POLPO is a lively Soho Italian small-plates spot with plenty of real fans for its fried olives, beef shin rigatoni, seafood, and cocktails, but service consistency and portion-value friction keep it from being an easy universal yes.
POLPO delivers solid A-grade performance through strong food quality anchored by signature dishes like beef shin rigatoni and fried olives, paired with excellent Soho location appeal that makes it an ideal pre-theatre stop. However, inconsistent execution across the menu and variable service quality—ranging from attentive to rushed—prevent the higher distinction needed for grade A territory. The small-plates format and wine-bar energy suit grazing diners well, though portion-to-price sensitivity and occasional service friction temper the experience.
One caveat: Some diners find the portions too small for the price, especially on a full night out.