, and Shoreditch High Street overground only a short walk away, too. 

As expected, the space is as stylish as they come, with an open, airy feel, creative paint works and dangling foliage. Mid-century-inspired design details are bang on trend and the nature-focused colour palette makes this a cool, calm spot for long lunches or ambient evenings. Plus, if the weather's nice, you might be tempted to sit outside in the heated terrace (they've got your back even on those slightly cooler days) to soak up the buzz of the local area.

As soon as you're seated, get stuck into a refreshing cocktail such as the Port and Tonic with Sandeman white port, tonic, mint and orange, or for something a little different, the Piri-Piri Margarita with El Jimador tequila, chilli, Triple Sec and lime. For a quick nibble, the Portuguese empanadas with kale, mushroom
and caramelised onion sound delicious, and then it's time to move onto the main event. 

If you're in the mood for chicken, it has to be the signature Piri-Piri, wood-fired grilled half chicken, soaked in lemon and garlic marinade. But, if you'd rather share with the gang, there's a selection of smaller plates you'll like. We're into the sound of the Iberico pork and potato croquettes served with mustard béchamel, as well as the Portuguese salt cod fritters with roasted potatoes and caramelised onions.