Looking for Polish food? It’s way more than just pierogi and borscht – think of it as a whole universe of flavors where old-school recipes meet modern cooking techniques. We’ve rounded up our honest picks of Polish restaurants serving up authentically delicious traditional cuisine.
And if you want to venture beyond Polish food, check out our list of Warsaw’s best restaurants featuring dishes from across the globe.
1. Epoka
Set in Warsaw’s historic Europejski Hotel, Epoka puts an exciting modern spin on Polish cuisine. Chef Marcin Przybysz dives into old Polish cookbooks for inspiration, crafting innovative dishes with locally-sourced ingredients.
You’ll be treated to a 17-22 course tasting menu, with each dish handled by one dedicated chef from start to finish – pretty unique for fine dining! Don’t miss their creative non-alcoholic pairings and cocktails that’ll surprise you with unexpected flavor combos.
Choose between two menu lengths, and while you’re there, you can take a quick tour to learn about the building’s history. Just keep in mind – this place sits at the higher end of Warsaw’s dining scene.
2. Bez Gwiazdek
Bez Gwiazdek takes you on a culinary trip through Poland’s regions, led by Chef Robert Trzopek. After stints at world-famous Noma and El Bulli, he came back to rediscover his Polish culinary roots. Every month brings a new six-course tasting menu showcasing a different region of Poland. Forget standard cutlets and bigos – here you’ll discover hidden gems like “blind fish” from Greater Poland or special cabbage rolls from West Pomerania.
The chef hand-picks everything from top local producers – vegetables from the Mailert family farm, fish from the well-known Pan Bernard. Their wine list spotlights Central and Eastern European wines, especially from smaller producers. The restaurant’s wine selection even won recognition from Star Wine List as one of Warsaw’s finest.
Guests often say, “Every dish is mind-blowing. Their take on traditional food beats many Michelin-starred places.”
They’re open Tuesday through Saturday evenings only, and yes, they’ve got a vegetarian tasting menu too.
3. Restauracja Baczewskich
Baczewskich makes its home in a stunning Neo-Renaissance mansion from 1895 on Aleja Szucha – one that made it through World War II. It’s where classic Polish dishes meet modern cooking in an atmosphere that takes you back to pre-war elegance.
Their signature borscht is something special – regulars swear by it and keep coming back just for that bowl of goodness. You’ll find both traditional Polish recipes and creative new takes on the classics.
When the weather’s nice, grab a spot on their cozy summer terrace – perfect for a leisurely lunch or dinner. Round off your meal with their dessert sampler – it’s sized for two and lets you taste a variety of sweet treats.
4. ELIXIR by Dom Wódki
ELIXIR by Dom Wódki puts a fresh spin on Polish cuisine by blending six centuries of vodka and nalewka (traditional liqueur) traditions with modern cooking techniques.
The kitchen team crafts dishes that honor regional Polish traditions while giving them a modern twist. What makes this place special is their unique food and vodka pairing concept – each dish comes with a carefully chosen vodka tasting portion that brings out subtle flavors.
Guests often rave about the exceptional service, with staff going above and beyond to create a personal experience for everyone who visits. The space strikes a perfect balance between elegance and comfort, making it great for both business meetings and date nights.
The restaurant has earned a Michelin recommendation and sits right in the city center with easy parking access.
5. Opasły Tom
Just a stone’s throw from Warsaw’s National Theater, you’ll find Opasły Tom, where Chef Andrzej Chylewicz works his magic with local ingredients from their own Forteca farmers’ market. His cooking shows clear influences from Lviv’s diverse culinary heritage.
The restaurant’s stunning interior – named one of the world’s five most beautiful by Wallpaper magazine in 2020 – feels like a cozy reading room meets stylish bar. In 2022, they earned a spot on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Discovery list.
Their tasting menu features creative takes on Polish classics alongside a full vegan menu – something you rarely see at this level of dining. While the presentation is beautiful and the flavor combinations are clever, some dishes could use that extra spark to make them truly memorable.
6. Restauracja Różana
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Warsaw, Restaurant Różana serves up refined Polish dishes in a charming historic mansion setting.
When the weather’s nice, you can dine in their garden with live music, while evenings get extra magical with candlelight and torches. The embroidered tablecloths, fresh flowers, and soft piano music create the perfect romantic atmosphere.
The best part? The prices won’t break the bank, especially considering the quality. Just remember to book ahead – especially for dinner.
7. Stary Dom
Since the 1950s, Stary Dom has been the go-to spot for Warsaw’s jockeys, thanks to its location near the Służewiec Hippodrome.
They’ve made quite a name for themselves with their beef tartare, melt-in-your-mouth pork knuckle, and homemade dumplings – even the pickiest food lovers can’t resist. After getting Slow Food Poland’s stamp of approval in 2016, they’ve kept impressing guests with both their wine selection and an impressive array of Polish vodkas and liqueurs.
With its wooden panels and exposed beam ceilings, the place captures old Warsaw’s charm perfectly – just right for diving into authentic Polish cooking.
8. Willa Biała
Over at Willa Biała, the chef has turned traditional herring tartare into something really special. Hidden in the peaceful Mokotów district, away from the city buzz, they serve up perfectly cooked beef tenderloin and honey-glazed ribs that just fall off the bone.
The dining room has this wonderfully calm vibe, with green views through the windows, and servers who love sharing the story behind each dish. For dessert, don’t miss their light-as-air pear cheesecake or the refreshing lemon dessert with mint sauce on a crunchy crumble base.
9. Soul Kitchen
The kitchen team at Soul Kitchen really knows how to elevate Polish classics! Their duck and Beef Wellington have become local legends, and for good reason. Pro tip: start your meal with their house bread and green onion butter – it’s a game-changer.
The cozy dining room with live music sets just the right mood, and the staff are great at helping you navigate the menu. Word to the wise: book ahead – this place fills up fast and empty tables are rare.
10. Restauracja PAPU
Over its 15-year run, PAPU has established itself as one of Warsaw’s go-to spots for authentic Polish cuisine.
They serve their hearty żurek with farm-fresh sausages, and their traditional dishes feature seasonal ingredients from local farms. During winter months, there’s nothing better than warming up with their mulled wine, which locals swear is the best in the city.
PAPU never compromises on quality and is known for its generous portions that leave no one hungry.
11. GOŚCINIEC
The inviting smell of mulled wine and steaming pierogi fills the air at every Gościniec restaurant – and there are dozens of them throughout Warsaw. These places draw crowds with their authentic Polish dishes at wallet-friendly prices.
Their claim to fame is pierogi with various fillings, served either with crispy bacon or a dollop of sour cream. Don’t miss their pork with sauerkraut served in a bread bowl – the mix of prunes and meat creates an unforgettable flavor. When it gets chilly, they whip up a potent mulled wine with vodka, cinnamon, and cloves – not for the faint-hearted, but definitely worth trying.
12. Przegryź
After two decades in business, Przegryź on Mokotowska Street is still a local favorite. The menu puts a modern spin on Polish classics, including seasonal specials like asparagus with potatoes and egg in their secret sauce. They serve homemade kompot that’s perfectly sweet – unlike the overly sugary store-bought stuff.
Weekend crowds pack the place, but in summer you can grab a spot on their terrace overlooking one of Warsaw’s prettiest streets.
13. Zielnik
Zielnik’s chłodnik (cold beetroot soup) is widely considered one of the best in Warsaw – it’s become their signature dish. The chef works magic with traditional fare: you’ll find perfectly juicy Polish schnitzel (schabowy) and tender hake with mashed potatoes and beetroot. While the menu isn’t huge, every dish is spot-on, and their “Pascha Litewska” dessert is the perfect finishing touch.
14. Źródło
At Źródło, the chef puts an innovative twist on traditional recipes, turning familiar dishes into culinary adventures – everything from “Polish oysters” to spicy lamb sausages in tomato sauce.
Their seasonal menu cleverly mixes classic kopytka and dumplings with modern dishes like tartare and pumpkin topped with crushed nuts. The wine list is another highlight, featuring Polish sparkling wines, orange wines, and apple cider – and yes, you can sample before you commit.
15. KUK
At KUK, chef Maciej Majewski serves up pike-perch with a perfectly crispy crust and velvety cream sauce. For something different, try their succulent duck with seasonal sides. They also do a great version of traditional Polish kopytka, best enjoyed in the cool shade of the Verte Garden courtyard during summer.
Tucked inside the Verte Marriott hotel, the restaurant champions local ingredients and serves smaller portions so you can sample more dishes in one visit.
16. Cafe Mozaika
In its 60 years, Cafe Mozaika has become a piece of Warsaw’s food history. While the walls still whisper stories from communist times, recent updates have brightened up the space without losing its original character.
The locals love hanging out on the summer terrace, enjoying traditional Polish dishes in the fresh air. The menu cleverly balances old-school recipes with modern takes – everything from rich żurek to creative spins on bigos.
17. Restauracja Akademia
Akademia wins hearts right away: chef Michał puts a magical touch on traditional dishes, while works by renowned graphic artists Pągowski and Tomaszewski add character to the walls.
The carefully curated menu might be small, but everything – from hand-crafted dumplings to perfectly cooked meat dishes – uses top-notch ingredients. They’ve thought of families too, with a kids’ play area upstairs.
18. alewino
The best evenings in Warsaw often start with a glass of wine at Alewino. Chef Daniel Ulnicki blends Polish traditions with contemporary cooking – his Asian-inspired broth and signature halibut keep bringing people back for more.
Sommelier Damian Zakrzewski has put together an impressive wine list with over 250 options from around the world. What started as a wine shop 12 years ago has grown into one of the capital’s most exciting restaurants – where great food doesn’t mean stuffy atmosphere.
19. Kuźnia Smaku
At Kuźnia Smaku, you’ll find the spirit of pre-war Warsaw alive and well, with chefs Marek Machała and Beniamin Matatov bringing Maria Iwaszkiewicz’s old recipes back to life. The place has history – it was once home to “Mała Ziemiańska” back in the 1920s.
Their roasted duck is a crowd favorite, coming out with perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat inside. The traditional żurek with white sausage and mushrooms is another must-try – guests rave about its rich flavor and perfect balance.
Over two decades, it’s become a favorite among both locals and visitors looking to taste authentic Polish cooking.
