Welcome to A Portuguese Love Affair Ltd
A Portuguese Love Affair Ltd, located in the heart of east London, is a charming Portuguese café that captures the essence of its culinary heritage. This rustic spot offers a cozy atmosphere ideal for intimate dinners or brunch catch-ups. Signature dishes like 'Farinheira' with scrambled eggs and 'Topless Sardine Toast' showcase expertly crafted flavors rooted in tradition. Patrons rave about the delectable pastries, especially the iconic Pastel de Nata. The attentive staff add a personal touch, making each visit memorable. With a carefully curated selection of Portuguese wines, this hidden gem invites guests to indulge in authentic flavors that evoke a deep sense of home.
- 326 Hackney Rd, London E2 7AX, United Kingdom326 Hackney Rd, London E2 7AX, United Kingdom Hotline: +44 20 3490 2662
Nestled in the heart of East London at 326 Hackney Road, A Portuguese Love Affair Ltd is a charming culinary gem that transports diners straight to the vibrant heart of Portugal. This delightful establishment is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Portuguese culture and cuisine, infused with love and passion, evident in every carefully crafted dish. From traditional flavors to innovative twists, this eatery promises an unforgettable dining experience.
The menu is a delicious homage to Portuguese classics. One standout dish is the Tofu a Bras, a harmonious mix of tofu, mushrooms, matchstick potatoes, and olives, served alongside a refreshing organic salad for £10. This dish is a vegetarian delight that captures the essence of hearty Portuguese flavors while catering to those seeking plant-based options. For meat lovers, the Bifana—a slow-cooked pork shoulder bun smeared with rich Portuguese mustard and a hint of piquant piripiri—is an absolute must-try at just £9. It embodies the warmth of comfort food while delivering a punch of flavor with each bite.
Brunch at A Portuguese Love Affair is a weekend highlight, available until 2 PM. The Ham and Cheese Toast, known locally as 'tosta mista', is a quintessential choice, oozing with melted cheese and ham for £7.50. Another crowd favorite is the Alentejo 'rotos', a delightful medley of black pig chouricos paired with caramelized onions and finished with perfectly fried eggs, promising a robust flavor profile at £10.
The starters are equally enticing, with options like the Sardine Puff, a delicate pastry filled with rich sardine, capers, and herbs for just £2.50, and the Codfish Cake, a traditional snack that echoes home-cooked familiarity at a mere £1.70. These small bites set the stage for a culinary adventure brimming with authenticity.
What truly sets A Portuguese Love Affair apart is its cozy atmosphere and warm hospitality. Timeless charm emanates from the rustic decor, inviting guests to unwind and savor their meals. Reviewers rave about the attentive staff that not only serve delicious food but also share their extensive knowledge of the wine selection, showcasing a plethora of Portuguese wines that enhance the dining experience.
Whether you're here for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner, A Portuguese Love Affair guarantees an experience steeped in warm ambiance and exquisite flavors. As Federica M Micheli so eloquently puts it, this is a “pearl of a place” that deserves to be cherished. With each dish, you are not just tasting food; you are engaging in a love affair with Portuguese cuisine that promises to linger in your memory long after your meal has ended. Don’t forget to save room for the Pastel de Nata; it might just be the best you’ve had outside of Portugal.

The bacalhau a Bras is so so good - it tastes like home! Everything tastes good here and it’s such a cute little place. If it’s sunny, they put tables outside and it’s just perfect.

A superb little cafe! The staff were extremely friendly and made lots of great recommendations regarding food and drink. It's clear that they have a lot of passion. The atmosphere is lovely and cosy inside, with small tables packed tight together. Food was excellent. We shared the bifana and the cuttlefish and both were delicious. Walnut and caramel cake after was just as good. Caipirinha was one of the best I've had outside Portugal. Great selection of wines and dessert wines as well. Will absolutely be returning to try the brunch offers and I cannot recommend this place enough!

Great little place with nice atmosphere, it's rustic and cute. I came during the evening for the wine bar, lovely selection of Portuguese wines at good prices and Dina is a character! She did mention that I should come back to try the Pastel de Nata...

A wonderful little place. Went on Sunday for lunch and had a fantastic time, great service, delicious food and wine and a cosy atmosphere. The pastel de nata are the best I’ve had outside of Portugal too

This little pearl of a place needs to be protected and cherished at all cost. Cute Portuguese deli joint in the heart of east London. Indulgent savoury treats and an understated menu full of flavour and care. Cozy spot for a date night or a lunch break.

Beautiful little hidden gem! So glad that we accidentally stumbled across this place. Good Portuguese beer and excellent food. The staff were amazing, so helpful, polite and caring, such genuine people. To top it off there was a lovely seating area alongside the park, myself and my partner definitely visit again Muito obrigado

We had such a lovely lunch here! Make the most of the outdoor seating on a clear day. Highly recommend.

I proper love this place. The food is so tasty and well-priced. Great wine and really friendly service. It's one of my favourite spots in summer, though in winter it can be kinda cold. I'd love if it was more heated but it doesn't deter me from chilling there.