Located in the bustling Duke of York Square, just off prestigious Sloane Square, Polpo Chelsea is impossible to ignore. Its spacious terrace, equipped with heaters and canopies, is perfect for dining al fresco, regardless of the weather.
There’s also seating inside the charming Georgian townhouse. Sash windows and rustic Italian decor – including bare wooden furniture, antique maps of Venice, exposed brick walls, tin ceiling tiles, zinc bar tops, and lamp shades made from white hankies – create a warm and homely feel.
Visionary founders
The restaurant was founded 15 years ago by legendary restaurateur Russell Norman, who sadly passed away in 2023. Together with his friend and business partner Richard Beatty, Norman introduced small plates and sharing platters to London. He also repopularised the classic Italian aperitivo, Negroni, and established a no-reservations policy which served as a blueprint for many other restaurants in the 2010s.
The pair won the Newcomer Award Catey in 2012. Norman published three successful cookbooks, the first of which, simply named “Polpo” (Italian for “octopus”), which sold 250,000 copies and won the Waterstones Book of the Year prize that year. Now, it’s part of the décor and can be purchased by the guests of the restaurant.
Small plates, big flavours
The menu is divided into sections, offering cicchetti, pizzette, breads, meatballs, meat, fish, vegetables, and salads. Cicchetti is a Venetian staple – small bites are like Spanish tapas or meze in Greece. These have been sold in local wine bars (Bacari) since the 1300s. The idea was to provide customers with snacks to encourage them to stay longer and drink more wine.
Speaking of spirits, the wine list in Polpo reflects the region too with almost all the wines on offer coming from northern Italy, some from small-scale producers.
We started with nduja arancini, a deep-fried risotto ball with a hint of chili kick. It had a lovely crunchy crust filled with well-seasoned, creamy soft rice. We recommend ordering two, as one is too good to share. Other recommended appetisers include roasted pepper & basil crostino and prawns & fennel crostino. These are essentially Italian versions of bruschetta, featuring small slices of grilled or toasted bread with various toppings – delicious and flavourful.
Mains and standout dishes
For mains, the octopus is an absolute must. The dish combines Mediterranean flavours with a balance of textures and flavours. Tender octopus is grilled, creating a succulent and subtly smoky base. It’s paired with a smooth, earthy fava bean purée, offering a creamy, nutty contrast. Fresh basil adds an aromatic, herbaceous note. Gorgeous presentation and truly mouthwatering.
Another standout is the chilli garlic prawns, simple yet indulgent but packed with flavour. For us, the most unforgettable dish was the humble zucchini fries! We were not the biggest fans of zucchini but heard good things and had to give them a try. Super crunchy on the outside, soft and delicate on the inside, extremely morish and a great alternative to the usual boring potato fries.
Nutella pizza
For dessert, the obvious choice in an Italian restaurant would of course be tiramisu, and it is a fantastic tiramisu. However, if you’re feel more adventurous, Polpo offers a unique classic that you won’t find in any other restaurant: Nutella pizza.
Yes, I know, it’s weird and doesn’t sound very appetising, but trust us, it’s incredible. A sourdough pizza base with hot melted Nutella on top and garnished with pieces of honeycomb and icing sugar – very simple but downright heavenly.
Polpo Chelsea combines the charm of Venetian dining with the cosy ambiance of a neighbourhood restaurant. Whether you’re enjoying small plates, sipping a classic Negroni, or indulging in their unique sweet pizza, this establishment stands out in London’s vibrant food scene.
Polpo Chelsea is located at 81 Duke of York Square, London SW3 4LY.
More information can be found here.
Image credits: © Polpo
