Polpetto is the younger sister of Polpo and the older sister of Sputino three of the most popular restaurants in London right now. The restaurants are all fairly small and you can’t book for dinner. Having heard horror stories about queuing times we were yet to try any of them, however when Sputino opened last week to rave reviews we thought we’d slip into an oldie whilst attention was diverted and it worked. We didn’t have to queue but we did only get 50 minutes to dine.
The restaurant is located above The French Pub on Dean Street, inside feels like a small taverna with exposed brick work, mismatched furniture and low lighting. We drank red wine from the thimble size glasses and ate a selection of Italian dishes which are served in the style of tapas. We’re not talking pizza or pasta here, more deli style dishes, not the kind of place to take ones pie and chip loving boyfriend.
We ordered six dishes which was enough for two. The whole roasted Sea Bream was our favourite dish a large fish full of flakey, tasty flesh. The chickpea bread, two large pieces of bruschetta covered in chickpeas in a tangy tomatoe dressing was a close second. The lentil dish with a mozzarella style cheese and pesto was creamy and full of flavour. We also ate the pecorino salad, roast potatoes and some garlic beans with a rosemary crust.
The only grumble we had was that the roast potatoes were over cooked, all crunch and chew but no fluff. But when we complained these were quickly changed for us. One question we do have though is where do they get those staff? Are they shipping them in from some ready made factory? Seriously girls if you fancy some eye candy whilst you dine this is where it’s at.
A bottle of house wine and selection of dishes will set you back about £40 per head.
Polpetto, Upstairs at The French House, 49 Dean Street, London W1
www.polpetto.co.uk