Going to the theatre used to mean rushed suppers choosing the simplest fare on the menu whilst counting down the minutes to curtains up. Clock watching or not in Theatreland or not, Polpo is where you should head to. The vibe is laid-back and simple and what with their no reservations policy does mean tables are turned and service is speedy. If you get there early you should be seated within the hour.
Describing themselves as Venetian bàcaros (or in layman’s terms a restaurant of humble origins) you’ll find tapas style dishes of spicy pork and fennel meatballs, cod cheeks with lentils and the best mackerel tartare in town, plus their pizzette’s show off delicious toppings with spinach and soft egg being our top tip.
Now found in various locations near the London hotspots, their own-label prosecco is a steal at £6 a glass so there’s no excuse not to pay them a visit and have a cheeky glass of fizz.