Breakfast & Brunch

Drop into Chaud Pain for artisanal treats fit for Fredyryk Ciepłychlebski (as his Polish compatriots in Paris surely called him).

For some the direction of the day depends on the ability to eat a good breakfast, so we’ve highlighted some of our favourite places in Warsaw that specialise in śniadania (the Polish word for breakfast). Whether you’re an early bird that’s tired of eating worms, or a late riser that overdid it a bit last night, get a good first feed in the places listed here.

Być Może

Start your day with the aroma of coffee and croissants in this sophisticated French bakery/bistro in the heart of Powiśle. Filling breakfasts include their fresh-baked bread and are served all day. Choose from stacked bagel sandwiches, shakshuka, French toast, loaded oatmeal, granola or chia pudding bowls, or their take on the notorious Croque Madame. When it comes to our tastes, the poached egg (something we’ll never master at home) reigns supreme, and is featured in several hearty sets (Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine) we’re working our way through, and then later working off via walks along the river. Find a second location at ul. Bagatela 14 near Łazienki Park (H-12).QI‑6, ul. Dobra 22/24, tel. (+48) 519 00 00 14. Open 07:00‑22:00. TB6 Chaud Pain

A lovely French bakery and a rare encounter with a French-language pun: Chaud Pain (Hot Bread) sounds like the last name of Warsaw’s darling, Fryderyk Chopin. This airy boulangerie just off Krakowskie Przedmieście churns out artisanal breads, baguettes, croissants, pastries and other baked deliciousness. Some of their creations are turned into tasty sandwiches, which you can grab to go or enjoy at their counters with a cup of good coffee. There’s even a delicatessen section with high-quality caviar, canned seafood, meats, cheeses and more. Très chic.QG‑5, ul. Ossolińskich 3, MNowy Świat‑ Uniwersytet, tel. (+48) 797 01 29 41, www.chaudpain. pl. Open 08:30‑19:00; Sat 09:00‑19:00; Sun 08:30‑18:00. TU6

Croque Madame

A mighty fine French-style cafe, bakery and cake shop which neatly manages to walk the difficult line of being neither too trendy nor too old-fashioned, attracting a nice mix of customers as a result. The beautiful interior is all delicate whites and pale greys and the attention to every detail is immediately noticeable. Enjoy an all-day breakfast (Polish & French style), soups, entrees, freshly made sandwiches and light and colourful salads while marvelling at the daily selection of cakes and sweets. Whatever you decide to order (it’s not easy), it all comes simply, yet perfectly presented, served by staff who genuinely seem be as pleased as their customers to be there.QG‑7, ul. Nowy Świat 41, MNowy Świat‑Uniwersytet, tel. (+48) 531 43 13 00. Open 09:00‑22:00; Fri, Sat 09:00‑23:00. B6

SAM Powiśle

At this stellar bakery/bistro it all starts with their own artisanal bread, which forms the basis for many of their breakfast options (served all day), including stacked bagels, sandwiches, French toast and more. But SAM offers a wide menu of delicious, diverse and healthy dishes, including many vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free options, plus vitamin-rich juice cocktails. Taking their healthy philosophy further, everything they offer is all natural and made from scratch. With such strong credentials, and a location next to the University Library, you can bet it’s popular, so don’t be surprised by slow service at peak times; the full house of hipsters let’s you know it’s worth the wait. Also at ul. Twarda 4 (Plac Grzybowski, E-7).QH‑6, ul. Lipowa 7A, MCentrum Nauki Kopernik, tel. (+48) 600 80 60 84, www.sam.info.pl. Open 08:00‑22:00; Thu‑ Sun 09:00‑22:00. TU6

The Cool Cat

One of our favourites, The Cool Cat is part Asian-fusion bistro, part cocktail dive bar, all Varsovian awesome. If you need evidence that this laidback cult hangout has hipness to spare, they sells jars of their own vegan mayo and kimchi - they even sell shaksouka in a jar! In terms of dining in, The Cool Cat specialises in ramen (of course) and serves an iconic bao donut dessert topped with matcha ice cream and caramel miso. The best time to visit is all the time, but especially on weekends, when epic 37zł brunches are served until 14:00 (don’t sleep on this one!). They also have weekday lunch specials for only 30zł (12:00-16:00), exceptional coffee, wacky cocktails, craft beer and natural wines. Honestly, there’s no reason not to be here. 2nd location at ul. Marszałkowska 8 (H-12).QI‑7, ul. Solec 38, MCentrum Nauki Kopernik, tel. (+48) 574 81 18 16. Open 10:00‑21:00; Fri 10:00‑22:00; Sat 09:30‑ 22:00; Sun 09:30‑21:00. T6

Breakfast Market

They say it’s the most important meal of the day, but in Warsaw it’s also a cultural experience. The Breakfast Market (Targ Śniadaniowy) offers foodies a range of delicious day starters from dozens of local food producers, farms, restaurants and catering companies. Taking place outdoors in neighbourhood parks, mingle with locals, explore new parts of town and get your grub on by creating a picnic spread from the fresh foods on sale here, or choose from an array of readyto-eat meals from local producers as well. A highly social event, the Breakfast Market caters to families by organising events for kids and other attractions. Best of all, you don’t have to get there early. Occurring on weekends beginning in April and lasting until the end of September (maybe later if the weather’s nice), on Saturdays 09:0016:00 you’ll find the Breakfast Market near Plac Inwalidów (corner of Al. Wojska Polskiego and ul. Śmiała) in the leafy Żoliborz area; on Sundays from 10:00-17:00, the Market moves to the park area of Skwer AK Granat in Mokotów.Qtel. (+48) 508 12 18 91, www.targsniadaniowy.pl.

To Lubię

Escape just beyond the medieval confines of the Old Town walls to find this charmingly twee cafe specialising in coffee, cakes, quiche and delicious fruit crumbles. If you enjoy Kraków’s cosy cafe culture, this spot is right up that alley, as opposed to the capital’s overabundance of postindustrial spaces with modern, minimal furnishings. When it comes to indulging in aromatic coffee and rich cakes, we’ll take the former. Breakfast is served all day, as well as wraps and some savoury snacks. In winter this is a great spot for wrapping up in a blanket and drinking some hot cocoa or warm mead. The name translates to ‘I like this’ and indeed we do.QF‑3, ul. Freta 8, MRatusz Arsenał, tel. (+48) 22 635 90 23, www.tolubie.pl. Open 09:00‑22:00. 6