The vibrant food scene of Poland’s capital is ever growing and developing. From communist milk bars, to hipster street food and grand restaurants by star chefs the city caters to all tastes and budgets.
Below you will find a list of great gastronomy destinations you simply need to try!
Manekin
Manekin is an intargammer’s institution famous for its imaginative crepes and the permanent queue outside. Though it’s definitely worth the wait as the portions here are generous and the prices are good.
At your fingertips you will have a seemingly endless selection of sweet and savoury options. If chicken / peanut butter or bacon / plum combinations are up your street you are in the right place. There are also some amazing american-style chocolate pancakes and crepes garnished with ruby chocolate and fresh fruit.
The owners certainly have a sense of playfulness and fun, giving the place a steampunk theme, with a massive, goggle-wearing mannequin hanging over the kitchen.
Address: Marszałkowska 140, 00-061 Warsaw, Poland
Zapiecek
Zapiecek is classic tourist fare, but for good reason. This chain, stylised like a cosy grandmother’s country cottage offers filling and wholesome portions of traditional Polish food at cheap prices. Not to mention, it’s the go-to place for pierogi (Polish dumplings) lovers.
Choose between sweet and savoury, fried or boiled. Some of the most delicious fillings are sauerkraut and mushroom, spinach and feta and for dessert – sweet white cheese.
Address: Various locations
Odette Tea Room
The cakes at Odette are a feast for the eyes and taste buds. This patisserie has an air of refined sophistication and its creations are small, avant-garde works of art. You can select from a variety of imaginative creations including lip-shaped vanilla, lichee and rose mousse, Earl Grey infused cakes adorned with gold leaf and other-worldly, bright green pistachio tarts.
There are two Odette Patisseries and both offer the same cakes, however the Odette Tea Room, with its exotic palm leaf wallpaper and oversize gold lighting fixture provides a more elegant setting for a cake break. It also offers a large selection of quality teas that any tea connoisseur would be impressed with.
Address: Odette Tea Room, Twarda 4, 00-105 Warsaw, Poland and Cukierna Odette, Leszczyńska 12, 00-338 Wasaw, Poland
Hala Koszyki
Hipsters and foodies alike will be ecstatic to visit Hala Koszyki as it checks all the right boxes. Located inside a cool, converted early-20th century market hall it boasts a large selection of street food vendors covering pretty much all corners of the world cuisine.
If you are after something more local Kiełba w Gębie is an excellent place to try Polish dishes – specifically deer goulash with kopytka (a kind of Polish gnocchi) is particularly delicious. Inside this post-industrial, art nouveau place you will also find some amazing gelato, a tea shop, chocolatier and a number of shops including a bookstore.
Address: Koszykowa 63, 00-015 Warsaw, Poland
Restauracja Rozana
Rozana is what it would feel like being invited for dinner to an aristocratic pre-war Polish home. Sitting between an antique grandfather clock and a large bouquet of fresh flowers you can pick and choose from a selection of exquisite traditional Polish dishes.
Try some delicious potato pancakes with caviar and sour cream, pierogis or the classic sour rye soup – żurek. The romantic atmosphere of the charming garden makes it a perfect place for warm summer evenings. Stay as long as you like as the restaurant only closes when the last customers leave.
Address: Chocimska 7, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
Oberza Pod Czerwonym Wieprzem
When it comes to cashing in on the communist nostalgia Oberza Pod Czerwonym Wieprzem does it really well. With an aristocratic, yet welcoming charm of the 50s, red accents and a massive portrait on the wall entitled “The Last Communist Supper” it provides a humorous take on the era. On the walls you will find proudly displayed pictures of the restaurant’s celebrity clientele including the likes of Bruce Willis and John Malkovich.
The name, meaning ‘The Inn Under The Red Hog’, comes from the original tavern that existed here pre-WWII and served as a meeting place for ‘red’ communist leaders. A menu inspired by some of the gastronomic favourites of the most prominent comrades as well as Polish culinary tradition offers dishes such as pork knuckle, wild boar and duck in cherry sauce.
Address: Żelazna 68, 00-866 Warsaw, Poland
Bistro Eden
This vegan destination hailing from the hipster Praga district is in a rather unusual setting. Hidden away in the backyard of an unassuming 1920s house in a quiet residential neighbourhood it offers a selection of food inspired by European and Asian cuisine. The menu will entertain your taste buds with dishes like corn ceviche, mushroom paté brûlée and laksa as well as sophisticated third wave coffee.
London-trained chef in residence – Michał Gniłka has in the past worked with catering to the stars on Hollywood film sets. However, the most fun part is having your meal inside the backyard greenhouse filled with lush succulent plants.
Address: Jakubowska 16, 03-902 Warsaw, Poland
Pączkarnia z Tradycją M. M. Wolińscy
This place is quite off-the-beaten path as there are not many reasons for you to end up in the Ochota district. This bakery is pretty much a window in a wall, but it seems to be very popular with the locals. Through the glass you can admire an astounding variety of filled doughnuts and Polish pastries. You can also see the doughnuts being freshly made by a lady behind the glass.
Classic things to try would be the gniazdka wiedeńskie literally meaning Viennese nests, sometimes also called Spanish doughnuts, but don’t be fooled by the name – this is a traditional Polish creation. The most typical filled doughnut flavour in Poland is rose jam and for many Poles this is the taste of childhood. Also the jagodzianka (blueberry bun) is very delicious here and with a generous filling.
Address: Grójecka 78, 02-359 Warsaw, Poland
For more Warsaw travel inspiration check out our guide on top tourist sights as well as unusual and quirky hidden gems.
Have you been to any amazing restaurants in Warsaw? Share your recommendations in the comments below.
