Uber-casual tapas restaurant Popolo finds its home down a Shoreditch side-street. This intimate and buzzy space features an open kitchen and dining counter on the ground floor but if perching isn’t your thing, there’s a small dining room upstairs. The minimalist, rustic decor (dark blue hues and leather-clad stools) reflects the short menu, which offers a variety of Italian small plates. We began with servings of sharp, fried olives with chickpeas and labneh, as well as bruschetta topped with cheese and tomatoes. Dishes of creamy, handmade ravioli (buffalo ricotta and sage butter) and succulent, herby chopped steak with kale offer more substantial bites. An Italian-based wine list pairs up well with the food, while amiable staff and pocket-friendly prices make this a good destination for a casual meal. Popolo doesn’t take reservations, but they’ll lavish you with tasting dishes while you wait.