Fine Dining

Fine dining

Epoka’s design is so impressive, we’d happily eat in the kitchen (p.75).

If you want to splash out on some of Warsaw's finest cuisine, we definitely have you covered - testing the food was our pleasure. Whether you're looking for the right venue to impress a potential client, romantic partner or celebrate any kind of special moment, the following pages will keep you right. Bear in mind that reservations are almost essential in any of these venues.

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, and a brunch menu is served Sundays. 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

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 12:00‑22:00; Tue 17:00‑ 22:00; Sun 12:00‑18:00; closed Mon. €€€. TU6

Boathouse

utensils Seafood One of the longest-running restaurants on the Warsaw market (we had our launch party there way back in 2001), Boathouse doesn’t just have a garden, they have an entire park, and the first floor balcony is a sunset winner. Even sweeter, they are located just metres from the beach on the Saska Kępa riverside. Due to such a stunning location and plenty of space, this is a popular one for business conferences, wedding parties and other special occassions. Don’t let that stop you from visiting, however - the smart, relaxed interior, lobster bisque, fresh seafood and rotating list of world wines, recommended by their expert sommelier, are worth it. They also host a highly popular Sunday brunch, which includes a buffet, live cooking and an open bar (12:00-18:00, 219zł/adult).QL‑9, ul. Wał Miedzeszyński 389A, tel. (+48) 22 616 32 23, www.boathouse.pl. Open 12:00‑ 22:00; Sun 12:00‑18:00; closed Mon. €€€€. TUB

BI BA BO.

Der Elefant

utensils International Opened back in 1990, this long-running establishment is spread over various rooms and floors, with a choice of dining experiences. From the street you’ll find their diner-style seafood bar with plenty of fresh fish; alternatively, enter through the courtyard to find a mock shop inside which you’ll see the chefs racing to fill the rapid flow of orders. The concise but diverse menu offers a choice of hot and cold starters (including the recommended Hemingway’s Oyster), burgers, steaks, seafood and some salad and pasta options. They also have a MonFri lunch offer of soup, entree and dessert for 30zł. An attractive layout and prices lower than you would expect considering the location make Der Elefant insanely popular. QE‑5, Pl. Bankowy 1, MRatusz Arsenał, tel. (+48) 22 890 00 10, www.derelefant.pl. Open 12:00‑24:00. €€€. TUBE Emilii Plater 9/11

PREMIUM TASTE EUROPEAN KITCHEN AUTHENTICITY INTIMATE ATMOSPHERE

Klonn

utensils International Nature, food and art intersect at this lovely restaurant enviably located metres from Ujazdowski Castle. The owners have brought their knack for design to the artsy, elegant interiors, while the outside seating envelops a 200-year-old tree. Head chef Michał Gniadek, awarded by Michelin and Gault & Millau, creates exquisite dishes out of fresh, seasonal ingredients, many of which are designed for sharing. The octopus is particularly buttery and delicious, there are dishes for children, and the wine list is truly excellent. Honestly, a visit here is so rewarding, it makes a trip to the nearby museums and parks that much more enticing. Don’t miss it.QH‑11, ul. Jazdów 1B, MPolitechnika, tel. (+48) 22 100 63 63, www.klonn. pl. Open 17:00‑22:00; Sat 12:00‑22:00; Sun 12:00‑20:00; closed Mon, Tue. €€€. TBE6

PAM PAM

utensils International PAM PAM intrigues as soon as you enter its interior - a mix of classic elegance and bare brick. The entire place has a certain sophistication, which is matched by the premium menu and very professional wait staff. Special mention goes to head chef Paweł Rumowski, whose artistic flair is visible in all of the creative and light, but filling dishes that leave the kitchen. Stylish food, in both taste and presentation, a classy setting for a business lunch or 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 15:00‑22:00; closed Mon, Sun. €€€€. B

Seafood Station Restaurant & Oyster Bar

utensils Seafood Just metres from the train station, this large, classy restaurant offers fresh, exquisite seafood combined with locally-sourced ingredients for one of the best meals in town. Enjoy Oysters Rockefeller, lobster, king crab, grilled tuna steak or traditional fish and chips, accompanied with wine, beer or a classic cocktail. The spacious, industrial design features an open kitchen, mezzanine, marble tables and regal touches galore, while rooting its inspiration in working class fish markets (lots of tile). The food may be simple, but the ingredients are simply top-notch and really emphasise the bounty of the sea. A feast fit for Neptune!QD/E‑9, Aleje Jerozolimskie 93, MRondo ONZ, tel. (+48) 22 660 22 66, www.seafoodstation.pl. Open 12:00‑23:00; Fri, Sat 12:00‑24:00; Sun 12:00‑22:00. €€€. UB6 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. Nowy Świat 31, MNowy Świat‑Uniwersytet, tel. (+48) 667 98 88 88, www.swingrestauracja.pl. Open 12:00‑23:00; Fri, Sat 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 making compromises. 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 39zł.QF‑5, Pl. Teatralny 3, MRatusz Arsenał, tel. (+48) 601 81 82 83, www. thaithai.pl/thai‑thai‑warszawa/. Open 12:00‑22:30. €€€. XT

U Fukiera

utensils Polish Warsaw’s oldest and most famous restaurant, with a tradition going all the way back to the 16th century. Under the star stewardship of Magda Gessler (of Polish MasterChef fame), this enchanting establishment’s interior is a work of art, bedecked with oil paintings and ornate antiques, creating a fantastic ambience. It’s easy to feel like you’re a part of history when dining here, and the guestbook - with such haughty names as Naomi Campbell, Henry Kissinger and Sarah Ferguson - suggests that indeed you are. Right on the Old Town Square, enjoy the delicious, perfectly-presented food and soak up the regal atmosphere.QF‑4, Rynek Starego Miasta 27, MRatusz Arsenał, tel. (+48) 600 99 99 33, www. ufukiera.pl. Open 12:00‑23:00. €€€€. TB6

U Kucharzy w Arsenale

utensils Polish Located in a 17th century building once used as a royal arms warehouse, this long-running restaurant boasts a contemporary interior infused with greenery, while still highlighting the space’s historic elements. With a huge kitchen island in the middle, watching the cooks prepare your meal is good theatre, and creates a unique dining environment for enjoying the exquisite Polish cuisine, including lots of courtly game dishes, rich soups and fresh fish. To save some coin, order from the ‘Farina Bistro’ submenu of pizzas, pastas and other simple Italian dishes. Overall, an excellent choice, right near lovely Krasiński Garden.QE‑5, ul. Długa 52, MRatusz Arsenał, tel. (+48) 885 88 61 50, www.ukucharzy.pl. Open 12:00‑ 22:00. €€€. ATUE

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, that blends in nicely with its modern surroundings on Plac Europejski. The menu is extensive and diverse, and includes a special menu for kids, and a mighty lunch offer (Mon-Fri 12:00-15:00, soup and 8 pieces of sushi for 49zł). 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. €€€€. TUB6