Top 15 local favorite restaurants you can't miss in Warsaw!

Choosing where to eat is always a tough decision, especially when it comes to a foreign city you have never been to before. But don’t worry! We are here to advise you where to find a special place to try some delicious food! As Warsaw inhabitants ourselves, we built this top of the 15 best restaurants based on our own preference and experience, let us know what you think!

1. Falla Warszawa

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Falla is located in the heart of the old town, close to the Royal Route in Warsaw. This cozy restaurant offers modern plant cuisine based on recipes from the Middle East. Here you can try hummus, different vegetarian wraps (our absolute favorite is Avo-Nori), falafels, and many more! It can be a perfect place to rest for a while after walking in the city or quickly grab some lunch during your travel. 

2. Manekin

Have you heard of “naleśniki”? If not, now is the time! Naleśniki, the Polish name for crepes, are one of the most popular dishes in Poland, present in most families from time to time. Here, in Manekin, located on the Constitution Square, you can try virtually all possible variations of this dish - savory and sweet ones, with different sauces, vegetarian or not, also pancakes, desserts, and soups...Everything you need to be happy! Our little recommendation is naleśnik number 8 - marinated chicken, mozzarella, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and Provencal herbs; or for the ones who don’t eat meat, number 17 - spinach, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes.

3. Prasowy | Warsaw Milk Bar 

The so-called milk bars are popular budget eateries for quick and inexpensive food. It is believed that these catering establishments are the legacy of the communist system, but in fact, they appeared much earlier. The first milk bar appeared long before Poland was behind the Iron Curtain. It was called "Mleczarnia Nadświdrzańska" and was opened in Warsaw in 1896 by Polish landowner and milk producer Stanislaw Dluzewski. They served inexpensive dishes made of milk, dairy products, eggs, and flour, and there was no meat on the menu at all. The bar made a splash, and similar establishments began to appear throughout Poland. After the First World War, due to the difficult economic situation, dairy bars became even more popular.

But Prasowy is not only a bar, it’s a cult place for every Varsovian. Here, for several decades (since 1956!), people were able to find a native alternative to the large fast-food chains that flooded the market. If you are looking for a place in the capital where we can eat a real, tasty, homemade dinner, this is THE place. In Prasowy, each meal is made with love, in each and every one of them you will find a part of Poland, Polish culture, and Polish cuisine. This is the real place to try Polish food and to look at the capital through the eyes of its inhabitants.

 4. Mąka i woda

Are you a pizza lover? Well, who isn’t! This place will never leave you unsatisfied, even more, it will always remain in your thoughts and their pizza will be coming back in your dreams. The name of this restaurant, “Mąka i woda”, is translated as “Flour and water”, as simple as that. Those two ingredients are the base of most of the delicious Italian dishes the restaurant offers. You will find here excellent pizzas or pasta, leaving a feeling of dining somewhere on a piazza in Italy. 

5. Krowarzywa

The name of this restaurant is already very interesting - it consists of two parts: “krowa” and “rzywa (żywa)”, which means “cow” and “alive”. However, you can also find the word “warzywa” in there, which means “vegetables”. As you have probably guessed already, this is a place that serves vegetarian food. You can easily say that this is just heaven for vegetarians, but not only for them! Every person who tries their vegan burgers will simply and immediately fall in love with them and will always want to come back and try more. If you are not sure if eating vegan burgers instead of normal ones is for you, we can assure you that this place will totally satisfy your needs. Our absolute favorite is Cieciorex, but feel free to try them all! All the burgers are also available in a form of a wrap.

6. Pełną Parą

Pełną Parą is a synonym for modern Asian cuisine, offering one of the best dim sum in Warsaw. Dim sum is gaining more and more popularity, also in Poland. Poles love dumplings, so it is no wonder that they are more and more willing to reach for the oriental proposition in the form of Chinese dumplings. Traditional dim sum dumplings are a set of tasty snacks, but they can also be a filling dinner dish. Additionally, not only Pełną Parą offers amazing steamed dumplings, but also a vast variety of other dishes on their menu. The restaurant employees themselves claim to combine everything they have learned about food in Asia, with a touch of fantasy and modern style. 

7. Barn Burger

The classic American burger, since the moment Walter Anderson founded the White Castle Hamburger chain in Kansas, could be safely called a gastronomic symbol of America. But not only in the US can you eat amazing burgers! In Warsaw, we also know a spot where you can taste this amazing dish. Guys’ (and not only) favorite burger place - BARN is a perfect spot to gather strength after a long walk in the city. 

8. Pracownia Sushi Wola

Sushi is a must in every city, and we also have our favorite place to eat this Japanese tidbit. SushiWola is one of the most popular sushi in the whole capital, beloved by locals and often visited by every sushi lover. They offer one of the most differentiated menus in Warsaw, having sushi sets for every appetite, from small sets to really big ones. If you love sushi as much as we do, here is where you should go!

9. Sexy Duck

This is an exceptional place where Italian temperament is combined with youngsters who love cooking. Here you can try a great pizza, pasta, burgers and, of course, duck. They also serve very good breakfasts which we highly recommend trying before starting a tour. 

10. Veganda

The combination of the words “veranda” and “vegan” speaks for itself. This is an incredibly cozy place on one of the most popular squares in the city, eagerly visited by young people. This is a perfect place not only for lunch in the city but also for a warm summer evening when you can sit outside and enjoy those long summer moments in our beautiful city. 

11. Hala Koszyki

If you are a fan of fancy yet cozy places, you can’t skip this one! Hala Koszyki has been on the top of the list of most youngsters (and not only) in Warsaw since the moment it was opened. The atmosphere of Hala Koszyki refers to over a hundred years of commercial tradition of this market hall, which from the beginning of its existence was a very important service and retail point on the map of Warsaw. Nowadays, Hala Koszyki states for the best combination of a fashionable interior that includes modernity together with a historic atmosphere, meeting spot for friends and families, shopping mall, and a mix of different cuisines. A varied offer will satisfy the tastes of customers from different age groups. A visit to Hala Koszyki is a culinary journey through the flavors and smells of many corners of the world. No matter if you fancy a milkshake, meatballs, or something vegan, you will find something that will please your stomach and bring a big smile of satisfaction. 

12. Otto Pompieri

Otto Pompieri is an Italian restaurant located in the heart of Warsaw which offers exquisite dishes at reasonable prices. Only a short walk from Ratusz Arsenał metro station and Warsaw Old Town, the restaurant is a perfect place to take a break while sightseeing around the Polish capital city. Otto Pompieri’s prices are relatively low, given the location and the sophistication of the place. On the menu, you will find classic Italian appetizers, salads, pasta, pizzas, and desserts. All the dishes are prepared with high-quality ingredients imported from Italy. The portions are big and filling - the best example is their pizza with a diameter of 40cm. What is more, the restaurant offers a vast array of Italian and Austrian wines, with a complimentary shot of traditional Italian limoncello for every customer at the end of the visit. Otto Pompier is a place with a friendly, yet sophisticated atmosphere, which the customers leave happy and satisfied!

13. Tel Aviv Urban Food

Tel Aviv Urban Food is another incredible place on the food map of Warsaw. Here you can always count on something special, inspired by Israeli cuisine. The founders of this restaurant are pleased to debunk the latest myths about the monotony of vegan cuisine - you should try their melt-in-the-mouth eggplant and you will see why. Tel Aviv is known for experimenting - with each bite they will surprise you with a multitude of flavors, textures, and smells. Going to Tel Aviv Urban Food means every time trying and discovering something new and never leaving disappointed. 

14. India express

This time something different - for Indian food lovers. Considered one of the best Indian restaurants in Warsaw, India express can offer you a wide range of different dishes, such as curry (also vegetarian), paratha, biryani, pulao, and many many more. Among others, you will also find gluten-free versions here.

15. The Cool Cat

This very special place is serving Asian-fusion cuisine. But just to say that is not enough! The cool cat is well-known firstly for its amazing breakfast sets served all day. To start your day or to choose something filling after your tour you can come here, among others, for millet, shakshuka, buttery toast with avocado, fried egg, and coriander, or scrambled eggs with ham and cheese. Every Sunday, you can also order one of the two colorful brunch sets that change regularly. Inspirations from Asia, Peru, or Mexico, combined with Polish seasonal ingredients and talented chefs, are just a few reasons why you should go there. A visit to this place is a must!

Try them all and pick your favorite! During the Warsaw tours we offer, such as Warsaw Private Walking Tour, our professional guides will tell you more about polish food and eating habits in Poland, and afterward, you can try it yourself! If you want to discover something more traditional, you can join our traditional Polish food tasting. Let us know if you have been to any place from the list and about your own experience! 

Author: Olena AB Poland Travel
Posted: 25th February 2021