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The Three Lions
★ 3.0(1 review)Restaurant
casuallocalunpretentious
About the Vibe
Tucked away on South Lambeth Road, The Three Lions is a no-frills Portuguese spot that feels like a time capsule from the area's "Little Portugal" heyday. Owner Jose Albuquerque has kept the place running despite soaring rents, and while it's lost some of its original Portuguese crowd to newer developments nearby, it still serves up authentic flavors at wallet-friendly prices. The atmosphere is unpretentious and the service gets the job done—perfect if you're craving pastéis de nata or grilled sardines without the tourist trap markup.
Known For
- •Portuguese tapas
- •pastéis de nata
- •grilled sardines
- •friendly service
Best For
quick lunchcasual dinnerbudget-friendly meal
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 1, 2026
Authentic Portuguese flavors, unpretentious vibes
The Three Lions is exactly what you'd expect from a neighborhood Portuguese joint in South London's former "Little Portugal" zone. It's not fancy, the decor is basic, and you're likely to share the space with a mix of locals and curious newcomers from the new developments nearby. But if you're after genuine Portuguese flavors without paying premium prices, this is your spot. The pastéis de nata are solid, the grilled sardines hit the spot, and the staff are friendly enough even when things get busy.
What's interesting is watching how the place has adapted to the changing neighborhood. Jose Albuquerque, the owner, has been here through thick and thin, dealing with rent hikes that would make most businesses pack up. You can feel the history in the walls, even if the Portuguese regulars have dwindled somewhat. It's not the bustling hub it once was, but it's still a decent option if you're in the area and want something authentic without the fuss. Just don't expect white tablecloths or a wine list that spans continents.