There is something about Polish food that sounds exciting with its unusual and unexpected flavours. It may be the idea it is rich and heartwarming with exotic herbs and spices collected when merchants travelled to foreign cities to trade their goods. It could be the image of a hunter-gatherer gathering wild mushrooms, fruit, and game. Or the connections between Poland and its neighbouring countries and using some of their traditions.
I have only tried Polish food once, many years ago in Gdansk. I had no expectations and asked the waiter to choose. Although I am trying to recall the dish’s name, I remember it was delicious and perfect. A return trip to Poland should be on the agenda to try more, or a trip to the capital to experience some of the best Polish restaurants in London.
The Best Polish Restaurants in London
If you are intrigued to savour the delights of Polish food or want to rekindle memories, check out our guide to five of the best Polish restaurants in London.
1. Daquise – A Rich History
Established in 1947, Daquise, a Polish restaurant in South Kensington, has a long-standing reputation for serving excellent food. During this time, it attracted a few notable guests, such as Christine Keeler and Polish President in exile, Edward Raczynski. Today, Daquise welcomes you to continue their story.
A dining experience at Daquise is the whole package. The service is excellent with knowledgeable servers, not only about the cuisine but also the restaurant’s history. The restaurant has a family feel, and the decor is elegant. The clientele comprises many Polish people and regulars, which is testimony to the high quality of the establishment.
On the menu are traditional Polish favourites, Pierogi, heavenly and full of flavour, and three for £7.00 or 6 for £14.00.
- The Poussin stuffed with apples and apricots is excellent at £23.00.
- The pan-fried calf’s liver is delicious and cooked to perfection for £17.00.
- There is a selection of desserts to finish the meal, all for £8.00, and the apple fritters are amazing.
Reviews report Daquise as authentic and remind them of home in their grandma’s kitchen. Daquise gets busy, particularly at weekends, so it is best to book in advance.
Address: 20 Thurloe Street, South Kensington, London, SW7 2LT
Telephone: 0207 589 6117
2. Mamuska – One of the Best Polish Restaurants
The inspiration for Mamuska came from a love story when a Canadian guy met a Polish girl and the desire for wanting to find somewhere where the Canadian boy could experience traditional Polish food. It needed to be where Poles, Brits, and other nationalities felt at home. There was a lack of choice, so the solution was to open his restaurant,
The restaurant occupies ample space in the Leake Street Arches, also known as Banksy Tunnel, under the former railway arches beneath Waterloo Station.
Mamuska serves their take on classic Polish food only with a healthier flair. Less greasy by oven cooking instead of shallow frying.
Some examples of the tasty, wholesome menu are:
Pierogi dumplings with various fillings, mushroom, pork, sauerkraut, goat’s cheese, and beef: Prices range from £8.00 for five pieces to £17.50 for ten pieces, depending on filling.
- Slow-roasted beef cheeks: £18.90.
- Hunter’s stew: £14.90.
There is the popular Polish dish of stuffed cabbage leaves, priced at £13.90.
There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, such as,
- Vegan Stew: £12.90
- Vegan Grilled Cauliflower Steak: £12.90
The drinks menu has a wide selection of Polish draught and craft beers and a good range of Polish vodkas. Flavours include walnut, strawberry, lemon with honey, and hazelnut.
Mamuska, a Polish restaurant in London, is a fantastic place to try Polish favourites. The staff are very friendly, the food is great, the portions are large, and the menu is reasonably priced.
Address: 9 Addington Street, London, SE1 7RY
Telephone: 020 3602 1898
3. Ognisko – One of the Most Beautiful Restaurants in London
Ognisko is in a beautiful and elegant building, also home to Ognisko Polskie, the Polish Hearth Club. In 1939, the club’s creation was to aid unity for the free Polish in the UK. It was a sanctuary for Poles in exile and quickly became a social and cultural hub.
A cocktail bar, restaurant, and an outdoor terrace overlooking attractive gardens are perfect for relaxing on summer evenings. Both indoor and outdoor decor create a cosy and romantic atmosphere for a special occasion while dining on gorgeous food. Ognisko serves Polish food with a hint of Eastern and Central European cuisines.
The servers are friendly and knowledgeable and speak several languages. The service is excellent, with impeccable timing between courses.
The Barszcz, a clear beetroot soup, is fantastic at £7.00, as is the Zurek, a sour rye soup with polish sausage and egg, also for £7.00.
The Placki, potato pancakes with spiced chicken livers and dried cherries are divine. Something so simple is surprisingly tasty for £9.50 / £18.00.
A Pork Schnitzel a la Holstein with fried egg, sauteed potatoes, and anchovies are delicious at £21.00.
Vegetarian options include tasty-sounding Bulgar Wheat and Chickpea Pilaf with tzatziki for £16.00.
A Set Lunch Time menu is available. Two courses are £23.00, and three courses are £27.00. Lunchtimes are busy, and there is a real buzz in the dining room.
The bar is stylish and informal, with a menu for bar food.
The Radicchio, Apple, and Fennel salad is fresh and exquisitely presented at £9.00.
Ognisko in London is an upmarket Polish restaurant with a varied and flavourful menu. The service is outstanding, and the building is artistic and sophisticated. For many, Ognisko is a regular dining destination and a reminder of home. For others, trying Polish food is a whole new experience. Whatever your reason for visiting, the experience will surely be one of the best Polish restaurants in London.
Address: 55 Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2PG
Telephone: 020 7589 0101
4. Sowa Restaurant – Sowa Patisserie
Sowa Restaurant is a family-run business founded in 1946 in a small bakery in Bydgoszcz. Over the years, the recognition grew for delightful Golden Doughnuts, and homemade fruit preserves under the watchful eye of Adam Sowa, the holder of a Pastry Master’s Degree and the younger son of the company’s founders, Felik and Stanisława.
In 2005, Sowa decided to cross the borders, opening a store in London and later in Berlin. They have launched their brand of chocolate and coffee. A visit to their restaurant and patisserie is likely to be a treat.
Sowa Restaurant’s ethos is to showcase the best of Polish food, and choices on their menu include:
- Carpaccio for £7.90
- Polish Black Pudding: £8.90
- Traditional Sour Soup: £6.90
For a meat dish, the Wild Boar Dumplings stuffed with mushroom sauce are a particular favourite of diners. They are generous and well made, priced at £14.90.
There is a lunchtime menu served
- Mondays 12 pm – 6 pm.
- Tuesdays to Fridays, 12 pm – 3 pm
There are several options available, and all are for £10.90.
- Soup and Dish of the Day
- Soup and Salad
- Soup and Dumplings
Sowa has semi-private and private seating areas for special occasions.
You can enjoy cakes from Sowa’s Patisserie next door to complete your meal. Words like dreamy, heavenly and delicious, light and nutty describe the delightful treats. If you pop into the patisserie, the staff are well-versed in the ingredients. Also sold are bakery items, ice cream, and jams. There is the option to dine in or takeaway.
Sowa Restaurant and Patiesserie are wonderful eateries. They serve authentic and delicious food, and you can watch the chef making dumplings. The staff are fantastic, and the environment is relaxed. Sowa’s is passionate about serving the best Polish food in London.
Address: 31 High Street, Ealing Broadway, W5 5DB
Telephone: 020 856 777 07
5. On’On Grill & Pierogi – Polish Street Food
On’On sounds similar to onion. Well, the name comes from the original and secret recipe of the onion sauce used to complement On’On’s dishes. The grill restaurant has been perfecting its BBQ food since 2016. They marinade the meat for a minimum of 24 hours.
You can find On’On at Palmer’s Green and Enfield Market.
The Mixed Grill is sensational at £4.90 for small, £8.50 for regular, and £11.00 for large.
Ten crispy, piping hot and delicious Pierogi filled with potato and delicious, are available for £9.50.
There is an authentic legendary sausage for £6.00 and £9.00.
On’On sells excellent coffee, too.
The owner of On’On is passionate and proud about serving some of the best Polish food in London.
Address:
- Palmer’s Green, 93 Green Lanes, N13 4TD
- Enfield Market Place, EN2 6LL
Telephone: 020 8881 7147
Tips for Enjoying Polish Food
- Polish food is like comfort food. The portions are generally large, with lots of potatoes, butter, cream, and meat.
- What is traditional Polish food? Bigos, a Polish stew, Pierogi, and cabbage rolls are just a few of Poland’s traditional dishes.
- What is the taste of Polish food? Polish food can be rich, creamy, sour, spicy, and well-seasoned.