London’s Polish ex-pat community has been serving up comfort dishes and hearty meals for years, making it one of the most underrated cuisines in the city. With a focus on carbs and stews, Polish restaurants have become increasingly popular among Londoners seeking a taste of Eastern Europe.
In this article, we’ll explore the 11 best Polish restaurants in London that offer a taste of the Northern Carpathian mountains and endless plains of Eastern Europe. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned pro, we’ve got you covered with practical tips for exploring these hidden gems.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- London’s Polish ex-pat community has been serving up comfort dishes and hearty meals for years, making it one of the most underrated cuisines in the city.
- This article highlights the 11 best Polish restaurants in London that offer a taste of Eastern Europe.
- Practical tips for exploring these hidden gems are provided to ensure a memorable culinary experience.
Best Polish Restaurants in London
London is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, and the Polish food scene is no exception. From traditional dishes to modern twists, there are plenty of Polish restaurants to choose from in the city. Here are some of the best:
Folk House Zakopane
Located in the North London suburb of Turnpike Lane, Folk House Zakopane is a cosy and inviting restaurant that offers excellent traditional Polish hospitality. The menu is packed with a whole host of traditional Polish food that is perfect for newbies to Polish cuisine. The smoked cheese made from salted sheep milk called oscypek and the cabbage leaf-wrapped escalope steak dipped into piping hot oil are must-tries.
Mamuska!
Mamuska! is London’s biggest and best Polish restaurant, located in Waterloo. The vibrant, cavernous space is situated among railway arches, making it the perfect spot for a post-work catch-up with friends or a date night. The classic pierogi is a highlight, bringing authentic Polish dumplings with their fluffy dough and succulent, savoury filling to trendy South London. The salad bar is also a must-try, with an endless selection of pickles, olives, sauerkraut, and toppings.
Miod Malina
Miod Malina near North Acton station has been named in the Michelin guide, and it’s more than worthy of such an accolade. This is Polish cuisine presented with a fine dining flourish, and although more expensive than some restaurants, the exquisite flavours and presentation make the premium well worth shelling out for. The goulash in a bread bowl is unlike anything you’ve tried before, and the stroganoff and dumplings are enough to transport you to Napoleonic-era Warsaw.
Lowiczanka Restaurant
Located on the first floor of the Polish Centre in Ravenscourt Park, West London, Lowiczanka Restaurant makes a beautiful culinary accompaniment to an evening of authentic Polish culture filled with theatre, cinema, music, or dancing. The pork escalope is a must-try, as the pork is always impeccably cooked. Grab some traditional sides and smooth, creamy mash, and you’ll find yourself in Polish food heaven.
Daquise
Daquise is the original Polish restaurant in London and still one of the best after more than 60 years in business. It’s a firm favourite among London’s Polish ex-pat community for the authentic taste of home, which comes with a modicum of a French or Italian flair added. The honey and mustard-soaked pork tenderloins are beyond dreamy, as is the herbal vodka. This famous eatery has served the likes of Christine Keeler and her Soviet spy over the years.
Mikrus
Mikrus in Streatham is known for its perfectly cooked pork chops. The kotlet schabowy provides that perfect combination of crispy outside and succulent, tender inside. The bigos (stew) and chicken liver dishes are also must-tries, accompanied by a live DJ and one of the most buzzing atmospheres in South East London.
Ognisko
Ognisko is a luxurious restaurant in the heart of Kensington that uses white table service to provide a richness only matched by the food. The sour cucumber soup is a must-try, and the marinated herring served with onions and potatoes is incredible. You can enjoy the food with one of their vast range of wines, or if you want to “go native,” their smooth vodka shots make an excellent pairing.
Autograf
Autograf is an authentic Polish kitchen and bar that serves simple, rustic, homemade Polish favourites at prices that provide excellent value for money, considering the portion sizes. The sweet potato pancakes and the fried sausage with onion and pepper starter are must-tries. If you somehow have space for a dessert after the substantial main course, treat yourself to the strawberry-filled sweet dumplings.
White Goose Bistro
White Goose Bistro is owned by Polish celebrity chef Magda Gessler and is a charming bistro a stone’s throw from the chaos of Stratford’s temple to all things retail, Westfield. The sour rye soup and potato pancakes are traditional home-cooked options that somehow achieve the impossible feat of tasting even better than they look. The port schnitzel is another treat on a menu bursting with Slavic delights.
Pause Coffee
Located in Seven Sisters, Pause Coffee is a hidden culinary gem that serves a massive range of traditional homemade delights at greasy spoon prices. The buttery chicken liver, fried with onions and apple, is an alluring and filling lunchtime option, while the pierogi contains improbably wafer-thin dough and great fresh, sumptuous fillings that keep the mouth watering long after they’ve been devoured.
Sowa
Sowa Restaurant in Ealing is
Practical Tips for Exploring the Best Polish Restaurants in London
For those looking to explore the best Polish restaurants in London, it is recommended to book a table in advance due to the growing popularity of Polish cuisine in the city. When it comes to trying the native vodka, it is important to exercise caution and line your stomach well beforehand. Polish vodka is different from Smirnoff, and moderation is key to fully enjoy the experience.