Hot on the heels of hosting Europe’s premier football event, Warsaw’s dining scene is thriving and expanding with diverse selection of eateries.

by Anna J. Kutor

Dom Polski

While much of the local cuisine tends to come in the hearty and affordable
meat-and-cabbage variety, the elegant and upscale Dom Polski aspires to greater
things. Set on a quiet corner of Warsaw’s leafy Saska Kepa neighborhood, inside a grand two-floor building,
this gourmet spot pleases discerning palates with a sophisticated atmosphere,
white-glove service and traditional flavors made with contemporary culinary
flair. The classics are executed flawlessly: sour beetroot soup, dumplings with
a variety of fillings, smoked salmon and juicy catfish with peppers and
spinach. But it’s the progressive seasonal offerings that make the strongest
impression, including veal liver served with apples and onions and zucchini
pancakes topped with smoked trout. Eating here feels like having a Polish grandma with an added gourmet touch.

Le Cedre

After earning a great reputation for their decadent decor and authentic Lebanese kitchen in Warsaw’s
artsy Praga precinct, Le Cedre turned up their Middle Eastern charm by opening
a “big sister” outlet closer to the heart of town. The new locale is
even more lush and exotic, with plum and gold hues accented with dark woods and
native artwork, and the attentive service makes
life all the more pleasant for patrons. But it’s not just about appearance -
the food too offers a lavish assortment of Lebanese inspirations that include the
predictable (hummus, falafel, tabbouleh and baba ghannouj), but also feature a
few newfangled dishes (fried trout served with sesame sauce). With the
seductive treats, admirable attention to detail, and slick
service, it’s a good spot to impress a date or even a visiting business
associate.

Qchnia Artystyczna

With a finger on the pulse of style and gastro trends, high-spirited owner Marta Gessler has kept
this creative culinary institution at the forefront of Warsaw fine dining scene
throughout its two decades of operation. An air of artful finesse permeates Qchnia Artystyczna, from the stylish setup inside the Ujazdowki Castle - a former king’s residence
that also houses the Centre of Contemporary Art - to a  menu that melds homespun
with interest-piquing nouveau twists. The design is a visual palate-cleanser of
crisp-white furnishings, offbeat wall art and floor-to-ceiling windows
overlooking the lush parklands below. Among the changing array of seasonal
treats, fusion-style soups and locally-sourced fish dishes steal the show.
The chill of autumn is forgotten in the face of cream
of pumpkin soup with ginger and coconut milk; red
lentil soup with tomatoes and chili; and whole sea bass with avocado mousse.