polpo

10 June 2014

Polpo is one of those restaurants that I'd heard about and walked past numerous times, but never quite made it to. It was partly because it always looked packed (I'm talking about the one in Soho), and also because these kinds of Tapas-style places tend to end up being quite pricey if you're in hangry mode.

When I read on the grapevine that they were opening a branch in Notting Hill, and that their soft launch weekend meant 50% off food, I rang them up for a lunch reservation quicker than you can say meatballs.

When we arrived, we were taken to a table at the back, where it was cosy but quite dark. I mumbled something to E about it looking like nighttime, which he read (correctly) as "i can't take good foodie photos in this light!!", so he asked for us to sit by the window (it was also a very sunny day so I wanted to enjoy it) and they obliged very nicely. So, brownie point to them.

The place has a very relaxed, rustic feel, with the menu written on the paper place mats.




We went to town with the food - in order of appearance: crostini with salami butter & broad beans, Arancini (fried risotto balls), classic meatballs, fritto misto (fried mixed seafood), rocket and courgette parmesan salad, prawn & artichoke linguine, taleggio and speck pizzette.










Everything was fantastic. Not too fancy but not too basic, and the portions were surprisingly generous. There was a bit of a gap in the service, but obviously this is why they were discounting the bills for the opening weekend, while they iron out the glitches. We didn't mind as we chatted away - and we definitely didn't mind when we were given another one of those delicious pizzas free of charge (because a waiter made a mistake but wanted us to cover for him and pretend it was our first one! he was lovely)!

Even though we were both pretty full, we couldn't say no to their Nutella pizzette. I mean, we're not crazy.





It was as good as it looks.

We both agreed that we would definitely be happy to go back to Polpo, even without the 50% off. The bill came to 35 pounds including service and a 250ml carafe of wine, so normally it wouldn't be the most budget friendly place, but for a special occasion we would jump on it.

Now added on my to try ASAP list - Spuntino and Mishkin's, both by the team behind Polpo. Sometimes the hype is worth listening to!



14 comments:

  1. Not too shabby! Love tapas and for that price, it sounds like a bargain... even if it is only temporary :)

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  2. That nutella pizzette! Mmmmmm. This place looks delicious.
    N xo

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  3. your blog photos are looking incredible Miho!

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  4. You have to try out Mishkin's! I love that place! Say yes to salt beef sandwich... mmm.

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  5. Yeah, always sit near a window for good foodie picture haha :P
    Glad these fingerfoods tasted good! I really need to try out that
    Nutella pizza thing :c xX

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  6. Kudos to E for reading between the lines and asking for a window seat! Having perfect lighting is crucial to good pictures :) And that nutella pizzette looks ah-mazing!

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  7. I meant to go to the Soho Polpo on my last trip to London but didn't. Your photos mean I am keeping it firmly on the list for when I come back, if only for the Nutella pizzette.

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  8. Oh my goodness, everything looks so good! Making room for that nutella pizzette looks like it was the best idea, yummy!

    Jennie xo | sailorjennie.com

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  9. That sure looks good! :3

    P.s. Did you have time to sent me a few pictures to accompany your Running High interview?

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  10. This looks delicious! And the nutella pizette? Oh my, I'm drooling all over my keyboard already!!! xx

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  11. Another afternoon spent drooling over your food photos! Love Polpo - Spuntino's is definitely worth a try too! (Site of my first date with the boy!)

    Tamsin xx | A Certain Adventure

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  12. Amazing as usual. That nutella pizette looks absolutely divine! And I'm glad you moved towards the window...the natural lighting in these is wonderful.

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  13. Holy moly that looks good - straight on to my 'to eat at' list!

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  14. The food looks amazing, sounds like a lovely place :] x

    www.esttrill.co.uk

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