Was recently blown away by Ognisko. I’ve lived in very close proximity of this place for 10 years and hadn’t tried it — boner move. Herring was incredible, devoid of overpowering fishiness, very well prepared chicken livers, and excellent pierogis. In a seriously lovely setting — must be one of the finest patios in London overlooking a beautiful square — this place could do no wrong, especially after that horshradish vodka.
Ashka K.
Tu valoración: 5 London, United Kingdom
As a native Pole I can confidently say that this is an authentic polish place serving a delicious traditional polish food. As the food is really high standards I very often eat there instead of making it… as it takes a generous amount of time to prepare it. You can indulge yourself in a fantastic selection of polish dishes including: dumplings, back pudding on the potato cake, herrings, livers, braised cabbage and meats etc. Also various selection of vodkas and beer they offer is a nice compliment to this traditional and rich food. I visited there recently we a couple of British friends and they loved everything about this place. However be prepared to spend about £35−40 per person for a 3 course meal with alcohol. It’s worth it though.
Fennel Y.
Tu valoración: 4 New York, NY
Such a lovely spot in an unexpected space-the restaurant feels more like you’re dining in a friend’s home. The food is lovely, as well. Whether or not you like(or know) Polish cuisine, would encourage a visit. I haven’t ever had belinis or borscht this good! Loved everything!
Joanne M.
Tu valoración: 3 Chislehurst, United Kingdom
On passing the many columned buildings you would not necessarily know that this restaurant was in one. Upon entering you come across a big stair well and reception area which made me feel like I was in a hotel not a place that had a restaurant in it. Through the door to the left you then enter upon a bar area /restaurant. This is where you will see another reception area and be checked in. The waitress that greeted us and checked us in was quite moody and not very welcoming. When we sat down at the white tableclothed tables we was then greeted by a waitor who was very welcoming and nice. I ordered goose leg with a apple and fig compote sauce and my husband ordered lamb. We was waiting for over 30 minutes for our meals to arrive. When they did the plates was stone cold and the food was luke warm. We did not say anything at time as we was in a rush to get to an event we was attending. Also the restaurant was very packed and we ate early at 6pm so we was quite surprised. However even though the food was luke warm it was still very tasty. They also do an array of amazing cocktails and non alcoholic cocktails the most I have ever seen in a restaurant. I had a non alcoholic cocktail pussyfoot my favourite and it was delicious. I would go back to this place again to eat but only if I was in the area I would not go out of my way to go and eat at the establishment again only because I felt some staff was moody and stuck up, meal took too long to come and was just luke warm in end and the plates were cold and I like hot plates.
Alissa
Tu valoración: 2 London, United Kingdom
Surly staff, overpriced food and dodgy décor. All of which is a great shame as with a new chef and some sympathetic décor this could be a real gem. Even a few plants on the garden terrace would make a difference. Go for the novelty value-it has the feel of a private house and a wealth of history connected to Poland-particularly the Polish Reisistance, but dont expect a gourmet dinner. Also if you like very uncrowded restaurants this one is for you-its almost empty. Cries out for new management.
T E.
Tu valoración: 4 London, United Kingdom
You’d never spot this restaurant /Polish members club if you weren’t one of the thousands of Imperial College natives who see Ognisko’s chalkboard advertising lunch opposite the Imperial College front entrance everyday. The club is just another one of the many grand white column Kensington terraced houses that populate the surrounding miles. You know… the giant houses that you wonder how anyone could ever have afforded. So a Polish club by night, and by daytime a jazzed-up spot for lunch with Polish treats like herrings, beetroot soup and dumplings, as well as sandwiches and snacks. We were there for the latter, the reasonably priced ‘bar menu’ of dishes for a fiver. But they were nice enough to serve us at the dinner tables — white cloth under chandeliers with oil paintings of royals and Polish ex-pats and the sun streaming in through the patio window. The main menu hits at higher costs, but with much more extravagant Polish dishes immaculately presented. Their bar looks a lot of fun too in a gentleman’s club kind of way and I’ve heard on summer nights their back garden is THE place to be this side of Krakow. So four stars it is, four stars for an accessible true Victorian Era lunch with gracious service and cutlasses on the walls. Pass me my pipe.
Andrew
Tu valoración: 4 London, United Kingdom
Ognisko Polish Club formerly known as the ‘Polish Hearth Club’ has improved by leaps and bounds. Once the exclusive haunt of members of the Polish Government-in-exile, Ognisko has dragged itself into the 21st C. Now it’s not only safe to take your English friends here, but the ambiance, good customer service and excellent cuisine will mean that they will want to bring their friends in turn. My favourite Polish dining venue in London.
Charlie M.
Tu valoración: 5 London, United Kingdom
We went here last Christmas after a session of ice skating at the Natural History Museum. It was just what we were after, a good hearty meal with added entertainment value although I think this was probably unwitting You feel as though you have come into someone’s house when you enter, they take your coats and hang them on a rack at the bottom of the stairs and lead you into a large grand dining room which is effectively the living room of the property. It’s like going into a members only club out of a Bond movie, we felt very underdressed in our casual ice-skating wear but the waiters were not judgmental in the least and were more than happy to explain some of the options on the menu to us and go through recommendations from the wine list. The food was hearty as you would expect from Eastern European fare. And the prices very reasonable too. The entertainment came when at about 10pm a very large group of Poles came in all wearing full on evening wear, we were like onlookers at the ball in The Sound of Music, the ladies were wearing tiaras perched on their voluminous up-do’s and some of the gents were wearing their medals. Brilliant old school dining! We did initially feel a little as though we were invading some private event but nobody batted an eyelid so we ended up feeling more like we had discovered a secret club and been allowed exclusive access. Definitely an experience and I would go back if I am around the area in the evening. A hidden gem!