Food Markets

Browary Warszawskie - Food Hall Browary

The popularity of street food and fancy fast food concepts has led to an explosion of food markets and indoor dining halls in Warsaw, offering dozens of diverse eating options. Not only a place to slay your hunger, these modern food markets are also trendsetting urban social spaces, featuring bars and hosting events. Check out these cool indoor food markets and see p.12 for their seasonal outdoor counterparts.

Food Hall Browary

Occupying a large, brick-walled space in the historic Brewery Cellars (Leżakownia), this impressive new food hall is arguably the social centre of the Browary Warszawskie district (p.20). With 12 different contemporary food concepts to choose from - ranging from Silk & Spicy’s authentic Thai cuisine to Dziurka od Klucza’s new panozzo sandwich venture, ‘a’Panu occo?!’ - there are plenty of enticing options, including a wide selection of breakfasts and special lunch offers. The focal point is the impressively large Central Bar, well-stocked with craft beer, fine wine, and cool cocktails courtesy of veteran bartender and bar manager Karim Bibars. Grab a seat at a communal table and get socializing.QC-7, ul. Haberbuscha i Schielego 2, MRondo Daszyńskiego, www.foodhallbrowary.pl. Open 12:00-22:00; Fri, Sat 12:00-24:00. Elektrownia Powiśle

From the outside, it’s obvious that this former power station has been given a new boost of energy following a major overhaul. Essentially an upscale urban shopping mall, EP also contains a whole host of gastro eateries, bars and event spaces. The central food court offers 17 street food stalls and restaurants, plus there are several more restaurants in the office buildings opposite. You’re spoilt for choice, so let your mood and budget decide (not easy!). Once you’re done dining, check out their bars - Kandela, Centrala and Elektryk - and also keep a regular eye on their events calendar so you don’t miss hip foodie happenings like their ‘Eko Targ’ (Eco Market), selling GMO-free locally-grown produce.QH-6, ul. Zajęcza 2B, MCentrum Nauki Kopernik, tel. (+48) 22 128 56 00, www.elektrowniapowisle.com. Open 12:00-22:00; Fri 12:00-02:00; Sat 11:00-02:00; Sun 11:00-22:00.

Hala Gwardii

The grimier twin number of Hala Mirowska - its adjacent neighbour to the west (p.96) - these two enormous brick buildings were built as market halls at the turn of the century. Miraculous survivors of WWII, while Mirowska quickly returned to its function as a vast indoor market where you can buy almost anything, Hala Gwardii served as a bus depot, eventually becoming a sports hall and home to the ‘Gwardia’ Policemen’s Sports Club - hence the name. Today it still features a boxing ring, small boxing museum and portraits of Polish boxing legends on the walls, but since 2017 has returned to a modern version of its roots - as an eclectic indoor food hall and hipster marketplace focused on local and organic products. The neglected exterior gives it an alternative edge, while inside you have dozens of the city’s top gastro concepts to choose from, plus coffee, alcohol and other drinks, as well as a market of local food products. Worth checking out each weekend for frequent food festivals and other very cool events.QE-6, Plac Żelaznej Bramy 1, MRondo ONZ, www.halagwardii.pl. Open Fri, Sat 09:00-01:00; Sun 10:00-21:30 only. 6 Hala Koszyki

From the outset Hala Koszyki has managed to raise the love and hate hackles of the city’s ‘out on the town’ set. How many world cuisine eateries of various sizes can you squeeze into one space? Actually, due to its popularity, fate may decide what you’ll eat as tables are packed most times of the day or night. Amazingly popular amongst the young and the beautiful, Hala K will probably remain THE place to be seen for some time to come - mainly because it’s easy to be seen due to its open plan layout. Top class little independent bistros sit next to some of Warsaw’s chain restaurants, like Tuk Tuk, Port Royal and the biggest restaurateurs including Mateusz Gessler’s gastronomic outposts - Ćma and Warszawski Sen. The main hall has some brilliant food on offer, with stalls offering flavours from all over the world. There are of course some shops here too, however, in reality, they’ll always play second fiddle to the top class dining area. Even if you can’t find a table at any of the cool eateries and bars, we urge you to spend some time taking in this stunning market hall. Don’t forget to look up, down, sideways etc. as beautiful hidden details abound!QF-10, ul. Koszykowa 63, MPolitechnika, www.koszyki.com. Open 08:00-01:00.

Sophisticated company in Woda Ognista (p.85)

Nightlife in Warsaw

There was a time not long ago when a bar in Warsaw was just a dull place to go and get drunk - that’s it. Though the concept of a bar as a social venue is still relatively new, the choice of modern venues - whether cool dive joints or sleek exclusive cocktail bars - is now immense. Go enjoy yourself and na zdrowie (cheers)!