Fine Dining

Fine dining

The adapted historic interior of Rest. Baczewskich (p.16), who serve an exquisite modern interpretation of Galician cuisine.

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.

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 Epoka

utensils Polish This fine food experience in the Europejski luxury hotel comes courtesy of ‘Top Chef Poland’ winner Marcin Przybysz, whose modern interpretations of traditional Polish cuisine can be rivalled by few. Offering Krótkie Historie (Short Stories) and Historie (Stories) tasting menus, both play on the Polish word’s connotation to ‘history,’ taking diners on a creative culinary journey in which each dish represents a different epoch (hence the name, Epoka) of Poland’s past, and is paired with wine by the professional sommeliers. The gleaming interiors simply ooze elegance and are worth a look even if you can’t stay for the full experience. Perfect for a pre-theatre meal or making someone feel very special, you won’t be underwhelmed. Note that though they stay open late, the kitchen closes at 21:30.QG‑5, ul. Ossolińskich 3, MNowy Świat‑Uniwersytet, tel. (+48) 666 11 55 66, www.epoka.restaurant. Open 18:00‑24:00; closed Mon, Sun. €€€€€. TU6

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. €€€. TBE6

PAM PAM - Where elegance and post-industrial meet!

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, PAM PAM is a classy setting for business lunches and/or couples enjoying an intimate night out.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 Emilii Plater 9/11

PREMIUM TASTE EUROPEAN KITCHEN AUTHENTICITY INTIMATE ATMOSPHERE

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. Aside the fun on offer for weekends nocturnals, Swing is also ideal for 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 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

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), so Wabu is very much a place for all walks of life! The interior is a minimal and elegantly unfussy gem, blending 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 12:0015:00, 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

Rest. Baczewskich

utensils Polish Taking its name from the Baczewski noble family of old Polish Lwów (now Lviv, Ukraine), the concept of this restaurant aims to revive and continue the spirit of interwar Poland, a time of optimism in art, culture and cuisine. More specifically, however, head chef Dmitriy Babak and his team have drawn inspiration from the historic region known as Galicia (where Lviv is located) and fused its culinary traits with numerous others from Poland and further abroad. This is one of Warsaw's most highly-regarded restaurants, and the quality of food, service and atmosphere here is nothing short of exceptional! Highly recommended! Read more about Rest. Baczewskich on p.16. QH‑11, Aleja Jana Chrystiana Szucha 17, MPolitechnika, tel. +48 888 52 26 68, www.baczewskich.rest. Open 12:00‑ 23:00. €€€€€. TUB6