Breakfast & Brunch

Aromatic coffee from freshly-groud beans at ETNO Cafe in Browary Warszawskie (p.14).

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. To6 Charlotte. Chleb i Wino

Enjoy buttery croissants with jam or traditional egg dishes for breakfast or anytime really since trendy Charlotte slings breakfast all day. You can rest assured that all the ingredients used are sourced locally, and vary depeneding on the season. Their chocolates and jams are made with home recipes, giving that extra dose of niceness which will make you smile. Visit their other spots at ul. Próżna 7, Nowy Świat 6/12 and ul. Kieślowskiego 7.QG-10, Al. Wyzwolenia 18 (entrance from Pl. Zbawiciela), MPolitechnika, tel. (+48) 508 90 92 22, www.bistrocharlotte.com. Open 07:00-24:00; Fri 07:00-01:00; Sat 08:00-01:00; Sun 08:00-24:00. T6

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 (p.49). 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 ŚwiatUniwersytet, 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 oldfashioned, 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. o6

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; Sat, 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. 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 (12:0016:00), 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

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 09:0022:00. €. 6