Fine Dining

Fine dining

Epoka’s design is so impressive, we’d happily eat in the kitchen (p.69).

Belvedere

utensils Polish Located inside the ‘New Orangery’ in the middle of Łazienki Park, Belvedere is one of Warsaw’s most prestigious and romantic restaurants. Essentially a mid-19th century greenhouse, this spectacular venue features floor to ceiling windows and is filled with tropical plants, including an over 100-year-old palm tree. Elegant, intimate table settings are placed amongst the indoor foliage, as well as outside, where peacocks wander the grounds. The food lives up to the first-rate atmosphere, with a concise menu of fresh seafood, meats and seasonal dishes. Consistently listed in the Michelin guide for over a decade, a glance at the prices reveals this is hardly a place to drop in after a day in the park; dare we say women are right to assume a booking here means something big is in order.QI-12, ul. Agrykoli 1 (New Orangery in Łazienki Park, entrance from ul. Parkowa), MPolitechnika, tel. (+48) 606 10 20 02, www.belvedere.com.pl. Open 12:00-22:00; Sun 12:00-17:00. €€€€. TBE BI BA BO Restaurant & Cafe NEW

utensils Polish This oddly-named restaurant refers back to Warsaw’s interwar aura of glamour, grace and fame, when ul. Nowy Świat was the capital’s entertainment epicentre - home to dozens of cabarets, theatres and cinemas. One of the most famous cabarets was ‘Bi Ba Bo’ - a place where you might hear Szpilman play piano or see Pola Negri dance with snakes. Looking to embody the ‘Roaring 20s’ of a new century, this incarnation of Bi Ba Bo pays homage to the past while meeting the modern demands of an eclectic and cultured clientele. Indulge in coffee or spirits in a nostalgic interior decorated with period sheet music and theatre posters, or try delicious Polish cuisine enriched with international flavours. Bi Ba Bo has designed a winning dining experience not by just creating an environment of good taste, but by encapsulating an entire era.QG-6/7, ul. Nowy Świat 66, MNowy Świat - Uniwersytet, tel. (+48) 513 51 97 77, www.bibabo.com.pl. Open 11:00-22:00; kitchen open 12:00-22:00, Sun 12:00-18:00. Closed Mon. €€€. TU6

Symbol & Price Key

6 Animal friendly T Child-friendly E Live music B Outside Seating C-1 Map Coordinate N Credit cards not accepted U Facilities for the disabled X Smoking room available € most mains under 25zł €€ most mains 25-45zł €€€ most mains 45-75zł €€€€ most mains 75-115zł €€€€€ most mains over 115zł

Elixir by Dom Wódki

utensils Polish When we first heard of Elixir we instinctively thought, surely someone has already thought of this? Unbelievably, nobody had - so, top marks to the masterminds behind this classy establishment. At their Vodka Atelier you can try over 600 vodkas from around Poland and the globe; the range goes from PRL era classics to Polish ‘small batch’ distillers, designer vodkas, flavoured vodkas and culminates in the staggeringly priced ‘Młody Ziemniak 2017 volare’ (25ml for 50zł). The restaurant itself features stunningly presented, contemporary takes on Polish classics with a ‘food pairing’ system which recommends specific vodkas to complement the ingredients and flavours of each dish. An Absolut (pardon the pun!) top-spot and a truly unique venue on Warsaw’s culinary map. QF-5, ul. Wierzbowa 9/11, MRatusz Arsenał, tel. (+48) 22 828 22 11, www.domwodki.pl. Open 12:00-24:00. €€€. T

Lobster House

utensils Seafood The choice of seafood venues in Warsaw (and good quality seafood in Poland as a whole, for that matter) has steadily been increasing over the last decade or so, however, it still has a reputation as being exclusive and pricey (sometimes unwarranted)! With the opening of The Lobster House, you could say the zenith is upon us! Set inside a landmark building (the ‘house without corners’) along the Royal Route, the location alone suggests a top quality venue. And it is. Inside you will find a sleek space spanning 451m2 (which comes in handy when you have 7 aquariums housing your food!), and able to host 120 people (plus more outside during summer), along with an impressive 10-metre-long bar. The food is as fresh as it possibly can be, and just delightful. This is definitely The Lobster House. QG-6, ul. Królewska 2, MNowy Świat Uniwersytet, tel. (+48) 731 00 08 47, www. lobsterhouse.pl. Open 12:00-23:00. €€€€€. TU6

Nobu Restaurant

utensils Japanese Found inside the stylish Nobu Hotel Warsaw, the Nobu Restaurant is a major part of the overall Nobu experience, a place where a mix of tastes and emotions become one. The 125-seat restaurant is a perfect place for breakfast, family meals and business refreshments, and no wonder, with the world-famous Japanese cuisine of chef Nobu Matsuhisa on the menu (chef Yannick Lohou is at the helm in Warsaw) offering signature dishes such as Yellow Tail with Jalapeno and Black Cod with Miso, Toto tartar with caviar, Beef Toban Yaki along with exclusive sakes and creative cocktails. The café offers classic Polish pastries, but also sandwiches, salads, and freshly brewed coffees and teas.QF-10, ul. Wilcza 73, MPolitechnika, tel. (+48) 22 551 88 00, www.warsaw.nobuhotels.com/dining. Open 18:00-22:00; Fri, Sat 18:00-23:00; closed Mon, Sun. €€€€. TUBE6

Nova Wola

utensils Polish Encapsulating the spirit of the restlessly developing, trendsetting Wola district, this restaurant in the Crowne Plaza Hotel absolutely nails the ‘premium casual’ dining concept. In an industrial chic interior of polished concrete, gold furnishings, lots of glass and big city views, Nova Wola delivers a decidedly modern take on Polish cuisine, composed of high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. Choose from rich soups to premium Polish seasoned beef steaks, plus a special seasonal menu, with many of the entrees available in larger portions ideal for sharing. This upscale, sociable atmosphere makes NW ideal for business, dating or get-togethers; make an evening reservation for over 5 people and get a complementary bottle of Ostoya vodka; na zdrowie!QC-8, Rondo Daszyńskiego 2, MRondo Daszyńskiego, www.novawola.com. Open 17:00-22:30. €€€. TU

PAM PAM Restaurant

utensils International Hands down one of the best places we’ve been to in recent memory. Found on the stylish ul. Emilii Plater (modern, vibrant, with a touch of pre-war class), PAM PAM had us intrigued as we walked in - a mix of classic elegance with post-industrial bare brick, and a more private, even cosy back room. The entire place has a certain sophistication to it, which is matched by the premium menu. Relax, and let the very professional wait staff do their business - ever so helpful. Special mention must also go to head chef Paweł Rumowski, whose artistic flare is visible in all of the creative and light, but filling, dishes that will glide their way to your table. Stylish food, in both taste and presentation, a classy setting for business people having lunch meetings, or couples enjoying an intimate night out, the entire package here is just wonderful.QF-9, ul. Emilii Plater 9/11, MPolitechnika, tel. (+48) 22 629 29 29, www.pampam.com.pl. Open 17:00-22:00; Sat 15:0022:00; closed Mon, Sun. €€€€.

Rozbrat 20

utensils International For all intents and purposes, faultless. A fine dining experience of the old school, though the food has a contemporary twist and packs a seriously sophisticated punch. The menu is seasonal and changes regularly. As for the wine list, it needs no introduction: it is one of the best in all of Poland, and the knowledgeable staff will help you choose the best complement to your meal. An indulgence worth going for. QI-9, ul. Rozbrat 20, tel. (+48) 690 12 52 70, www.rozbrat20.com.pl. Open 12:00-22:00; Sat 14:00-22:00; closed Mon, Sun. €€€€. B

Stary Dom

utensils Polish Not by any stretch of the imagination centrally located, but well worth the trip south for a rollicking, rustic, big-portioned, slap-happy Polish experience. Usually crowded with happy diners you will see why quickly: they get a lot right where others too often fail. Service, for example, is good, prices fair (it’s not central Warsaw, so they sensibly do not charge central Warsaw prices) and the food is well above average, occasionally inspired. On a point of trivia it is part-owned by the man who played Pope John Paul II in the incredibly successful Polish cinematic version of his life. QH-16, ul. Puławska 104/106, tel. (+48) 22 646 42 08, www.restauracjastarydom.pl. Open 12:00-23:30. €€€. T SWING Asian Fusion Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

utensils Asian High-end fusion cooking and fancy cocktails are the name of the game at this elegant, modern establishment. The menu draws inspiration from the whole of Asia, offering appetising dishes that include salmon tartare with mango and avocado, Saint James’ baked mussels, octopus with turnips, and beef tenderloin with oyster sauce. Make sure to ‘swing’ by on Fri & Sat after 19:00 to see this venue live up to its name, as retro jazz concerts juice the crowd. In addition to being a fun night out on weekends, Swing is a perfect place for organising business meetings, formal dinners and all sorts of celebrations.QG-7, ul. Chmielna 2 (ul. Nowy Świat 31), MNowy Świat-Uniwersytet, tel. (+48) 667 98 88 88, www.swingrestauracja.pl. Open 12:00-24:00. €€€. E6

Thai Thai

utensils Thai Run by Warsaw’s Godfather of Thai cuisine, Surachart Urajaroen, this restaurant is 100% the real deal. No messing around with fusion concepts or little Polish additions. The Thai kitchen team stick firmly to tradition, and the spectacular results have earned a Thai Select certificate. Inside the National Theatre, the exterior of hefty, grey stonework gives no inkling of the opulence that awaits. Black walls with Thai designs and gold archways create a calming environment. The well laid out dining area also offers several more private spaces, great for business meetings or intimate dinner dates. Business lunch is served Mon-Fri 12:00-16:00 for 35zł.QF-5, Pl. Teatralny 3, MRatusz Arsenał, tel. (+48) 601 81 82 83, www.thaithai.pl/ thai-thai-warszawa. Open 12:00-23:00. €€€. XT

U Fukiera

utensils Polish Warsaw’s oldest and most famous restaurant, U Fukiera represents a Polish culinary tradition going all the way back to the 16th century! Under the star stewardship of celebrity restaurateur Magda Gessler (of Polish MasterChef fame), this enchanting establishment’s interior is a work of art, bedecked with grand oil paintings and ornate antiques, all blending with the tastes and scents of your stately and sophisticated food to create a fantastic ambience. Dining here gives you the impression that you have become part of a grand historical tradition, and the guestbook - harbouring such haughty names as Naomi Campbell, Henry Kissinger and Sarah Ferguson (to name but a few) - would suggest that, indeed, you have. Right on the Rynek in the heart of Warsaw’s Old Town, enjoy the delicious, perfectly-presented food and soak up the regal atmosphere. If you’re curious, check out their website for a 360-degree multimedia tour of the venue before you go - quite fun!QF-4, Rynek Starego Miasta 27, MRatusz Arsenał, tel. (+48) 600 99 99 33, www.ufukiera.pl. Open 12:00-23:00. €€€€. TB6 Wabu Sushi & Japanese Tapas

utensils Japanese Sometimes stiff formality and pretence go hand in hand with fine dining, and though the food may be great, the overall experience can be a bit awkward or even, ugh...tiring. As such, it’s nice to experience exclusive dining in the Japanese Izakaya style (informal eating). Wabu is very much a place for all types of people, from businessmen to couples to tourists and even families, so relax and enjoy. The interior is a minimal and elegantly unfussy gem, going for that old Japanese look, and blending in nicely with its modern surroundings on Plac Europejski. The menu is varied, inclusive of what you’d expect in sushi restaurants, however, Wabu also provides a special menu for kids, and a mighty lunch offer Mon-Fri (12:00-15:00, soup and 12 pieces of sushi for 39zł). The alcohol selection is extensive and bound to please everybody. Simple and elegant, Wabu has our hearty endorsement.QC-7, Plac Europejski 2, MRondo Daszyńskiego, tel. (+48) 668 92 59 59, www.wabu.pl. Open 12:00-23:00. Kitchen open until 22:30. €€€€. TUB6