Where to eat in Warsaw - the ultimate list

From quirky venues to fine dining experiences, Warsaw’s culinary scene is a real explosion of character, and whether its a hearty plate of pierogi or a polished cocktail in some trendy bar, this city will hardly leave any foodie unhappy.

Here’s the ultimate list of our favourite places to eat and drink in when visiting the city!

Traditional

Polka, Old Town

Located in the ancient walls of a tenement house in the Old Town Polka restaurant is definitely worth a visit for everyone willing to taste a traditional dinner in an elegant yet cosy atmosphere.

Between opulent and beautifully decorated rooms this restaurant serves traditional Polish cuisine at a really high level, all made from ecological ingredients the dishes reflect the spirit of the owner Magda Gessler (one the most recognized restaurateur in Poland) and are carefully paired with delicious wines by Polish sommeliers.

Website: http://www.restauracjapolka.pl/

Różana

Fresh flowers, embroidered tablecloths and soft piano music are only the background of this magical restaurant located not far from Belweder Palace.

Between candle lights and a romantic view on their “secret garden” (where you can dine in summer season), Różana is famous for its freshly-made soups and traditional Polish dumplings but the menu includes other delicacies like marinated herrings, crayfish crepes and deer saddle. Don’t leave without trying their mouth-watering aromatic sour apple pie or the meringue layer cake.

Website: https://www.restauracjarozana.com.pl/en/

Zapiecek

Another valid option if you are looking for traditional dining experience in a more informal, but still beautifully decorated, location is Zapiecek. With its ‘Grandmother's country cottage’ look the venue on Nowy Świat offers the widest selection of pierogi one can imagine as well as typical potato pancakes and roasted meats.

Website: https://www.zapiecek.eu/main.html

Modern

Warszawa Wschodnia

I know, I know, you might think the name looks like a wifi password, but this modern polish restaurant located in the former train station area is actually the best find from my last visit and no doubt any foodie or aesthete will agree with me.

This industrial double height space is part of the trendy Soho Factory complex and serves a combination of traditional Polish dishes with a spice of french nouvelle cuisine; what's more, their open kitchen space is actually active 24/7, meaning you can pretty much eat at any time of the day!

Website: http://www.mateuszgessler.com.pl/en/restaurants/warszawa-wschodnia

Rozbrat 20

Once a corner bakery and wine shop this spot has become an elegant, cosy neighborhood restaurant where innovation and seasonal Polish ingredients create a surprising fine dining experience.

Website: http://rozbrat20.com.pl/en/

Hala Koszyki

Originally opened in 1908 as ‘the People's bazaar’ , this Liberty structure has been a century-long symbol of Warsaw’s shopping scene, hosting everything from classy bazars to pre-war cooperative chains.

Renewed and opened again in 2016 the hall holds its original charismatic atmosphere and has become one of the city’s most vibrant social and culinary center.

Small independent bistros sit next to some of Warsaw’s biggest restaurateurs including Mateusz Gessler's gastronomic outpost - Warszawski Sen (pictures below).

Classy independent bars and top notch restaurants opened all night create the perfect evening vibe for delicious cocktails, fine dining and relaxed hang outs, all accompanied by live music in and charismatic atmosphere.

If you come for dinner don’t miss Mateusz Gessler's fine outpost Warszawski Sen and its “younger” brother ĆMA, popular for its kitchen opened 24/7 and modern polish dishes.

Website: https://koszyki.com/

International

Der Elefant

With its dim lights, brick walls and very New York style atmosphere this eco-friendly restaurant is the perfect example of how Warsaw is keeping up with the international culinary scene. Facing a modern courtyard designed by Oscar-winning scenographer Allan Starski, Der Elephant’s philosophy is based on respecting the environment and the menu reflect it just perfectly. Here you can taste their famous crab legs and delicious fish while enjoying the piano man performing upstairs or sipping a good glass of wine from their refined list, and trust me, you won’t regret it!

Website: http://derelefant.com/en/

Borpince

Perfect for a romantic date, this Hungarian restaurant seats you directly in the basement cellar, with low arched brickwork ceiling and candle lights.

The king on the menu is doubtless their traditional Goulash but other authentic dishes include catfish filet, goose liver parfait and delicious grilled cheeses.

Website: http://borpince.pl/

Sweet

Wedel

Wedel is Warsaw’s favourite confectionery company and when entering their “chocolate lounge” in Gorskiego street you will understand why. Their mouthwatering hot chocolate comes in plenty of varieties (the thick dark one is epic) and can be accompanied by layered cakes, sweet pierogi and any praline one can dream; their adjacent shop is also ideal for beautiful gift boxes and take away delicacies.

Website: http://www.wedel.com/

Charlotte

Charlotte is easily the best brunch spot in town; within a trendy and cosy atmosphere they serve everything from homemade baguettes and jams to delicious croissant (with gluten free options available). Grab a seat at the big shared table and fuel up with a (very instafriendly) champagne brunch before an immersive day around the city.

Website: http://bistrocharlotte.pl/

Warm donuts at Chmielna street vendor

Another guilty pleasure among Polish (and therefore also for me) can be found at Cukiernia Pawłowicz; this street food vendor bakes the best pączki (Polish filled donuts) and serves them still warm in many different flavors, the most traditional is wild rose marmalade although I could die for the toffee one, definitely worth the queue!

Where to drink in Warsaw

Cuda na Kiju

Housed in the former communist party HQ, this bar is one of the trendsetters in polish craft beer scene. With outdoor seatings and floor to ceiling windows overlooking Charles de Gaulle’s statue Cuda na Kiju attracts young locals and visitors looking for a fun evening in a trendy location.

Website: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=421071907984191&ref=content_filter

Zamieszanie

If you are not a big fan of beers but still fancy that cool relaxed atmosphere Zamieszanie - cocktail bar is located just opposite to its brother Cuda na Kiju and serves rather unique cocktails in a fashionable location.

Promoting the RTD (ready to drink) concept their cocktails are prepared few days in advance and preserved in a chilled room in order to obtain a new taste before being bottled and served. With a background of good music and a glass bottle decorated ceiling this is a perfect find to start - or end - your evening in a different way.

Piw Paw

Featuring over ninety types of beer on the tap and almost two hundred bottled this pub in the city center never disappoints. Friendly staff and vibrant atmosphere will ensure a pleasant stay and, what’s best, if you are one of those “forever undecided” people like I am, you can always opt for tasting of as many beers as you want and decide which one is your favourite!

Website: https://www.piwpaw.pl/