Stylish hotels, state-of-the-art galleries, vibrant nightlife… and a bubbling culinary scene! Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is in perpetual motion. Proof by plate.
Before going on the attack on the Varso grocery store, we will check into the Warsaw Hotel. This Art Deco skyscraper, built between 1931 and 1933, is one of the symbols of Polish architecture between the wars. Majestically towering over the capital from a height of 66 meters, at the time of construction it was the second tallest building in Europe. Heavily damaged during the war, like the rest of the city, it was beautifully renovated and reopened as a luxury hotel in 2018.
The original massive steel and reinforced concrete foundation miraculously combines wood, stone, copper and glass to create a breathtaking industrial and cozy design. Style to be found in each of the 142 rooms, as well as two restaurants, a bar and a spa located in spacious basements.
ALEVINO
Originally a wine merchant, Alewino has evolved into a wine bar and restaurant that brilliantly reinterprets traditional Polish recipes. Vals of regional and seasonal products with a selection of 250 wines available on tap, mainly from small producers and importers. Should the coffee shoot prove fatal or give you naughty ideas, there are four rooms available.
YUMICO VEGAN SUSHI
Located in the heart of the trendy district, Yumiko is one of the favorite restaurants of many Varso vegans. But not only. Their sushi with fresh grilled vegetables or pickles will conquer the most incorrigible skeptics! Two steps away, in the vegetarian section, let yourself be seduced by Leonardo Verde (Italian) or Tel Aviv.
KELISHKI ON PRUZNE
Very close to the bucolic Saxon Garden, in the old Jewish quarter, one of the temples of Warsaw bistronomy. Sleek décor that highlights the black bar topped with a good thousand wine glasses. Enough to get a gurgle of the hundreds of references the restaurant has (in particular the wide selection of Italian wines). On a plate of goose breast, lamb shank, sturgeon, cod or herring, new vegetables and risotto, which the chef was so kind to present to them on this day, are elegantly placed.
RESTAURANT DANGEROUS TOM
Former 1920s cabaret on two levels, boldly rebuilt by Buck.Studio, originally from Wroclaw. It serves modern Polish cuisine in a colorful labyrinth of interconnected spaces of various sizes: a bar, a reading room, a cellar… and a semi-open kitchen where inventive dishes are prepared inspired by the principles of slow food. The tasting menu with food and wine pairing is a must.
ZAPECHEK AND GOSINETS
Two brands offering excellent traditional Polish cuisine. The perfect place to enjoy vareniki, a kind of large ravioli stuffed with mashed potatoes, cheese blanc, meat or cabbage, and also, in a sweet version, with fresh fruit. While you’re there, try bigos, Polish sauerkraut, krupnik, oatmeal soup or makovets, poppy seed buns.
TAISTI AND SPACHKA NAPLES
Two of the best addresses for a touch of the exotic in the country of cabbage, pork in all its manifestations and beetroot soup. Spacca Napoli: an authentic Neapolitan family trattoria that seems to have been transported from Campania to Varso. Everything is there, as it should be, simple, unpretentious and simply divine. Their pizza in particular… is only matched by Nonna Pizzeria, another establishment. As for Taysti, the place is considered the best Thai in the country. Hailing from Bangkok, the chef delivers perfectly spiced cuisine that combines classics and innovations, along with an ever-changing menu. We are waiting for you for a crispy oyster mushroom salad! A stone’s throw away, don’t miss the great pavlova (a very popular dessert here) at Der Elefant.
HALA KOSZYKI, ELEKTROWNIA POWIŚLE, PRAGA KONESER CENTER
The former Art Nouveau market hall, the magnificently restored Hala Koszyki now houses about twenty pleasant little restaurants. Tapas, sushi, seafood, poke bowls… take your pick. The place comes alive in the evening…perfect for a drink during a snack. In the same vein, a stone’s throw from the Vistula and its picturesque banks (the realm of sun loungers, bike paths and barge bars), don’t miss Elektrownia Powiśle, a power plant converted into a food court/event space. And in a bustling area of Prague, the former Koneser vodka distillery has been transformed into a complex with chic lofts, stylish bars and restaurants, the Google Campus and the Vodka Museum!
Hotel Warsaw
https://warszawa.hotel.com.pl/hotel-warszawa
Note: from 180 euros for a double room
Mandatory: Take advantage of the luxury spa
Tip: ask for a room on the upper floors: the view of Varso is breathtaking!
Prepare for your trip: with the Polish National Tourist Office
www.poland.travel
Charming rental with Abritel
www.abritel.fr
Specializing in holiday rentals for families and groups of friends, Abritel has over 2 million rentals in 190 countries. Including many magnificent apartments and villas in Warsaw and throughout Poland!
Sebastien Bardos