The 10 best local food restaurants in Warsaw serve traditional Polish dishes, ranging from a 30 PLN lunch at a milk bar to a 500 PLN tasting menu.

Which local food restaurant for you

  • Best for a cheap, fast lunch: Bar Bambino
  • Best for an upscale date: Epoka
  • Best for large families: Restauracja Różana
  • Best for sharing regional dishes: Specjały Regionalne
  • Best for a 1930s vibe: U Wieniawy
  • Best for modern twists on old recipes: Bez Gwiazdek
  • Best for steak tartare: Soul Kitchen
  • Best for a quick neighborhood bite: Przegryź
  • Best for authentic pierogi: Zapiecek
  • Best for a historic experience: U Fukiera

Bar Bambino

This is the pick for a fast, cheap meal in Śródmieście. It is a traditional "milk bar" (bar mleczny) that serves classic Polish comfort food. A full plate of pierogi costs around 25 PLN. It gets busy during the lunch rush, so expect to wait in line.

Epoka

Epoka is the choice for a high-end date or celebration near the Old Town. Chef Marcin Przybysz uses recipes from the 16th to 19th centuries to create a modern tasting menu. The short menu starts at around 450 PLN per person. You need to book weeks in advance.

Restauracja Różana

Różana is the pick for a family dinner in Mokotów. The dining room has a classic feel with live piano music, and it serves large portions of traditional meat and potato dishes. A main course like roast duck costs around 90 PLN. They have a garden, but you need to request a table there when booking.

Specjały Regionalne

This is the choice for visitors who want to try ingredients from all over Poland. Located on Nowy Świat, it focuses on high-quality regional products. A main dish costs around 60 PLN. It is very central, making it an easy stop after walking the Royal Route.

U Wieniawy

U Wieniawy is the pick for those who want to experience interwar Warsaw. The restaurant recreates the elegant 1930s atmosphere with dishes like veal schnitzel. Expect to pay around 120 PLN for a main course. It is located near Piłsudski Square and requires smart casual dress.

Bez Gwiazdek

This is the choice for food lovers who want a modern take on regional food. Located in Powiśle, the restaurant changes its tasting menu every month to focus on a different region of Poland. The tasting menu costs about 300 PLN. You must book a table ahead of time.

Soul Kitchen

Soul Kitchen is the pick for upscale traditional dining near the center. It is famous for its steak tartare and excellent wine list. A main course runs about 80 PLN. The restaurant is hidden in a courtyard, so check the street number carefully before you go.

Przegryź

This is the choice for a relaxed neighborhood meal. Located on Mokotowska Street, it is popular with locals for its casual vibe and comfort food like beetroot soup and cutlets. A meal costs around 50 PLN. They do not always take reservations, so you might need to wait for a table.

Zapiecek

Zapiecek is the pick for a quick stop to eat pierogi. They have several branches across the city, including in the Old Town. A plate of pierogi costs around 40 PLN. It is very popular with tourists, so the Old Town branches are often crowded.

U Fukiera

U Fukiera is the choice for a historic meal right on the Old Town Market Square. Owned by a famous Polish chef, it serves rich, traditional dishes in a very decorated setting. Main courses start around 100 PLN. It is one of the most famous restaurants in the city, so booking is highly recommended.

For a cheap taste of local food, start at a milk bar like Bar Bambino, but save a night for a modern menu at Epoka or Bez Gwiazdek.