Fine Dining

Fine dining

Enjoy succulent artisanal dining at Elixir (p.73), wonderfully located with a view of Warsaw’s National Theatre.

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.

AleGloria

utensils Polish Magnificent, enjoyably over-the-top restaurant in the finest part of Warsaw where the strawberrythemed decor appears amazingly at home and where their take on modern Polish cuisine will leave you determined to come back for more. AleGloria is another successful gastronomic venture looked over by the discerning eye of Magda Gessler (for those who don’t know the name, she is Poland’s most successful celebrity chef) and, therefore, it makes sense how such a restaurant can so seamlessly present the pure pleasure and simplicity of Polish cuisine while at the same time elevating it to worldclass gourmet standards! Amongst the tantalising dishes with lavish descriptions on the menu, goose meat makes a lot of regular appearances, as well as other eccentric birds like ducks and gamey cuts of venison. The ‘pierogi according to Magda Gessler’ section features an especially-fascinating filling - black pudding and cinnamon, with beef tail, mushrooms, Gorgonzola, spinach and pike! Delicious! The whimsical interior includes an illuminated salt-brick bar, with an impressive range of alcoholic beverages, including a concise list of red and white wines. Matching the boarding and fluffy bits hanging off the chandelier is a bright white upright piano, which regularly serenades the guests. AleGloria is far from a dim-lit affair, and an dine-in here is an absolutely delightful experience. Highly recommended, of course!QH-9, Pl. Trzech Krzyży 3, MCentrum, tel. (+48) 22 584 70 80, www.alegloria.pl. Open 12:00-22:00; Sun 12:00-21:00. €€€€. TU

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. €€€. TUoE

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 pretheatre 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 18:0024:00; closed Mon, Sun. €€€€€. TU6

Klonn

utensils International Enviably located metres from Ujazdowski Castle (p.62) and Łazienki Park (p.48), Klonn sees nature, food, culture and art seemlessly intersect. The new owners have brought their knowledge of architecture and knack for design to the interiors, bringing an artsy elegance to the modern space, which has included extending an outdoor patio to envelop the 200-yearold tree standing in the park here. Michał Gniadek, scooping awards from Michelin and Gault & Millau, heads the kitchen, and creates exquisite dishes out of fresh, seasonal, local ingredients, many of which are designed for sharing. The octopus is particularly buttery and delicious, while the bone marrow appetiser is another unique opportunity to challenge your tastes. There are also dishes for children, and the wine list is truly excellent. Honestly, a visit here is so rewarding, that 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 12:0022:00; Sun 12:00-20:00; closed Mon. €€€. ToE6

Rest. Baczewskich

utensils Polish The ‘20s and ‘30s of the last century are often remembered with a great sense of nostalgia, and the vision of a young and newly-independent Poland is no different. It is this legacy of art, culture and culinary traditions, that have been embraced by Warsaw’s Rest. Baczewskich, where every dish that finds its way to your table is a vivid interpretation of everything that the previous centuries have given us. The heart and soul of the Rest.Baczewskich concept is Dmitriy Babak, born and raised in Lviv, Ukraine, a student of the Basque Culinary Center in San Sebastian, Spain, and an intern of prestigious restaurants in Warsaw and London, including “Dinner” by Heston Blumenthal, which boasts 2 Michellin stars. However, it’s Babak’s home region, historically known as Galicia, that truly defines the food concept here. This multicultural region and its unique cuisine has inspired the team to source from their own smokehouse, not to mention their own bakery section, as well as necessary ingredients for unique sweets, desserts and liqueurs. The agrarian south-eastern corner of interwar Poland (now Ukraine) gives things a slightly rustic touch, as well as varying the menu for seasonal dishes to keep the offer varied and exciting for the many return visitors that have been turned on to the magic of this place! Additionally, the Baczewskich Bar has one of the biggest ranges of liqueurs in Poland, showing off over 100 different flavors that bolster the already sizeable list of classic beverages. Lavish events and old-school cabaret numbers are also an essential part of the Baczewskich experience. A must dine!QH-11, Aleja Jana Chrystiana Szucha 17/19, MPolitechnika, tel. +48 888 52 26 68, www.baczewskich.rest. Open 12:0023:00. €€€€€. TUo6 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. €€€. U6

SWING Asian Fusion Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

utensils Asian High-end fusion cooking and fancy cocktails are the name of the game at this fine establishment. The menu draws inspiration from the whole of Asia, offering appetising dishes like salmon tartare with mango and avocado, St. 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. A fun night out on weekends, Swing is also perfect for any business, formal and all else.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 12:0024:00. €€€. E6

Thai Thai

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 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. Kitchen open until 22:30. Restaurant closes at 23:00!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. €€€€. T6

U Kucharzy w Arsenale

utensils Polish Located in the city arsenal - a 17th century building once used as a royal arms warehouse - this longrunning restaurant has come back from renovation with more contemporary touches and an infusion of greenery, while still highlighting the space’s original historic elements. Aptly dubbed ‘At the Chefs’ due to the huge kitchen island in the middle, watching the cooks prepare your meal is good theatre, and creates a unique dining environment. This team outputs exquisite Polish and European cuisine, including lots of courtly game dishes, rich soups and fresh fish - all of it skillfully prepared and elegantly presented.QE-5, ul. Długa 52, MRatusz Arsenał, tel. (+48) 885 88 61 50, www.ukucharzy.pl. Open 12:00-22:00. €€€. TUE

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. €€€€. TUo6