Best Of… Europe

Broad as Europe is, we’ve cherry-picked some of our favorite specific tastes to be relished in Warsaw…

Le Braci

Górnośląska 24

You enter to be greeted by an installation featuring a tower of assorted ceramic waste before turning into a long, narrow room decorated in soothing forest shades. Evoking images of starry nights, the lighting casts a pleasing glow on a dining area whose statement piece is a beautifully backlit bar. You’ll love the interior, but the food even more. Last year, that meant small starter plates that introduced nibbly bits of modern Italy followed by a creamy, thick porcini risotto with chestnuts and a beef fillet with raisins, pine nuts and shallots.

Bibenda

Nowogrodzka 10

Preserving the prewar heritage of the building, the warm interiors of Bibenda feel ripe for a special night out with friends – with no reservations taken, queues can snake outside the door. Working both as a bar and restaurant, the now meat-free menu is creative and deals only with the best small-scale suppliers: recently, we’ve enjoyed roasted pumpkin with sheep’s milk feta, goat yogurt, and tomato fenugreek sauce.

BUTCHERY & WINE

Żurawia 22

When Butchery opened in 2011 it completely transformed the way Poland viewed its steak. The first ‘new wave’ meat joint in the country, it’s launch lit the fuse for a steak revolution. Now an institution in its own right, this cosmopolitan spot remains one of the most sought out bookings in the capital.

Klonn

Jazdów 1B

Named after the illuminated maple tree outside, the parkland setting proves a brilliant backdrop for this dark and arty restaurant. Chef Michał Gniadek has lived up to his early potential to build a small menu that is international in scope but (mainly) local in its components. The flavors are exceptional and are a fantasy of skill.

La Luce

Poznańska 37

Touting a high end interior of raw brick, white tablecloths, heirloom pieces and vintage pictures of Italian entertainers, La Luce unfurls in a series of chambers that soothe the soul; this look is in character with a menu that presents sophisticated Italian dishes, own-made black pasta, premium seafood, house focaccia and an outstanding Black Angus striploin. The sophisticated negronis crown this pleasure well.

Mi Sny

Walecznych 64

To some, it’s the best butcher for miles. To others, one of the greatest informal restaurants that Warsaw’s ever had. The truth is, Mięsny is actually both: where the latter is concerned, their steaks have no peer. For the budget-minded, the daily-changing lunch deal often hits perfect marks.

Pollypizza Neopolitan

Puławska 24

Spliced with a glitzy leopard-shaped pizza cutter, the pies at Polly have attained quite a following ever since this place burst onto the scene. Featuring CBD oil, the Legalize Marinara is indicative of their slightly wacky approach – as too is a design that includes disco balls, cord banquettes, neons and other retro-cool touches.