da Polpo Polpo teams does classy pub fair on Maiden Lane

96 top rated

  • da Polpo

  • 6 Maiden Lane London/Covent Garden - WC2E 7NA United Kingdom (44) 020 7836 8448
Book Now website
reviewed by
Michael Martin Editorial Review Author

  • The Scene:

    Tucked behind a narrow green storefront along pedestrian-minded Maiden Lane, Polpo captures the mood of modern Brit gastro-faire in a stylish, industrial space that yields one of the best meals in Covent Garden. A singular glass-paneled doors open to a counter-style bar flanked by smooth stucco and pounded tin ceiling. The main dining room is small even by Soho standards, to the rear and lined in lofty hardwood floors with clusters of rustic iron chairs and high-top tables arranged along the perimeter of the room.  

  • cuisine
  • price
    $$$$ ($45-$65)
  • payment options
    Visa, MasterCard, American Express
  • hours
    Mon. – Sat. 12pm- 11:30pm, Sun. 12pm- 4pm
  • table to get
    Tabletop
  • special features
    Hip Clientele, Foodie Following, Local Flair

  • The Food:

    A menu of “don’t you dare call this tapas” features an array of small and larger plate specialties that lean toward Italian but with quintessentially British flair. Meals are best begun with portions of potato parmesan crochetta followed by pizza Bianca, veal and porcini meatballs and array of homemade focaccia. Fish and meat courses offer cuttlefish and ink risotto, fritto misto, calf’s liver with sweet onions and sliced flank steak with white truffle cream.

  • Last Word

    With eateries in Soho and Smithfield, Polpo proves a London culinary force worth the brutal weekend waits and tight tabletops.Images: da Polpo London

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