Polentina

Authentic taste, interesting options and seasonal menu that doesn’t get boring makes this place worth trying. It is what you would expect from a good Italian cuisine. The wine selection is quite small but good - the pinot grigio recommended was definitely to everybody’s taste. Price range is on the upper side, which was surprising considering the location in East London.

I had a wonderful time at Polentina with a friend and her baby. As soon as you walk in you’re met with an engulfing smell of what is on the menu that week and a nice, calm atmosphere with a huge glass window that looks onto the factory they’re located in. I’ve never been in such an unusual yet inviting place before. They were so accommodating and gave us the biggest table so we had space for the buggy. Alongside this excellent service, the manager Sebastiano chose some of the highlights for us and we enjoyed them alongside some refreshing natural white wine. I’ve never had calf’s brain before but it was so soft and light despite it being deep fried. Genuinely the best Italian food I’ve had in London. Pizza and pasta have a special place in my heart but there is so much more to Italian cuisine and this place really showcases that. Special shoutout to the cannellini beans… so buttery, delicate and so simple. I couldn’t recreate it at home even if I tried. Will definitely be returning to try what Sophia comes up with next!

Excellent quality but small portions and overpriced. Pros: - Quality food/wine - Friendly service (Sebastiano was amazing) - Unique vibe (inside an industrial setting) Cons: - Small portions (look at the cheese plate, for example: three little pieces of cheese and a little bit of jam: around £13. Or look at the pear with some fused chocolate: around £10) - Overpriced (especially compared to the portions)

Really fun flavoursome food, all the dishes using a lot of nose to tail cooking such as the pigs head or calves brain were our favourites! Service was also really great we loved everything looking forward to coming back again. Couldn’t recommend more

Unpretentious elegant menu in a cozy light filled upstairs space. Do not expect bombastic, attention grabbing flavors… humble seasonal ingredients made with twists to familiar dishes seems to be the name of the game. Staff had great suggestions for my order and were very friendly and warm. Apricot dumpling was unexpectedly huge! Very bright and juicy end to my lunch.

A unique place in 1970s style, housed in a charming textile factory that lends it its original style. The dishes are creatively designed and of excellent quality. We enjoyed everything from the natural 'Mezzo Sangue' Pinot Grigio wine from the Dolomites to the service and the exquisite presentation of the dishes. The background music was perfectly chosen and played at just the right volume to allow for conversation. We will be back soon!

Really wonderful food, not just your usual fare. We had some eclectic and interesting dishes that all felt authentically Italian. It’s also a unique setting for a restaurant (in the canteen of a clothing factory) but one that doesn’t feel too much like a gimmick. The staff were very friendly and attentive, and helped guide us through the menu. The highlight was the grilled octopus with broad bean purée and chicory, but the crudo prawns and squid to start were also so intense and delicious. My one slight reservation is that I didn’t feel super full after the meal. It’s essentially small plates, and to feel really full up I would’ve probably needed one more dish, but just couldn’t afford it. However, I can imagine this changing from person-to-person, and probably depends on what you order. The experience of eating such interesting and flavoursome food is what stuck with me the most.

Get off the beaten path and visit Polentina. I am hesitant to leave a review because I would love to keep this place a secret. However, all of London needs to know how fantastic this experience was. The food, wine, and vibes were immaculate. Bring your beau, your gal, or your fam and expect a culinary journey. We left no plate empty and you will too.