O Moinho

If you are prepared to fight through the jungle of the Wandsworth Road in Vauxhall you will find this resuarant in the most bizzare surroundings. I appreciate there is a large local Portugese community but it was a very brave man who set up shop here. Thank God he did as I genuinely believe this restaurant must be the best value for money in London.

I have being going to O Moinho for nearly 4 years and have never had a bad meal. I am a terrrible cook and live alone so the discovery of O Moinho was the answer to my prayers. On average I dine there 5 nights a week and as I live in both central London and Kent it is ideally situated for me.I think by now I have 'done' the entire menu, my only revulsion being the traditional Portugese fare of Salt Cod....Not for me but others swear by it. My advice is to ask what the daily 'Specials' are ? You will be amazed. I am told the cuisine is from Northern Portugal. This restaurant must serve the largest portions of anywhere I have ever eaten and my average bill without wine is about £15. I too could do without the 4 television sets permanently tuned into football chanells but at least the sound is turned down. As I am a regular they know my whims but if you are going there for the first time be prepared to have all vegatables doused in olive oil and the meat heavily salted.......They wont if you ask.

My only problem is the parking.........Not the fault of O Moinho..... Wandsworth council seem determined to kill all trade in the area and ticket I think until 11pm...Crazy ! I always park just outside so I can move quickly. I hate to say it but I also like to be able to see my car still has 4 wheels on it.......... Why pay central London prices when there is O Moinho just across the river. Think of it as an adventure. You wont be disappointed.
Comment on this reader review

PAUL DUMONT-BABER
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, August 30, 2009

Definitely worth a visit - and I'm half Portuguese. The fish soup was really gorgeous and my main course of cod mixed with egg and potato was spot on. My friend's rabbit stew was very nice with a strong flavour from the chopped up chorizo. The servings are certainly generous - Portuguese sized - and the tastes are overpowering. I would recommend skipping all meals prior to a visit here.

The wine is pricey but well stored and our white wine tasted fresh and fruity.

This restaurant is where Portuguese people go as a treat in south London. The bill for both of us came to about £80 which is steeper than other Portuguese restaurants nearby. But I think for special occasions or a faultless night out, it's worth the money.

As with all Portuguese restaurants, the football is constantly on the TV but thankfully, the volume was turned down. Don't ask for the TV to be turned off....it won't happen!
Comment on this reader review

Ross Todhunter
8 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7
Monday, May 11, 2009