Hidden away in the narrow cobblestone streets of Warsaw’s Old Town, you’ll find some real culinary gems. Whether you’re craving cozy spots serving homemade pierogi or high-end restaurants with fancy dishes – we’ve put together an honest list of places that’ll impress even the pickiest foodies.
Want to explore more of Warsaw? Check out our guide with 50+ amazing restaurants across the city.
1. Podwale 25 Kompania Piwna
Podwale 25 Kompania Piwna sits right by the Old Town walls and brings you the best of Central European cooking.
Their star dish is the pork knuckle, which shares the menu with Wiener schnitzel and classic Polish pierogi. Every meal comes with pickled cucumbers and cabbage on the side, and don’t miss out on their house-made cherry liqueur to wrap things up.
With wooden panels and old paintings on the walls, plus live music in the background, this place has tons of character. The servers rock traditional outfits while pouring Czech beers – Kozel and Pilsner, both light and dark.
Save room for the apple pie – it’s a lot like German strudel and totally worth it. Best part? Despite being right in the tourist hotspot, prices won’t break the bank and portions are super generous.
2. Gospoda pod Zygmuntem
At Gospoda pod Zygmuntem, the forest mushroom soup in a bread bowl is what they’re famous for. The place is a hit for its classic Polish and Central European comfort food: you’ve got juicy pork knuckle, homemade pierogi stuffed with all sorts of fillings, and rich, hearty goulash.
The dining room is decked out with old photos of the city, and the staff is really friendly, with nice background tunes setting the mood. Right in the heart of Old Town but with wallet-friendly prices, Gospoda pod Zygmuntem is perfect for getting your first taste of Polish food.
3. STOLICA
Tucked away in a quiet spot in Old Warsaw, you’ll find Stolica. Here, chef Piotr Augustyńczyk puts his own modern spin on traditional Polish recipes.
There’s this cool restored piano from Legnica inside, and on weekends, you can catch a local Warsaw band playing. When the weather’s nice, they move the music out to their lovely garden on Szeroki Dunaj street.
The must-try dishes here are really something special. Don’t leave without trying the beef tartare, pork ribs, żurek (this awesome sour rye soup), and their specialty duck gizzards starter.
Sure, it’s pricier than an average Warsaw restaurant, but the huge portions and beautiful presentation make it worth every penny. I recommend booking a table in advance, especially on live music nights.
4. Sambal Restauracja Indonezyjska
It might seem a bit odd, but one of Warsaw’s best Indonesian spots is right in the heart of the old town. Sambal serves traditional dishes – from hearty nasi goreng to spicy rendang and grilled satay. A friend of mine from Singapore was particularly impressed by how they don’t hold back on the heat – something you rarely find in European restaurants.
The dining room is cozy and unpretentious, and the staff are great at helping first-timers navigate the menu.
5. Bar and Books Podwale
Bar and Books Podwale is an elegant New York-style bar located in the historic “White House” building at Waski Dunaj 20. It’s spread across two floors – main bar downstairs, cigar lounge upstairs, plus a cozy terrace opening during summer.
The bar is famous for its impressive whiskey collection – everything from Scottish to Japanese, plus some seriously good cocktails. Their cigar selection is pretty special too, featuring both well-known brands and their own exclusive Bar and Books cigars, hand-rolled at a family workshop in New York.
They’ve got live music Wednesday through Saturday nights, and once a month they throw fun burlesque shows. Keep an eye out for their themed nights – Ladies’ Nights with free cigars for the ladies and Whisky Nights with special deals.
Just heads up – it’s cash only, and food-wise they mostly stick to bar snacks. If you’re not into smoke, you might want to stay on the first floor, as the cigar lounge upstairs can get pretty smoky.
6. Restauracja Kamienne Schodki s.c.
Kamienne Schodki has been operating since the 1960s, hosting everyone from Japanese and French ambassadors to government ministers and artists.
Their star dish is the duck with apples – it’s perfect for sharing between two. The traditional Polish dishes are fantastic too: bigos, pierogi, and potato pancakes topped with salmon. Don’t skip dessert – their signature cheesecake with ice cream is a must-try.
In summer, you can dine on their terrace overlooking the market square, while winter brings festive decorations indoors.
7. Restauracja U Wieniawy
U Wieniawy, named after the legendary General Bolesław Wieniawa-Długoszowski, is steeped in history. It’s housed in a historic building and you’ll need to book ahead.
The menu puts a modern spin on traditional Polish cuisine. Evening entertainment includes live music, and the trumpet player is known for not just performing but chatting with guests too. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to 1930s pre-war Warsaw.
It’s not cheap, but you get what you pay for. It’s a go-to spot for special occasions, combining classic Polish dishes with top-notch service.
8. Ciao Napoli
If you’re craving authentic pizza, head to Ciao Napoli – their pies could give Italian pizzerias a run for their money. The dough is fresh with the perfect crispy crust. Try the carbonara or chorizo pizza – they’re both winners!
It’s a small, welcoming place with friendly staff. While the pizza steals the show, don’t overlook their homemade lemonade and pistachio tiramisu – they’re pretty special too.
With its reasonable prices and central tourist-friendly location, Ciao Napoli offers a great break from traditional Polish fare.
