Quick answers — eating in Warsaw
- Best restaurant overall
- Amber Room
- Best value
- Bez Gwiazdek (PLN 150-250 / USD 35-60)
- Strongest cuisines
- Modern European, Steak & grill
- Dishes to try
- Pierogi, Żurek, Bigos, Kotlet Schabowy
- Booking window
- For MICHELIN-selected restaurants, reserve at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Many use online booking platforms like TheFork, simplifying the process.
Booking well in advance, especially for weekend evenings, is essential for MICHELIN-starred establishments. Dress code is typically smart casual, leaning towards elegant. Tipping 10-15% is customary for good service. Dinner usually commences between 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM.
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Warsaw
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Amber Room
MICHELIN SelectedModern Polish · Śródmieście · PLN 350-500 / USD 85-120
Mateusz Kaźmierczak
Housed within the historic Sobański Palace, Amber Room offers refined Polish cuisine with French influences. The elegant, opulent dining rooms provide a sophisticated backdrop for classic dishes reinterpreted with modern techniques. Expect meticulous presentation and impeccable service in a grand setting, emphasizing high-quality ingredients.
Order: Duck breast with cherry sauce and potato dumplings; Amber Room Cake
Dyletanci
MICHELIN SelectedModern European · Śródmieście · PLN 300-500 / USD 75-120
Bartosz Szymczak
Dyletanci offers a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on seasonal, market-driven European cuisine. The atmosphere is elegant yet unpretentious, making it a great choice for a relaxed fine-dining experience. Expect beautifully plated dishes that showcase high-quality ingredients, often with a creative twist, alongside an impressive wine cellar.
Order: Seasonal fish preparations; inventive pasta dishes
Hubertina
MICHELIN SelectedModern Polish · Wilanów · PLN 350-550 / USD 85-130
Paweł Oszczyk
Hubertina, a former MICHELIN Star recipient (as La Rotisserie), continues to deliver refined Polish cuisine with international flair in the elegant surroundings of the Regent Warsaw Hotel. Chef Oszczyk is known for his precise technique and artful presentation, using premium ingredients to create memorable dishes. The service is polished and attentive, befitting its prestigious location.
Order: Foie gras terrine with seasonal fruit; Roe deer loin
Kieliszki na Próżnej
Bib GourmandModern Polish · Śródmieście · PLN 180-300 / USD 45-75
Paweł Winowski
Known for its extensive and expertly curated wine list, Kieliszki na Próżnej offers sophisticated Polish and European dishes designed to complement its vintages. The chic, contemporary setting in a historic building provides a vibrant atmosphere perfect for a relaxed but refined meal. The food is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, making it a local favorite.
Order: Pork belly with sauerkraut; extensive selection of Polish and international wines
Nolita
MICHELIN SelectedModern European · Śródmieście · PLN 300-500 / USD 75-120
Jacek Grochowina
Nolita provides a refined, contemporary dining experience with an emphasis on modern European cuisine. Chef Grochowina's dishes are characterized by their clarity of flavor, artistic presentation, and use of high-quality, often seasonal, ingredients. The sleek, minimalist interior contributes to an elegant and sophisticated ambiance, ideal for a discerning clientele.
Order: Tuna tartare with avocado and chili; turbot with seasonal vegetables
Signature
MICHELIN SelectedModern Polish · Śródmieście · PLN 350-550 / USD 85-130
Wojciech Kilian
Situated in the historic Bristol Hotel, Signature offers an elegant fine-dining experience with a focus on modern Polish cuisine using local ingredients. The grand, art deco-inspired room sets a luxurious tone, complemented by impeccable service. Chef Kilian's cooking is precise and creative, offering sophisticated interpretations of traditional flavors. A truly memorable occasion.
Order: Goose liver with apple; cod with Jerusalem artichoke purée
Steak & grill
Best steak and grill restaurants in Warsaw
Grill rooms are about sourcing and fire: ask where the beef comes from, how long it was aged, and order one cut to share rather than two on separate plates.
Butchery & Wine
Bib GourmandSteakhouse · Śródmieście · PLN 200-400 / USD 50-100
Sebastian Głośny
A carnivore's paradise, Butchery & Wine specializes in exceptional cuts of dry-aged beef, expertly prepared and served in a lively, industrial-chic environment. The focus is on quality sourcing and perfect execution, complemented by an extensive wine list. It’s an ideal spot for a robust meal with friends or a business dinner, offering consistent quality.
Order: Dry-aged steaks (e.g., Ribeye, T-Bone), steak tartare
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Warsaw
Bar Prasowy
Experience a classic 'milk bar' with hearty, inexpensive Polish comfort food like pierogi, gołąbki, and kompot. Expect quick service and a bustling, authentic atmosphere. Main dishes typically cost PLN 15-25 (USD 4-6).
Zapiecek
A popular chain specializing in traditional Polish pierogi, offering a vast array of fillings (boiled or fried). Great for a quick, delicious, and authentic meal. Try the mixed plate to sample various options. A generous portion costs around PLN 30-45 (USD 7-11).
Krowarzywa Vegan Burger
Warsaw's premier spot for delicious and creative vegan burgers, wraps, and salads. Using fresh, wholesome ingredients, it's a guilt-free and satisfying option for plant-based eaters. Burgers are typically PLN 25-35 (USD 6-9).
U Fukiera
While a historical institution, its more casual sections offer traditional Polish fare in an enchanting, folklore-rich setting. Try their simple, robust dishes like bigos or żurek for a taste of authentic Polish cooking without the full fine-dining price tag. A main dish costs around PLN 50-80 (USD 12-20).
Mąka i Woda
A fantastic spot for authentic Italian pizza and fresh pasta, made with quality ingredients and prepared with care. The atmosphere is casual and lively, perfect for a relaxed meal. A pizza or pasta dish costs around PLN 35-55 (USD 9-13).
Local dishes
What to eat in Warsaw
Pierogi
These ubiquitous Polish dumplings come with various fillings: meat, cheese and potato (ruskie), sauerkraut and mushrooms, or sweet fruit. They are typically boiled or pan-fried until golden. Find them at virtually any Polish restaurant, from casual milk bars to upscale eateries, or specializing establishments like Zapiecek Polskie Pierogarnie for variety.
Żurek
A traditional Polish sour rye soup, distinctive for its fermented rye flour base, often served with white sausage, hard-boiled egg, and potatoes. Its hearty, tangy flavor makes it a comforting and quintessential Polish dish, especially popular during Easter. Look for it on menus at traditional Polish restaurants and milk bars across the city.
Bigos
Known as 'hunter's stew,' bigos is a rich, flavorful dish made from finely chopped sauerkraut and fresh cabbage, stewed with various cuts of meat (pork, beef, sausage), mushrooms, and spices. It's slow-cooked for hours, sometimes days, to deepen its complex, savory taste. Many traditional Polish restaurants serve this hearty staple.
Kotlet Schabowy
Poland's answer to the schnitzel, this is a breaded and fried pork cutlet, thin and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. It's a classic comfort food, often served with mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, or a simple green salad. Enjoy this satisfying dish at traditional Polish restaurants and even many casual eateries.
Gołąbki
These 'little pigeons' are savory cabbage rolls, typically filled with a mixture of ground meat (pork and beef) and rice, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. A beloved homemade dish, they offer a comforting and familiar taste of Polish cuisine. Seek them out in traditional Polish restaurants or milk bars.
Barszcz Czerwony
A vibrant and flavorful beetroot soup, often served clear with small dumplings (uszka) or sometimes with potatoes and sour cream. This iconic soup can range from a light, elegant starter to a heartier meal. It’s a staple of Polish cuisine, widely available in restaurants and a must-try for its earthy sweetness.
Pączki
Polish doughnuts, resembling a plump sphere of yeasted dough deep-fried and typically filled with rose jam, plum preserves, or other sweet fillings. They are then glazed or dusted with powdered sugar. These fluffy, rich treats are especially popular around Fat Thursday, but available year-round in bakeries (cukiernia) across Warsaw.
Oscypek
A smoked sheep's milk cheese, distinctively shaped like a spindle or small spindle, originating from the Tatra Mountains. While not from Warsaw, it's widely available at outdoor markets, especially on the Old Town Square, often grilled and served with cranberry jam. It offers a unique smoky, salty flavor, perfect as a snack.
How to book a table in Warsaw
- · For MICHELIN-selected restaurants, reserve at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Many use online booking platforms like TheFork, simplifying the process.
- · Some establishments may require a credit card guarantee or a small deposit for larger parties or tasting menus, refundable upon attendance. Always check cancellation policies carefully to avoid charges.
- · Consider booking lunch for a more accessible fine-dining experience. Many top restaurants offer a 'menu dnia' or tasting menu at a significantly lower price point, showcasing similar culinary artistry.
- · Be punctual; some restaurants have strict no-show policies or may release your table after a short grace period (typically 15-20 minutes). Inform them of any delays proactively.
FAQ
Warsaw restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Warsaw?
Amber Room in Śródmieście is the benchmark table — Modern Polish, led by Mateusz Kaźmierczak, michelin selected, around PLN 350-500 / USD 85-120 per person. Order the Duck breast with cherry sauce and potato dumplings; Amber Room Cake
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Warsaw?
Amber Room in Śródmieście is the modern European table to book in Warsaw (PLN 350-500 / USD 85-120 per person). Other strong options: Dyletanci, Hubertina, Kieliszki na Próżnej.
Where is the best steak and grill restaurant in Warsaw?
Butchery & Wine in Śródmieście is the steak and grill table to book in Warsaw (PLN 200-400 / USD 50-100 per person).
Where can I eat well in Warsaw without spending a fortune?
Bez Gwiazdek is the best-value table on this list at roughly PLN 150-250 / USD 35-60 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Bar Prasowy, Zapiecek, Krowarzywa Vegan Burger.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Warsaw?
For MICHELIN-selected restaurants, reserve at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Many use online booking platforms like TheFork, simplifying the process. Some establishments may require a credit card guarantee or a small deposit for larger parties or tasting menus, refundable upon attendance. Always check cancellation policies carefully to avoid charges.
What food is Warsaw famous for?
Pierogi, Żurek, Bigos, Kotlet Schabowy, Gołąbki — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. These ubiquitous Polish dumplings come with various fillings: meat, cheese and potato (ruskie), sauerkraut and mushrooms, or sweet fruit. They are typically boiled or pan-fried until golden. Find them at virtually any Polish restaurant, from casual milk bars to upscale eateries, or specializing establishments like Zapiecek Polskie Pierogarnie for variety.
Planning the rest of Warsaw?
The full Warsaw guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
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