Taberna do Mercado

Brought by Portuguese friends here, food is so good, such a great place to try a very new experience. Modern interpretation of classic cuisine, don’t miss the dessert, save some space.

The cooking from Taberna do Merado was indeed sensational, I really enjoyed the simplistic, rustic approach that delivered us plates after plates of well executed dishes. There wasn’t one bad dish on the night, if Barrafina has a Michelin star, there is no reason why Taberna doesn’t deserve one. Service was also humble and informal to make this an excellent venue for a casual meet-​up with friends. There isn’t another restaurant in London that does anything similar right now, with such an unique and flavoursome approach. Will I return? Totally.

Excellent small plate Portuguese, with friendly staff and lots of charm.
We shared 8 plates, each delicious. The mackerel tinned fish was amazing. The pork tartare has a wonderful medley of flavors. The cuddlefish was tasty, but was a little overcooked.
I’m no Portuguese food expert, but the chef seriously knows how to create tons of flavor and dishes that impress.
Our server has worked at the restaurant since it opened, and she was incredibly knowledgeable of the menu and recommendations.
It’s definitely worth visiting Taberna do Mercado if you’re nearby.

I would give 5000 stars for their pastel de nata if I could. The chewy and flaky pastry then comes the gooey custard filling. I have to say this is the best pastel de nata I have ever had. Sure after this time I will be very critical on pastry haha. Seriously if you are in the area pop in and get yourself one

I came across this Portuguese restaurant in Spitafields Market, and oh what a surprise! This is one of the few restaurants I have found where the waitstaff is eager to recommend items on the menu.
I had the House Tinned Monkfish Cheeks, which were incredible. Among other great dishes, I had the Olive oil & soft egg sponge dessert. This is a must try as, it not only taste wonderful, it is something truly unique.
I definitely recommend this place! Chat up the waitstaff, put yourself in their hands, and you will not be disappointed!
P. S. the Portuguese wine selection is wonderful as well.

I haven’t yet sat down properly and dined here. But I did pass and get one of the delightful Pastel De Nata’s. It’s sinfully fresh and moreish.

We came here for drinks and ordered two glasses of wine and some water. The person who appeared to be the restaurant manager was unfriendly and appeared to be doing us a favour by allowing us in. The wine was mediocre, and the service terrible. We were charged £16.40, including £3 for the water. I will not be returning here.
P.

REALLY GOOD. Tucked inside spitalfield market, this Portuguese restaurant makes me think differently about Portuguese food for sure. The tins, obviously their signature is a must try. Clams (part of daily special) was so so good. Monkfish and scallops were marinated really well too. They had a fish collar, part of their specials, was cooked to perfection with sides of refreshing salad toppings. Also just perfect.
Very good list of wine selection.
Their dessert do not disappoint. Didn’t try their olive cake (which everyone else got), but their fennel sweet was subtle and light and just ended the meal in the fluffiest and most satisfying way.
Overall: REAL good

so check this out, I am not much of a meat eater and usually skip pork. unless done really well. I just rather pork unless its absolutely amazing pork.
And oh boy did I get some amazing prosciutto. Portion size is perfect, none of that loaded-​belly-​need-​a-​nap-​now. Also, lining up for the 1 toilet in the kitchen with the chefs is quite funny.

I was lucky enough to go to their soft opening and it’s great that a Portuguese restaurant has opened because there’s not many choices with this cuisine here in London. The place itself is really nice but with an intimate feel, so felt really comfortable there the minute I walked in.
We ordered all types dishes, our favourites were definitely the cured meat and fish choices, and their desserts were phenomenal. I wasn’t a fan of their kimchi cabbage one though. Overall we loved the food but the prices are pretty steep, more than 30 a person with already half-​price off the food.
So definitely not a place to have a full stomach, which is unfortunate because when I was in Portugal the food is not only super cheap but filling.