City Guide
Warsaw
Restaurants
Warsaw Restaurants
Most Popular Hotels in Warsaw:
Koscielna 12, 00-218
Grzybowska 63, 00-844
Krakowskie Przedmiescie 42, 00-325
Al. Jerozolimskie 45, 00692
The Warsaw dining scene has developed in spades over the recent years and offers an assortment of cuisines to suit various budgets and objectives including lounging, power-brokering, romancing or delighting in something gastronomically unique.
These restaurants are divided into five categories: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. The categories serve as guidelines rather than absolute definitions of the establishments. They are listed alphabetically.
The restaurants below have been classed into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over ZL160)
$$$ (ZL90 to ZL160)
$$ (ZL40 to ZL90)
$ (up to ZL40)
These prices are based on an average three-course meal for one person; they do not include drinks, tax or service charge/tip.
Tax is usually included in the price of the food and gratuity should be included at your discretion; 10 to 15% is considered adequate. Note that Polish cuisine is not just kielbasy (sausages) and potatoes! Soups are typical, as well as placki (potato pancakes), golabki (stuffed cabbage), pierogi (potato ravioli with various fillings) and sledz (herring). If you need a quick bite and don't want to sit down, try a zapiekanka (an open-faced baguette-style bread grilled, or microwaved, with cheese, mushrooms, ketchup and mayo).
These restaurants are divided into five categories: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. The categories serve as guidelines rather than absolute definitions of the establishments. They are listed alphabetically.
The restaurants below have been classed into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over ZL160)
$$$ (ZL90 to ZL160)
$$ (ZL40 to ZL90)
$ (up to ZL40)
These prices are based on an average three-course meal for one person; they do not include drinks, tax or service charge/tip.
Tax is usually included in the price of the food and gratuity should be included at your discretion; 10 to 15% is considered adequate. Note that Polish cuisine is not just kielbasy (sausages) and potatoes! Soups are typical, as well as placki (potato pancakes), golabki (stuffed cabbage), pierogi (potato ravioli with various fillings) and sledz (herring). If you need a quick bite and don't want to sit down, try a zapiekanka (an open-faced baguette-style bread grilled, or microwaved, with cheese, mushrooms, ketchup and mayo).
Gastronomic
Dom Restauracyjny Gessler
Gessler is one of the top restaurants within the confines of the Old Town. Not only are its traditional Polish dishes top rate, but there's the added bonus of a choice of two very distinct dining areas. The cellar has been laid out as a rustic country inn, while the ground floor caters to more formal and smart dining. Of course you could forgo both and take a seat on the Old Town Square itself. Reservations recommended.
Old Town Sq 21/21A
Tel: (022) 831 4427.
Price: $$$-$$$$
Gessler is one of the top restaurants within the confines of the Old Town. Not only are its traditional Polish dishes top rate, but there's the added bonus of a choice of two very distinct dining areas. The cellar has been laid out as a rustic country inn, while the ground floor caters to more formal and smart dining. Of course you could forgo both and take a seat on the Old Town Square itself. Reservations recommended.
Old Town Sq 21/21A
Tel: (022) 831 4427.
Price: $$$-$$$$
Restauracja Polska
It may look unappealing from the outside, and may be hidden down a side alley off Ulica Nowy Świat, but Polska is the type of place Polish families choose to celebrate special occasions. Its authentic Polish cuisine is like Mama used to make, and the folksy décor matches the menu perfectly. Don't pass over an opportunity to try pierogi (dumplings) or placki (potato pancakes) as it doesn't come better than this. Reservations for evening dining recommended.
Ulica Nowy Świat 21
Tel: (022) 826 3877.
Price: $$$
It may look unappealing from the outside, and may be hidden down a side alley off Ulica Nowy Świat, but Polska is the type of place Polish families choose to celebrate special occasions. Its authentic Polish cuisine is like Mama used to make, and the folksy décor matches the menu perfectly. Don't pass over an opportunity to try pierogi (dumplings) or placki (potato pancakes) as it doesn't come better than this. Reservations for evening dining recommended.
Ulica Nowy Świat 21
Tel: (022) 826 3877.
Price: $$$
Roma
An intimate space with only nine tables, Roma delights customers with fresh pasta and meat dishes. In spite of the bijou cosy space and green plants in the big window, the atmosphere is more conducive to laughter and fun than a romantic evening out. There are two other Romas in Warsaw, but this was the first and it's the best. Reservations strongly suggested.
Ulica Grottgera 2
Tel: (022) 841 0133.
Website: www.restauracjaroma.pl
Price: $$
An intimate space with only nine tables, Roma delights customers with fresh pasta and meat dishes. In spite of the bijou cosy space and green plants in the big window, the atmosphere is more conducive to laughter and fun than a romantic evening out. There are two other Romas in Warsaw, but this was the first and it's the best. Reservations strongly suggested.
Ulica Grottgera 2
Tel: (022) 841 0133.
Website: www.restauracjaroma.pl
Price: $$
Business
Akashia
Usually it's not a good sign when a restaurant features two different cuisines, but Akashia has managed to successfully incorporate both Korean and Japanese fare on one menu without a hitch. Sushi dishes and kimchi co-exist and the customers eat happily. Seating is on two levels, with the bulk of the tables downstairs past the sushi bar. Simple décor, popular for business meetings.
Ulica Jana Pawla II 61
Tel: (022) 636 6767.
Website: www.akashia.pl
Price: $$$
Usually it's not a good sign when a restaurant features two different cuisines, but Akashia has managed to successfully incorporate both Korean and Japanese fare on one menu without a hitch. Sushi dishes and kimchi co-exist and the customers eat happily. Seating is on two levels, with the bulk of the tables downstairs past the sushi bar. Simple décor, popular for business meetings.
Ulica Jana Pawla II 61
Tel: (022) 636 6767.
Website: www.akashia.pl
Price: $$$
Chianti
Described as a little 'bit of Tuscany', Chianti has been pleasing Italian food lovers for years. Walk down a few steps and you're in a space reminiscent of a cosy Italian stone country house. The space has a few tables tucked in romantic corners, as well as more open areas, suitable for less amorous encounters. Reservations required.
Ulica Foksal 17
Tel: (022) 828 0222.
Website: www.chianti.siesta.com.pl
Price: $$$
Described as a little 'bit of Tuscany', Chianti has been pleasing Italian food lovers for years. Walk down a few steps and you're in a space reminiscent of a cosy Italian stone country house. The space has a few tables tucked in romantic corners, as well as more open areas, suitable for less amorous encounters. Reservations required.
Ulica Foksal 17
Tel: (022) 828 0222.
Website: www.chianti.siesta.com.pl
Price: $$$
Dom Polski
Located on the other side of the Vistula in Saska Kepa, this restaurant, set in a large house, serves refined Polish food in a more formal setting, perfect for a group of visitors. The management pride themselves on offering a menu and atmosphere apt to satisfy the most picky of tastes. Lovely outdoor garden in the summer and live music often played on Sundays. Reservations suggested.
Ulica Francuska 11
Tel: (022) 616 2432.
Website: www.restauracjadompolski.pl
Price: $$$-$$$$
Located on the other side of the Vistula in Saska Kepa, this restaurant, set in a large house, serves refined Polish food in a more formal setting, perfect for a group of visitors. The management pride themselves on offering a menu and atmosphere apt to satisfy the most picky of tastes. Lovely outdoor garden in the summer and live music often played on Sundays. Reservations suggested.
Ulica Francuska 11
Tel: (022) 616 2432.
Website: www.restauracjadompolski.pl
Price: $$$-$$$$
Trendy
Boathouse
This highly rated restaurant is pleasantly placed on the banks of the Vistula River north of the Old Town. Its nautical theme extends not only to the décor but also the menu, where the range of Mediterranean dishes is largely dominated by Italian cuisine. In summer there's no better place to be than on Boathouse's large terrace, with a seafood platter, glass of wine, and live jazz in the background.
Wal Miedzeszynski 389A
Tel: (022) 616 3223.
Website: www.boathouse.pl
Price: $$$-$$$$
This highly rated restaurant is pleasantly placed on the banks of the Vistula River north of the Old Town. Its nautical theme extends not only to the décor but also the menu, where the range of Mediterranean dishes is largely dominated by Italian cuisine. In summer there's no better place to be than on Boathouse's large terrace, with a seafood platter, glass of wine, and live jazz in the background.
Wal Miedzeszynski 389A
Tel: (022) 616 3223.
Website: www.boathouse.pl
Price: $$$-$$$$
Living Room
A hip space, with muted colours and candlelight, on a stylish street, the Living Room caters, predominantly, to a lunch and late dinner and cocktail set. The menu is varied from meats to light salads, and they also have a juice bar serving fresh fruit and vegetable drinks. Dining al fresco is available in warm weather.
Ulica Foksal 18
Tel: (022) 826 3928.
Website: www.livingroom.pl
Price: $$$
A hip space, with muted colours and candlelight, on a stylish street, the Living Room caters, predominantly, to a lunch and late dinner and cocktail set. The menu is varied from meats to light salads, and they also have a juice bar serving fresh fruit and vegetable drinks. Dining al fresco is available in warm weather.
Ulica Foksal 18
Tel: (022) 826 3928.
Website: www.livingroom.pl
Price: $$$
Sense
Although billed as a restaurant, with an interesting fusion menu, there's no doubt that Sense really shines at night, even if you just come for cocktails. The food reflects influences from Malaysia, Poland and Thailand. You can watch the chefs work in an open kitchen and a visit to the somewhat disorientating toilets are a must.
Ulica Nowy Świat 19
Tel: (022) 826 6570.
Website: www.sensecafe.com
Price: $$$-$$$$
Although billed as a restaurant, with an interesting fusion menu, there's no doubt that Sense really shines at night, even if you just come for cocktails. The food reflects influences from Malaysia, Poland and Thailand. You can watch the chefs work in an open kitchen and a visit to the somewhat disorientating toilets are a must.
Ulica Nowy Świat 19
Tel: (022) 826 6570.
Website: www.sensecafe.com
Price: $$$-$$$$
Budget
Greenway
Part of the chain currently sweeping Poland, this attractive, modern cafe/restaurant offers a wide range of healthy dishes, including Mexican goulash, Indian vegetable kaftans, and a selection of samaras. There's no table service; just join the back of the queue and wait to take your pick.
Ulica Hoax 54
Tel: (022) 696 9321.
Website: www.greenway.pl
Price: $
Part of the chain currently sweeping Poland, this attractive, modern cafe/restaurant offers a wide range of healthy dishes, including Mexican goulash, Indian vegetable kaftans, and a selection of samaras. There's no table service; just join the back of the queue and wait to take your pick.
Ulica Hoax 54
Tel: (022) 696 9321.
Website: www.greenway.pl
Price: $
Krokiecik
The tradition of 'milk bars' (bar mleczny) in Poland is fading slowly, as it's no longer easy for the government to subsidise cheap food in prime locations that could make a lot more money. That said, places like Krokiecik fill in the gap, as it's best considered a tasty, clean, bright and modern 'milk bar', in spite of being privately owned. Self-service allows you to choose from an array of home-cooked Polish food.
Ulica Zgoda 1
Tel: (022) 827 3037.
Price: $
The tradition of 'milk bars' (bar mleczny) in Poland is fading slowly, as it's no longer easy for the government to subsidise cheap food in prime locations that could make a lot more money. That said, places like Krokiecik fill in the gap, as it's best considered a tasty, clean, bright and modern 'milk bar', in spite of being privately owned. Self-service allows you to choose from an array of home-cooked Polish food.
Ulica Zgoda 1
Tel: (022) 827 3037.
Price: $
Qllinarnia
Another of Warsaw's surviving ‘milk bars', this time located in a line of sex shops and liquor stores. Don't let the neighbourhood put you off though; many suits dine here on a regular basis. Why? Because there's no beating the price, quick service, and exceptional home-cooked Polish and European dishes. Smiles and warm welcomes however are not Qllinarnia's strong points.
Ulica Zielna 5
No telephone.
Price: $
Another of Warsaw's surviving ‘milk bars', this time located in a line of sex shops and liquor stores. Don't let the neighbourhood put you off though; many suits dine here on a regular basis. Why? Because there's no beating the price, quick service, and exceptional home-cooked Polish and European dishes. Smiles and warm welcomes however are not Qllinarnia's strong points.
Ulica Zielna 5
No telephone.
Price: $
Coffee Karma
This popular cafe overlooks circular Plac Zbawiciela, one of the few remnants of Socialist architecture. Its coffee is strong, its smoothies creamy and thick, and its light snacks run the gamut from healthy sandwiches to home-made cakes and cookies. Take a pew inside on winter days or grab a table outdoors in the warm summer months.
Plac Zbawiciela 3/5
Tel: (022) 875 8709.
Price: $
This popular cafe overlooks circular Plac Zbawiciela, one of the few remnants of Socialist architecture. Its coffee is strong, its smoothies creamy and thick, and its light snacks run the gamut from healthy sandwiches to home-made cakes and cookies. Take a pew inside on winter days or grab a table outdoors in the warm summer months.
Plac Zbawiciela 3/5
Tel: (022) 875 8709.
Price: $
Co Tu
It's been hard going for Asian eateries in Warsaw's dining scene, but Co Tu has been making leaps and bounds in the popularity stakes with the city's young, artistic crowd. The fresh dishes that arrive steaming from the kitchen are the key to this tiny diner's success (of course the price and speedy service help); there's an abundance of Vietnamese and Chinese dishes to choose from, and vegetarians are well catered for. Co Tu is hidden amongst a row of bars just off Ulica Nowy Świat.
Hadlowo-Usługowe 21
No telephone.
Price: $
It's been hard going for Asian eateries in Warsaw's dining scene, but Co Tu has been making leaps and bounds in the popularity stakes with the city's young, artistic crowd. The fresh dishes that arrive steaming from the kitchen are the key to this tiny diner's success (of course the price and speedy service help); there's an abundance of Vietnamese and Chinese dishes to choose from, and vegetarians are well catered for. Co Tu is hidden amongst a row of bars just off Ulica Nowy Świat.
Hadlowo-Usługowe 21
No telephone.
Price: $
Personal Recommendations
Warsaw Tortilla Factory
What started as a mission to fill a gaping culinary hole in the mid 1990s, resulted in a Tex-Mex institution, loved by both expats and locals alike. The tortillas are indeed made in Poland and the burritos are both filling and scrumptious. Informal and friendly setting. It's likely to be the only place in Warsaw where you can choose how spicy you want your hot sauce to be.
Ulica Wilcza 46
Tel: (022) 621 8622.
Price: $$
What started as a mission to fill a gaping culinary hole in the mid 1990s, resulted in a Tex-Mex institution, loved by both expats and locals alike. The tortillas are indeed made in Poland and the burritos are both filling and scrumptious. Informal and friendly setting. It's likely to be the only place in Warsaw where you can choose how spicy you want your hot sauce to be.
Ulica Wilcza 46
Tel: (022) 621 8622.
Price: $$
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