Restaurants STEAK
Beef n’ Pepper
BEEF N’ PEPPER Hidden away in a small alleyway alongside the famous Roma Theatre, the exterior may well look like you’re about to enter a 1970’s shopping mall, but inside it’s a smart, urban steakhouse and bar. Expect top grade Polish cattle (28 days wet-aged) - the quality is excellent and the fact that they use the finest local meat means prices are surprisingly reasonable. Seafood options and Louisiana Chicken Wings struggle for a look-in as beef rules. In addition to a fine wine list, the slick bar also has a brilliant selection of whiskies and bourbons. Live music is available every Tuesday from 19:00.QF‑9, ul. Nowogrodzka 47A, MCentrum, tel. (+48) 785 02 50 25, www.beefandpepper.pl. Open 12:00-24:00; Sun 12:00-23:00. €€€€. TE6 BUTCHERY & WINE A wonderful addition to the Warsaw dining scene winning points for originality and simplicity. This bright, modern, relaxed venue has an open kitchen and enough wine on display to float a battleship. The menu features a range of real steaks prepared exactly to order and served on wooden boards with additional sauce and side options.QG‑8, ul. Żurawia 22/20, MCentrum, tel. (+48) 22 502 31 18, www.butcheryandwine.pl. Open 12:00-22:00; Sun 12:00-20:00. €€€€. T MERLINIEGO Restaurants using their address as a name tend to be pretty special and Merliniego is a damn good example. Well known for their steaks and seafoods the menu also includes some excellent Polish highlights like goose breast and beef cheeks to grilled octopus, tuna steak and Scottish salmon. Steaks include black Angus rib eye (imported from Ottomanelli & Sons of New York) and the staggeringly pricey +9 Wagyu Kobe. The two level interior is rich in deep colours, raw brickwork and exotic woods. Marvel at the vast wine display as you enter. Michelin recommended in both 2017 and 2018. QH‑16, ul. Merliniego 5, MWierzbno, tel. (+48) 696 16 90 90, www.merliniego.pl. Open 12:00-23:00; Sun 12:00-22:00. €€€€. T 82
BALKAN MUNJA “When did this pop up?!” was our first thought, so quick is the mushrooming pace of new buildings appearing in the Wola district of the city. The location is great for those wandering around exploring Warsaw’s old streets, and the food inside is veggy and meaty! The interior is, well, long enough to throw a baseball, but as for design, it’s warming, modern, and has a fantastic open kitchen to watch your food being prepared. In the true Adriatic style, the tables are prepared for any guests, from businessmen, tourists, and large groups, such as families, to enjoy their meals. The seasonal drinks are great and the hearty meat platter is best eaten between 3 - we tried between 2 and felt like we had a depth charge thrown at us. Recommended.QC‑7, ul. Grzybowska 43, MRondo ONZ, tel. (+48) 664 90 11 61. Open 12:00-23:00; Fri 12:00-00:40; Sat 13:00-00:40; Sun 13:00-22:22. €€€. TUo NA BAŁKANY Just off Plac Konstytucji, take a left down the lane at ul. Koszykowa 53. That’s the easy part, the challenge is wrestling the giant curtain at the entrance. Once you’ve tangoed with it, it’s all pleasant thereafter. Set in a sparse interior with Balkan movie posters, bulbs and bottles making up the core of the design, which surprisingly creates a warm atmosphere, perfect for lunch time visits, romantic evenings, and group gatherings. The menu is packed with vegetables and meat (of course it is), and the starters with grilled and battered vegetables definitely raise an eyebrow. The mains come with great regional dips and cheeses an the desserts are a delight. Seasonal nonalcoholic/alcoholic options are available, as are regional wines. A nice choice.QF‑10, ul. Koszykowa 47 (entrance from ul. Koszykowa 53), MCentrum, tel. (+48) 22 118 38 38, www.nabalkany.pl. Open 12:00-22:00; Thu, Fri, Sat 12:00-24:00; Sun 13:00-22:00. €€€. TU6 RUZA ROZA The newly transformed Ruza Roza hits the bullseye in almost every department. Perfectly situated on trendy ul. Francuska, a well thought out garden space and an interior which is fresh and sophisticated. Every detail has been carefully considered. The seasonally changing menu may has a distinctive Balkan flair yet they aren’t afraid to expand and experiment with other cuisines. Expect the freshest local and regional produce throughout the colourful menu. It’s also a top spot to drop in for a cocktail (with occasional live music on Fridays 19:00-22:00). Lunches available Mon-Fri 12:00-16:00 for 19.90zł (soup & main).QL‑7, ul. Francuska 3, tel. (+48) 22 616 35 97, www.ruzaroza. pl. Open 12:00-21:00; Wed, Thu 12:00-22:00; Fri, Sat 12:00-23:00. €€€. T
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