Polish Restaurants in London: Where to Find Authentic Polish Cuisine

London is renowned for its multicultural food scene, offering flavours from every corner of the globe. Among the hidden culinary gems is the rich and hearty cuisine of Poland. Whether you’re craving pierogi, żurek, or a sizzling kielbasa, Polish restaurants in London serve up delicious plates that feel like home cooked comfort food. In this guide, we explore the best spots for Polish food in London, from cosy neighbourhood cafes to elegant dining rooms.

Why Polish Cuisine Deserves Your Attention

Polish food is hearty, comforting, and packed with history. With a focus on slow-cooked meats, fermented vegetables, dumplings, and robust soups, it offers an experience that is both rustic and satisfying. Staples such as bigos (hunter’s stew), gołąbki (stuffed cabbage rolls), and sernik (Polish cheesecake) make it a cuisine worth exploring.

In London, Polish restaurants range from casual bakeries and deli counters to full-service eateries offering traditional and contemporary takes on classic dishes.

Top Polish Restaurants in London

1. Mamuśka! Polish Kitchen and Bar – South Bank

Located near Waterloo, Mamuśka! is one of the most famous Polish restaurants in London. With a casual canteen vibe and generous portions, it’s perfect for hearty meals like pierogi, schabowy (breaded pork chop), and barszcz (beetroot soup). They also serve Polish beers and vodka cocktails.

Address: 9 Addington St, London SE1 7RY
Why Visit: Affordable, lively atmosphere, large portions

2. Daquise – South Kensington

Opened in 1947, Daquise is one of the oldest Polish restaurants in London. Its elegant setting and classic menu offer an authentic dining experience. Expect dishes like zrazy (beef roulades), żurek served in a rye bread bowl, and an excellent wine list featuring Eastern European selections.

Address: 20 Thurloe St, South Kensington, London SW7 2LT
Why Visit: Historic venue, traditional recipes, romantic setting

3. Polka Restaurant – Ealing

This West London favourite has long been serving classic Polish comfort food in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. The interior decor is traditional and the menu features gołąbki, kiełbasa, and a variety of soups. Their homemade desserts are also a highlight.

Address: 53 The Mall, Ealing, London W5 3TA
Why Visit: Cosy atmosphere, home-style food, family-run

4. Autograf – Wood Green

Located in North London, Autograf is known for its authentic menu and warm service. The menu includes traditional dumplings, meat dishes, and vegetarian options. Their pork knuckle and hunter’s stew are particularly popular.

Address: 488 West Green Rd, London N15 3DA
Why Visit: Budget-friendly, authentic and hearty portions

5. Mleczko Delikatesy – Multiple Locations

More of a deli and takeaway than a sit-down restaurant, Mleczko offers fresh pierogi, Polish sausages, pastries, and groceries. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a quick bite or authentic ingredients to cook at home.

Why Visit: Budget-friendly, great for takeaway and shopping

Must-Try Polish Dishes in London

When visiting a Polish restaurant in London, don’t miss out on these favourites:

• Pierogi: Dumplings filled with cheese, meat, or mushrooms.
• Żurek: Fermented rye soup often served with sausage and egg.
• Bigos: A tangy stew made with sauerkraut and various meats.
• Gołąbki: Cabbage leaves stuffed with meat and rice in tomato sauce.
• Sernik: Creamy cheesecake made with Polish twaróg cheese.

Polish Bakeries and Cafés in London

Polish cuisine is not complete without its baked treats. London is home to several Polish bakeries offering pastries like pączki (jam-filled doughnuts), makowiec (poppy seed roll), and sweet cheese buns. Notable mentions include:

• The Polish Bakery – Known for rye bread and sweet pastries.
• Mazury Bakery – Located in Greenford, excellent for fresh baked goods and imported Polish products.

Polish Supermarkets and Food Shops

If you’re inspired to try cooking Polish food at home, there are plenty of places in London to buy authentic ingredients:

• Polski Sklep (Polish Shops) are scattered across areas with large Eastern European communities such as Ealing, Acton, and Hammersmith.
• Shops like Polish Taste and Polsmak stock cured meats, pickles, sweets, and frozen pierogi.

Where to Find Polish Communities in London

The largest Polish communities in London are based in Ealing, Acton, Balham, and Hammersmith, where you’ll find a high concentration of Polish restaurants, shops, and community events. Many of these areas host Polish festivals, markets, and cultural events throughout the year.

Vegan and Vegetarian Options

While traditional Polish food is often meat-heavy, many London Polish restaurants now offer vegan and vegetarian alternatives. Mamuśka! and Autograf, for instance, have vegetarian pierogi, soups, and even plant-based gołąbki. Expect mushrooms, root vegetables, and dairy to feature heavily in meat-free options.

Tips for Dining at a Polish Restaurant

• Start with soup: Polish meals often begin with a warm soup like barszcz (beetroot) or rosół (chicken broth).
• Expect hearty portions: Polish cuisine is filling – ideal for cold London days.
• Try Polish drinks: Opt for a Polish beer (like Żywiec) or a shot of flavoured vodka.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for authentic comfort food with rich flavours and cultural heritage, Polish restaurants in London offer an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re a seasoned lover of Polish food or trying it for the first time, the city’s diverse offerings ensure there’s something for everyone.

From traditional delis to family-run eateries and elegant fine dining, London’s Polish food scene is as vibrant and welcoming as the culture it represents.