Victoria 's review of Polpo

You can book ahead at Polpo but only during lunch.

We went there for a booze free quick lunch and I was very impressed – naturally it was packed what with the overwhelming media attention it's had recently, I wasn't suprised.

The food was better than I expected, delicious mushroom bread, outstanding meatballs and a slow roasted duck dish with rosemary roasted potatoes were all of excellent quality and cooked with real attention.

The tables are VERY close together though so it has a canteen vibe – not a romantic spot by any stretch. The service was quick and polite and I like the idea of the dishes coming when they're ready. Just as well as there's no way you'd get them all on the table in one go!

We also enjoyed some of the tiny tasters, the arancini and the anchovy paste on toast. I know everyone's been raving but when the bill came it was easy to see why. It was the same price as the Pizza Express meal I'd had the night before. When fresh, exciting flavours in generous portions like this come so cheap the only excuse not to eat there more often is the queue! I can understand why this place is proving so popular.

My only gripe is those bloody ‘rustic’ glasses! If I was drinking wine I might not have been so positive! I understand their purpose is to be as faithful as possible to the mediterranean roots of these restaurants but I hate drinking good white wine out of rough Ikea tumblers.