Ognisko Restaurant

£40 / Eastern European, Polish, Vegetarian, Gluten-free

55 Exhibition Rd, London

Michelin

Awards

Excellent Black Pudding 2024

Opening hours

12PM-10PM

Sunday 5:30PM-9PM
Monday 12PM-10PM
Tuesday 12PM-10PM
Wednesday 12PM-10PM
Thursday 12PM-10PM
Friday 12PM-10PM
Saturday 12PM-10PM

Discover London's Premier Polish Dining Experience

Upon stepping through the grand, columned entrance of Ognisko Restaurant in South Kensington, it’s like you’ve entered a hidden pocket of Warsaw right in the heart of London. The setting is wonderfully elegant yet unpretentious, with its charming blend of wooden decor and tasteful white linen tables that whisper of gentler times. Nestled above Imperial College, the quaint restaurant embraces you in a warm, woody hug, serenaded softly by the clink of vodka glasses from fellow patrons already acquainted with its charms. Flower-decked outdoor patios welcome diners looking to feast al fresco with serene views across Prince’s Gardens, while inside, the attention to detailing — from exuberant blooms decorating the space to the meticulously pressed uniforms of waiters — conjures the vibe of an upmarket Eastern European banquet hall.

But truly, it's the soul-warming Polish fare that anchors this timeless marvel. The duck and fig pierogi, artisanally crafted with precision, are plump pockets of joy bursting with flavour alongside hints of modern culinary flair. Each dish, from the robust rabbit legs lavishly displayed over velvety mash to the deeply comforting schnitzel, embodies Ognisko’s allegiance to both tradition and gastronomy craft. And then there’s the vodka – crisp and chilled, enticing sins of gluttony with every shot glass drained. Yet, don't mistake the high spirits could distract from the impeccable service; here, staff seem to glide across parquet floors delivering stories through food. True to its Polish heritage, Ognisko delivers not just meals but experiences cultivated on a robust love affair with food and camaraderie, making it the honey-glazed crown jewel of all dining pleasures in London town. — Milo Tastemaker