Volta do Mar, on Draycott Avenue in the heart of South Kensington, offers a dining experience that is as rich in history as it is in flavour. Founded by husband-and-wife team Simon Mullins and Isabel Almeida da Silva, this restaurant isn’t merely about serving Portuguese cuisine—it’s a heartfelt tribute to a shared heritage, a celebration of the Portuguese-speaking world, and a culinary journey that crosses continents and centuries. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by an atmosphere that is both refined and warm, where personal history and global exploration blend seamlessly. The interiors are elegant yet unpretentious, with nods to nautical heritage, Portuguese azulejos, and an ambiance that strikes a perfect balance between cosmopolitan charm and homely comfort.
The name itself—Volta do Mar, meaning “to return from the sea”—evokes Portugal’s great Age of Discovery and the cyclical nature of maritime travel. But here, the return is not just to shore, but to roots, to heritage, and to the flavours shaped by a history of trade, migration, and cultural exchange. This ethos is reflected in every dish on the menu, which spans Portugal’s classic fare while also drawing on culinary traditions from Brazil, Cape Verde, Angola, Mozambique, Goa, Macau, and even Japan. It’s a menu that tells stories—of journeys taken, influences absorbed, and dishes evolved over time in kitchens thousands of miles apart.
Several dishes on the menu at Volta do Mar demonstrate the restaurant’s seamless blend of authenticity and culinary imagination. Among them, the Grilled Prawns ‘Laurentina’, inspired by the coastal traditions of Mozambique, stand out for their impeccable execution. The prawns arrive with their shells delicately charred, yielding a smoky exterior that gives way to tender, succulent flesh. Accompanied by a rich, complex sauce with a restrained but lingering heat, the dish is a masterclass in balance and restraint. Its flavours are bold yet refined, allowing each element to shine without overwhelming the palate.
The Aubergine & Chickpea Goan Curry offers a particularly compelling example of how plant-based dishes can hold their own within a vibrant, globally inspired menu. Rather than serving as a mere token vegetarian option, this curry is richly layered with flavour. Aromatic spices—suggestive of mustard seed, curry leaf, and coconut—infuse the dish with depth, while the aubergine is cooked to a velvety texture and the chickpeas retain a satisfying firmness. The result is both comforting and sophisticated, capturing the essence of Goa’s Indo-Portuguese culinary heritage with elegance and nuance.
Equally impressive is the Piri Piri Chicken, a dish often found in more casual contexts but here elevated to something far more substantial. The chicken is marinated in a deeply flavoured piri piri blend and grilled to perfection, its skin crisp and the meat succulent. Layers of spice, smoke, and a hint of citrus create a robust flavour profile that pays homage to Mozambique’s rich culinary traditions. The accompanying house chips, seasoned with the restaurant’s own piri piri mix, are crisp and golden, providing an ideal counterpoint to the dish’s intensity. This version of a global classic is not only technically accomplished but also culturally grounded—faithful to its origins while embracing refinement.
What’s most impressive is that the rest of the menu is just as thoughtfully composed. The starters alone make a strong case for coming back: the Macanese African Chicken, a dish that reflects the unique confluence of Chinese and Portuguese influences, looks particularly tempting, as does the Sicilian Red Prawn Tartare with Caviar—a luxurious and modern dish that speaks to the restaurant’s ambition. There’s also the Mackerel ‘Alimado’ with Pickled Shimeji Mushrooms, which combines Portuguese preservation techniques with Japanese ingredients in a way that feels fresh and unexpected.
Other mains include the traditional Bacalhau com Natas—baked salt cod with cream and potatoes—a Portuguese classic that promises indulgent comfort. The Brazilian Fish and Tiger Prawn Stew, or Moqueca, blends African, Indigenous, and Portuguese elements into a coconut-rich broth that captures the soul of Bahia. The Confit and Chargrilled Octopus Rice from Portugal sounds like the kind of rustic, deeply satisfying dish you’d travel for, with smoky seafood layered over rich tomato-scented rice. Even the Macanese Pork Chop hints at old-world nostalgia with a modern twist.
Small plates and snacks, perfect for sharing, include a beautifully cured selection of Ibérico charcuterie, sardine pâté on chargrilled sourdough, and quails’ eggs with smoked paprika salt. Each one of these is more than just an accompaniment—they’re a quiet nod to tapas-style conviviality, where each bite is considered and every ingredient speaks.
What makes Volta do Mar truly special, beyond the food, is the hospitality. It’s clear that Isabel and Simon have poured years of personal history and passion into this restaurant. The staff are informed and friendly, eager to guide diners through the intricacies of the menu, whether you’re familiar with Portuguese cuisine or encountering it for the first time. There is a sincerity in the service that’s hard to come by, the kind that makes you feel genuinely welcome and at ease, regardless of the occasion—whether it’s a business lunch, a romantic dinner, or a family meal after an afternoon in nearby boutiques.
The wine list, as expected, includes excellent Portuguese selections alongside well-chosen bottles from other Lusophone countries, and the cocktail menu pays homage to the same global influences as the food, with inventive twists and traditional favourites served with flair.
Volta do Mar is not a restaurant you simply dine at—it’s one you experience. It invites you to slow down, to savour, and to listen—not just with your ears, but with your palate. The food here doesn’t shout. It tells stories. Stories of migration, of love, of family, and of centuries of exchange that shaped a cuisine that spans continents but remains deeply personal. This is food that comforts and challenges at once, that honours tradition without being trapped by it.
In a city as international and food-savvy as London, Volta do Mar stands out for its depth, its heart, and its execution. It’s rare to find a restaurant that so gracefully combines intellectual curiosity, emotional connection, and sheer culinary pleasure. For anyone curious about the Portuguese-speaking world, or simply looking for a memorable and meaningful meal, Volta do Mar is a destination worth seeking out—and, just as its name implies, one you’ll find yourself longing to return to.
The Carioca Juice Bar
As a vibrant seasonal addition, Volta do Mar has launched its summer ‘Carioca Juice Bar’, bringing the energy and colour of Rio de Janeiro’s beachside juice stands to Chelsea. Located on their terrace and running throughout the summer from 21st May—coinciding with the Chelsea Flower Show—the juice bar celebrates Brazilian fruit culture in partnership with premium supplier Smith & Brock.
Guests can enjoy freshly blended juices featuring tropical favourites such as guava, pineapple, strawberry, and passionfruit, or mix and match ingredients to create personalised, refreshing combinations. Alongside the juices, fresh-cut fruit salads are also available, offering a light, healthy accompaniment for warm summer days.
From 5pm to 7pm daily, the atmosphere shifts into a more relaxed, sundown vibe with the sounds of Bossa Nova and Samba. During this time, juices can be upgraded with a splash of Cachaça or rum to transform into spirited Brazilian-inspired cocktails—ideal for unwinding after a day at the Flower Show or starting off an evening with something a little more festive. The bar itself is visually striking, overflowing with a vibrant array of seasonal and exotic produce, refreshed regularly by Smith & Brock to ensure quality and variety.
Whether it’s a grab-and-go energiser or a leisurely drink on the terrace, the Carioca Juice Bar offers a taste of Rio in the heart of London—perfect for locals, summer wanderers, and Flower Show visitors alike.
Volta do Mar
@voltadomar_ldn
100 Draycott Avenue, London SW3 3AD
