Cafe Viriato

Back in the fold and open again

This Portugese café is a little spot of Portugal transplanted into leafy Surrey. I know lots of these similar cafes in Central London — family places, which show continental football and frequented by patrons from particular nations. These are fantastic to sit in if there’s a big football match on — you get a terrific atmosphere and some very traditional food.
Café Viriato caught my eye as my salsa friend and I headed out to dinner tonight. I was drawn to the deli counter where I spied some cheese.
On entering, I also spotted some pastel de nata, which are delicious creamy Portugese custard tarts, giving me a hint that this was a Portugese café.
The owners were happy to chat about the Portugese produce and give me a few samples of the cheeses to try. I walked out with a local cheese, which is quite close to Comte in taste.
I would love to return here when the Football World Cup starts — the atmosphere should be great.