Casa de Pasto

"This is a menu based on traditional Portuguese cooking," declares Diogo Noronha. "It's designed according to the seasons and balanced with all sorts of complementary flavours." Casa de Pasto's chef uses an entire cookbook of regional ingredients to great effect, and works a lot with dried fruits and a bewildering array of spices to garnish and season the results. Half the menu reads as a tapas-style selection, Portuguese petiscos like scrumptious shrimp croquette and melt-in-your-mouth cod fish cakes. These are perfect options for the casual lunchtime diner. There's also a choice of 'Delicacies and Treats' where Chef Noronha has created surprises such as roasted wild mushroom crumble with orange and São Jorge cheese from the Azores. This funky finger food is an ideal option for the casual lunchtime diner, or perfect hors d'oeuvres before a main meal. Principal dishes are divided between fish and meat courses, and where Mediterranean and international influences work well — try the Mozambique shrimp rice colourfully garnished with tomato, saffron and tobiko. Wine choice is excellent and represents much of the country. In fact, the bar offers an exciting range of drinks including cocktails, all skilfully prepared and served entertainingly.