Where to find the Best Restaurants in Warsaw

If you’re planning a visit to Warsaw, one of your top priorities will likely be to discover the city’s best restaurants. To get the most out of your time in Warsaw, you must experience traditional Polish cuisine and explore the new restaurants opening all throughout the city.

While Warsaw may not be the most famous destination for foodies in Europe, the city has plenty of delicious eateries for travelers of all budgets. From regional comfort food to haute cuisine, we’re here to show you where to find the best restaurants in Warsaw.

Traditional Polish Cuisine

As with any city, the traditional cuisine is one of the best ways to get to know the locals. In Poland, zurek is a must-try traditional soup that will keep you warm on those cold winter days. Outside of zurek, pierogi are a staple of the Polish diet. This dumpling is usually stuffed with a combination of mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, ground meat, and mushrooms. It’s served up with a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Other staples of the traditional Polish cuisine include bigos (stew made from cabbage and meat) as well as kotlet schabowy (breaded pork cutlets). For drinks, szarlotka is a popular apple flavored alcoholic beverage mixed with sparkling apple juice.

Fine Dining in Warsaw

For foodies who prefer high-end restaurants, Warsaw has plenty of them. One of the finest places for haute cuisine is Celona Restaurant, which serves Mediterranean dishes with a Polish twist. Here you can savor succulent steaks and veal chops served up with sides of roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes. Celona also has an innovative wine list with offerings from all over Europe as well as a great selection of Polish ciders and liqueurs.

If your tastes run more towards Asian fusion, then consider a visit to Chef Robert Dobrowolski. Chef Dobrowolski’s menu champions the flavors of Japan and Korea with dishes such as avocado and salmon tartare, truffle quail’s egg noodles and wagyu beef with pickled Japanese radishes. No matter what flavors you fancy, Chef Dobrowolski serves up unique plates that will tantalize your taste buds.

Cheap Eats in Warsaw

If fine dining isn’t your budget, fear not: there are plenty of cheap eats in the city for budget travelers. A visit to Warsaw Food Tour offers visitors a taste of some of the city’s most beloved street food. For only $25 you can sample favorites like zapiekanki (toasted baguette slices with melted cheese, mushrooms and ketchup), sokółka (roasted meat, mushrooms and cabbage wrapped in dough and deep-fried, similar to stromboli) and pyzy (mashed potatoes and bacon dumplings).

Another great spot for budget travelers is U Szwejka, a traditional Polish pub serving up classic dishes like zurek, bigos and kotlet schabowy, as well as delicious soups and meat platters. U Szwejka offers a cozy atmosphere that’s great for meeting locals over a pint of lager or Tyskie beer.

Conclusion

Whether your tastes run towards traditional classics or haute cuisine, there is something for everyone in Warsaw’s restaurant scene. Traditional pubs offer up warm zurek soup while high-end spots like Celona Restaurant and Chef Robert Dobrowolski offer up innovative dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest of foodies. And for travelers on a budget, there’s always places to find tasty street food like zapiekanki and pyzy or delicious local pub fares at U Szwejka. In short, there’s something for everyone in Warsaw – enjoy!

Insider’s Guide to Warsaw: Discovering the Hidden Gems

Local Attractions

Warsaw is a city full of surprises, and if you know where to look, there are plenty of hidden gems to explore. Take a stroll through the quaint alleys of the Praga district, which is home to a bustling street market where visitors can find unique souvenirs, vintage clothing, and handcrafted goods. Another hidden gem is the Warsaw University Library rooftop garden, a quiet oasis with stunning views of the cityscape.

Dining Spots

Polish cuisine is as hearty as it is delicious. Traditional dishes like pierogi, bigos, and żurek are a must-try for any visitor. Start your culinary adventure by visiting Milk Bars, inexpensive eateries that have been a staple of Polish cuisine since the communist era. For a more upscale experience, head to the Mokotowska Street, which has a variety of restaurants that serve traditional Polish dishes with a modern twist. An interesting anecdote is that the oldest restaurant in Poland, Piwnica Swidnicka, is not in Krakow, as many believe, but in Wrocław, another wonderful Polish city to visit.

Cultural Experiences

Warsaw is a city with a rich cultural heritage that takes pride in its art, music, and customs. One of the most iconic symbols of Warsaw is the Palace of Culture and Science. Visitors can take a guided tour of this landmark building and learn about Poland’s communist past and its future. Other cultural experiences include visiting the Fryderyk Chopin Museum, where visitors can discover the life and art of Poland’s most famous composer, or attending a performance at the legendary Teatr Wielki – Polish National Opera.

Local History

Warsaw’s history is full of fascinating stories that are worth exploring. One of the most moving is the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, a time when the city’s residents rose up against the Nazi occupation. Visitors can learn about this heroic struggle at the Warsaw Uprising Museum, which offers an immersive experience that includes reconstructed bunkers, exhibits on daily life during the uprising, and testimonials from the survivors. Another interesting story is the tale of the Mermaid of Warsaw, a mythical figure that symbolizes the city’s resilience and strength.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

For a unique and unforgettable experience, visit the Neon Museum, which celebrates the neon lights that used to illuminate the city during the communist era. The museum offers guided tours that take you on a journey through the neon lights of the past. Another great suggestion is to attend a performance of the Warsaw Chamber Opera, a small and intimate venue that specializes in opera, baroque, and early music.

In conclusion, Warsaw is a city that has something to offer everyone. From hidden gems to rich cultural experiences and fascinating history, this city is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. Plan your trip and get ready to be swept away by Warsaw’s charm and beauty.