Seemor
PolentoniB+Worth Trying
38 Easter Rd, Edinburgh EH7 5RG
· Bakery, Takeout Restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (466 reviews)
Takeout
Exceptional Italian-style sandwiches, focaccia, and bakes at budget prices, but it is strictly takeaway with no seating.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Polentoni delivers exceptional food quality and outstanding value that make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood destinations. Reliable consistency and strong customer loyalty confirm solid execution, but the takeaway-only format and lack of seating prevent the elevated experience needed for a higher grade. This is a destination for what you eat, not where you sit.
Restaurant Summary
A compact Italian bakery-deli turning out sandwiches and bakes that locals cross town for, Polentoni feels humbly obsessive about bread and fillings. Expect a small counter, a short queue at lunch, and fans raving that the porchetta with salsa verde is a city-best bite. One visitor put it simply: "That sandwich tasted like a small holiday." The format is takeaway-only, so plan to stroll with your prize. The cooking leans elevated traditional rather than flashy, blending classic Italian deli comfort with a few subtle twists like truffle-kissed arancini and seasonal veg combos. It is a value powerhouse, with most items landing well under a tenner, and quality that outpunches the price. If you love great bread, simple ideas done right, and a quick, delicious lunch, this is your spot. Families do well here thanks to kid-friendly bakes like custard croissants, pizza and focaccia slices, and simple sandwiches. There is no seating and portions are portable, so think stroller-friendly snack runs or picnic plans rather than a long sit-down meal. Veggie and vegan options exist, but gluten-free choices are limited.
At a Glance
- Benchmark porchetta and focaccia sandwiches with house-baked bread
- Budget pricing with excellent ingredient quality
- Reliable consistency praised by weekly regulars
- No seating; queues at peak hours
- Limited gluten-free breadth despite a few GF-marked items
What Sets It Apart
- house-baked-focaccia-foundation
- budget-pricing-with-premium-flavor
- strong-regular-local-following
What People Love
- Crusty-chewy bread made in-house
- Bright salsa verde and quality Italian meats
- Generous pizza and focaccia slices
- Friendly owners who care about the food
- Sweet bakes that feel handmade
Points of Concern
- Strictly takeaway with no tables inside or outside; small interior space
- Can sell out of popular items; lunch queues common
- A few isolated complaints about food served cold or perceived rudeness, not a pattern
- Gluten-free and seating needs are not well accommodated
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTakeaway Only
Average Cost£8-14 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Order a sandwich (£4-4.50) plus arancini (£5) for a filling yet budget-friendly meal
- Vegetarians: try Tagliatelle al Telefono (£9) or Ricotta & Provolone focaccia (£3)
- Vegans: Polenta & Verdure (£7) or Insalata di Bulgur (£3.50) are reliable picks
Perfect For
- Grab-and-go lunch on Easter Road
- Picnic before or after Arthur's Seat
- Quick breakfast pastry run
- Affordable comfort-food fix
Location Insights
Area: Lively mixed residential and independent retail corridor attracting locals for everyday eats and coffee runs.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic during the day; typical urban vigilance recommended in the evenings.
Nearby: Near Leith Walk and routes toward Holyrood Park/Arthur's Seat; appeals to workers, residents, and walkers grabbing takeaway.
Easter RoadEaster Road is a bustling street within Leith that serves as a commercial and social hub, featuring a mix of traditional pubs, contemporary restaurants, and local shops. The dining scene is eclectic, catering to a diverse crowd seeking both casual and trendy food experiences in a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:00–14:00
Tuesday08:00–14:00
Wednesday08:00–14:00
Thursday08:00–14:00
Friday08:00–14:00
Saturday08:00–14:00
Sunday
Available: Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →