Warsaw – 10 Best Restaurants
Are you going to Warsaw in Poland and you would you like to eat at its best restaurants?
Luckily, I’ve found the 10 coolest, chicest, and most irresistible restaurants in Warsaw just for you.
This guide offers a mix of the best food, drinks, atmosphere, and crowd!
Normally, you’d have to be a local to find the 10 coolest restaurants below!
Enjoy!
What you need to know before you go
When people think of Polish cuisine, they might first think of meat and potatoes. However, this is wrong. There is so much more to Polish food than that! Fortunately, there are lots of amazing restaurants in Warsaw that are changing this reputation. Some of these offer modern or fine-dining versions of traditional Polish dishes.
These are perfect for seeing how much Polish cuisine has to offer. However, you can find cooking styles and flavors from all over the world in Warsaw.
From Italy, to Israel, to Japan, there’s sure to be a dish for you in this city. And, luckily for you, our guide will show you the best places in Warsaw for all tastes and budgets…
CHECK OUR GUIDE HOW TO SPEND A PERFECT WEEKEND IN WARSAW HERE
FEW TIPS:
- Advance Booking: Many places in our guide take reservations. It is recommended to book ahead if you are planning to go on a Friday or at the weekend. Also, you should definitely book if you are going to popular restaurants such as Joel. However, some places like Bibenda do not take bookings. Therefore, it’s worth checking ahead, especially if you’re eating out for a special occasion.
- Tips: Normally, you should pay a tip that is about 10% of your bill. However, you might pay a bit more if you received amazing service!
- Vegetarians and vegans should look at menus carefully. Polish cuisine uses lots of meat, fish, and dairy. However, there are great restaurants for veggies and vegans such as Bibenda.
CHECK OUR GUIDE TO KRAKOW'S BEST AIRBNBS HERE
Warsaw 10 Best Restaurants
- Joel Sharing Concept
- Le Braci
- Rascal
- Rozana
- Wodka Gessler
- Kontakt Wino Bistro
- Epoka
- Bibenda
- Regina
- Nolita
1. Joel Sharing Concept
BEST FOR: Delicious, Israeli-style sharing plates in a trendy setting
PRICE RANGE: Medium
INFO: Joel Sharing Concept only opened a few years ago. However, it already has a reputation as one of Warsaw’s hippest restaurants. It even had an article in Vogue Poland. It has a great, central location just outside the Park Agrykola. Inside, the decor is minimalist shabby chic with luxurious touches like the marble counter. The open kitchen lets you watch chefs prepare delicious Israeli small plates to share. These include favorites such as hummus and grilled octopus. Finally, it serves wonderful cocktails too!
INSIDER INFO: As Joel is a tapas place, it is impossible to recommend just one dish. However, don’t miss the spiced lamb for an unforgettable meat option. Otherwise, the hummus is amazing and vegan-friendly. Also, book a few days in advance as it is an extremely popular restaurant!
2. Le Braci
BEST FOR: Authentic, high-end Italian cuisine in the heart of Warsaw
PRICE RANGE: Medium
INFO: Le Braci has a wonderfully unique design. Inside, it is all dark green with amazing fittings such as its bar-top, and details like smashed plates in the decor. Therefore, it is no wonder it has won spots on design prize lists. However, the food is excellent too. Le Braci even has its own entry in the Michelin guide. Expect delicious dishes from every region of Italy. These use high-quality, seasonal Italian ingredients. Also, it has an incredible wine list featuring classic and rare Italian bottles.
INSIDER INFO: Le Braci’s menu changes frequently. However, you cannot go wrong with one of their pasta dishes – especially if they’re serving something as unique as sea urchin spaghetti!
3. Rascal
BEST FOR: Delicious small plates to share and amazing natural wines
PRICE RANGE: Medium
INFO: Most people know Bar Rascal for its incredible range of natural wines. However, they also do great food. There is a small menu that changes often. However, you can be sure the food will always be tasty! Bar Rascal offers modern twists on Polish classics. For example, you might be lucky enough to try the oyster mushrooms with parmesan on toast. Obviously, there are superb wines to go with your food too. Lastly, you have to find a table in the courtyard if the weather is good. It is one of the best places to eat outdoors in the city!
INSIDER INFO: If you have a sweet tooth, you have to order the heavenly rhubarb pudding!
4. Rozana
BEST FOR: Superb traditional Polish cuisine in an elegant setting
PRICE RANGE: Medium
INFO: Rozana is the perfect place to try Polish food. It offers classic dishes such as pierogi, chicken soup with dumplings, or beef tenderloin. The preparation is great and the ingredients are top quality. Finally, the surroundings are sophisticated. It has a homely, traditional design with lovely touches like flowers and piano music.
INSIDER INFO: Fresh fish comes every Wednesday so it is worth visiting then. Also, during the summer booking a spot in the garden is a must as it is so pretty.
5. Wodka Gessler
BEST FOR: A sleek, modern take on Polish cuisine
PRICE RANGE: Medium
INFO: Wodka Gessler offers great Polish cuisine in a more contemporary setting. The design is stylish and clean. It offers delicious Polish classics that use above all excellent ingredients. The presentation is simple but sophisticated. Moreover, the waiters will deliver your food in a smart uniform. Lastly, the atmosphere is normally bustling but with lovely, live piano music.
INSIDER INFO: The wiener schnitzel is excellent here. Otherwise, try the veal sweetbreads served with calvados.
6. Kontakt Wino Bistro
BEST FOR: Mediterranean small plates and some of the best natural wines in Warsaw.
PRICE RANGE: Medium
INFO: Kontakt is in the hip Mokotów area in the center of Warsaw. It has a wine bar downstairs, and a modern bistro upstairs. The design is cool as well as contemporary. It has an entry in the Michelin Guide. Therefore, you know its food will be good! Kontakt offers twists on Mediterranean and Polish classics. These are served on small- and mid-sized plates. Naturally, there’s excellent wine to go with whatever you choose. As such, Kontakt is the ideal choice for a casually sophisticated night out in Warsaw.
INSIDER INFO: The picanha Wagyu served with kimchi and ponzu is delicious! Also, don’t forget to ask one of the sommeliers for a wine pairing.
7. Epoka
BEST FOR: Fine dining inspired by traditional Polish recipes
PRICE RANGE: High
INFO: Epoka is another Warsaw restaurant with an entry in the Michelin Guide. Its chefs produce exquisite food from ‘forgotten’, traditional Polish recipes. There is an à la carte menu available. However, you’d be better off going for one of Epoka’s tasting menus. You can choose either the ‘short’ or ‘full’ history options. The kitchen has glass walls letting you see the chefs create their masterpieces. Finally, the decor is high-end and vibrant.
INSIDER INFO: Choose the ‘full history’ menu for a unique, unforgettable experience.
8. Bibenda
BEST FOR: Tasty, mostly plant-based or veggie dishes to share in a hip setting
PRICE RANGE: Medium
INFO: Bibenda is one without a doubt of the best options for vegetarians in Warsaw. While they offer some meat and fish dishes, most of their food is plant-based and seasonal. The restaurant also has a great spot in Warsaw’s city center. There is always a buzz at Bibenda. It is small but bustling inside with a trendy design. Also, they have a small, great wine list and lovely house cocktails. Finally, they’re even open for brunch at the weekends!
INSIDER INFO: Bibenda does not take reservations. Therefore, you need to arrive early to ensure you get a place!
9. Regina
BEST FOR: Delicious pizza, Chinese dishes, and cocktails in a hip setting
PRICE RANGE: Medium
INFO: Regina bar brings the best flavors and style New York has to offer to Warsaw. It is just next door to Joel Sharing Concept (entry number one on this list) in a trendy part of the city. It’s just as cool inside too, with a boho, industrial design. Regina offers delicious dishes that you might find in New York’s Chinatown such as wonton dumplings or sweet and sour pork. However, you can also choose from a menu of delicious, NYC-style pizzas. Some of these use Polish flavors and ingredients such as potatoes and even vodka! Additionally, there are good options for veggies and vegans on both the Chinese and pizza menus. Lastly, Regina serves tasty cocktails and has a decent wine list. This makes it the ideal spot for a cool nightcap.
INSIDER INFO: You have to try General Tso’s Chicken which is Regina’s house special. Also, make sure you save room for dessert! There are delicious sweet options on offer such as New York cheesecake.
It is best to reserve well in advance on Regina’s website as it can get pretty busy, especially at weekends.
10. Nolita
BEST FOR: Casual fine dining with dishes from all over the world
PRICE RANGE: High
INFO: This high-end restaurant is in a trendy area of Warsaw. It fits right in with its lively atmosphere, modern decor, and open kitchen. Nolita serves lunch during the week and dinner on a Saturday. Its excellent à la carte dishes use great ingredients in a range of cuisines. Expect Polish, Mediterranean, and Asian flavors! Additionally, Nolita’s five- or seven-course tasting menus offer unforgettable dining experiences. These include dishes such as Wagyu beef, octopus, or king crab. Moreover, the staff will suggest excellent wines to go with your food.
INSIDER INFO: Nolita has daily specials that are always worth checking out. Often, their fish specials like bluefin tuna or Alaskan crab are unmissable.
Final tips
Warsaw truly is an amazing city and its restaurants will surprise many. There are hundreds of restaurants to choose from so you have to be strategic about which places you choose.
Therefore plan your trip well in advance and book your top 1-2 restaurants around 3-4 weeks before you go to make sure you get a table.
Make sure to check our Guide to a Perfect Weekend in Warsaw for more tips on where to go and what do!
I hope you will enjoy the trip to Warsaw and I would love to hear about your experience!
Yours,
Voyage Provocateur
