Polentoni

I’d heard about the opening of Polentoni, in the premises that were once occupied by the Ivy Leaf Bistro, from MJ who recently passed it on her travels. An Italian deli and cucina, I visited at lunchtime to see what they had on offer.

Exterior

With seats for around a dozen inside and a couple of tables outside, the place is bright, airy and ideally set up for the sunny summer that we’re currently enjoying.

Their selection comprises breakfast, served all day, an array of baked goods and sandwiches on their counter, and a focussed selection of lunchtime dishes.

Counter of baking delights

I started off with an espresso from northern Italian roastery Bontadi. It represented another very useful reference point in my exploration of Italian roasts. I thought it was very good and it certainly packed a considerable punch.

I followed with an intriguing sounding dish from their breakfast menu: pancetta, grilled polenta, mushroom and fontina cheese.

Delicious!

It promptly arrived looked exceptionally neat. The pancetta was very thinly sliced for a translucent glass effect. It proved to be as tasty as it looked and worked very nicely with the other elements for a satisfying and filling dish. I was very pleased with it.

I couldn’t resist grabbing a little baked treat to munch on my way up the road. The tuna and caper croquette I chose was very tasty indeed.

So overall, Polentoni really impressed me. I was charmed by their food, service was warmly attentive and I very much look forward to trying more dishes from their menu. I’d highly recommend a visit.

Scores
Blythe scores Polentoni
4/5 for food
4/5 for presentation
4/5 for setting
4/5 for service
giving an overall 16/20

I ate: pancetta, polenta, mushroom, fontina; tuna and caper croquette

I drank: espresso, water

I wore: brown suit

Total bill: £7.15