This rustic Venetian style eatery has been an instant hit since its opening, and even on the weekday lunchtime when we visited the atmosphere was bordering on frenzied. After a brief wait, we ended up perched at the bar which fitted the bill perfectly, and where the frantic barman still found the time to offer us some useful advice on the menu.
The bold, simple flavours of the dishes are a mixture of recognisable Italian fare with some more unusual Venetian specialities also included, such as salt cod on polenta and cuttlefish cooked its own ink. If you’re looking for something a bit more off piste try the mackerel tartare.
The exposed brickwork decor matches the relaxed atmosphere perfectly, but you would be wrong to assume that this success has anything to do with luck. With both the front of house, Russell Norman, and chef, Tom Oldroyd, having such impressive reputations in the restaurant world you can rest assured that nothing in this establishment has been left to chance.
www.polpo.co.uk
41 Beak Street,
London, W1F 9SB
