Poland » Dining in Warsaw

Warsaw is one of the best places to eat in central Europe. Alongside a good smattering of restaurants specializing in traditional Polish cuisine, there's a welcome trend towards culinary variety modern European and Mediterranean-influenced dishes have made their way onto most restaurant menus, and ethnic establishments offering anything from Jewish to Japanese cuisine are well established.

In the cafe scene also, a wealth of new or renovated places has sprung up in the past few years, offering everything from the most calorific haunts to down-to-earth student hangouts. Cakes and pastries, worthy of the best of central Europe, are easy to come by, and if you follow the traditional local example, you'll undoubtedly find yourself passing many hours musing over the edge of a cup of coffee or, Russian-style, a cup of tea.

One of Warsaw’s specialties is its Italian restaurants. The presence of a large Italian business community means that quality and standards are high. Some of the best Italian cuisine in the region is cooked up here. Venezia is locally famous and Balgera, newcomer, offers superb northern Italian dishes. Chianti is one of the most romantic restaurants, while Roma Cafe is charming. Verona offers style and good food and Vera Italia attracts lots of Italians. Parmizzanos in the Marriott Hotel uses only the finest ingredients while San Marzano provides fast service and creative dishes.

If you're after a fun and festive atmosphere, Warsaw has that as well. Blue Cactus has recognized itself as one of the cities favourite get-together locations. Santorini, with its wonderful Greek decor is also lively. El Popo is close to several trendy bars and feels alive on any night of the week. Grand Kredens decorated in an artistically put together mixture of styles is also a great choice for a group. Bars with a similar atmosphere are Lolek, Harenda and Lokomotywa.