Nobu Hotel Warsaw welcomed a landmark moment last month as all three founders—Robert De Niro, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and Meir Teper—visited the Polish capital together for the first time. The trio gathered to lead the traditional Sake Ceremony, a ritual reserved for the brand’s most meaningful occasions and symbolizing harmony, community, and fresh beginnings. During their visit, the founders met with the Warsaw team, reflected on the hotel’s evolution since opening in 2020, and praised its role as a destination blending Nobu’s signature design with the city’s cultural energy.
In the News
CITY HISTORY
Lost chocolate factory unearthed on Twarda Street
Archaeologists on Twarda Street have uncovered the remnants of the early20th-century Venus H. Szpiro Chocolate Factory, revealing ceramic praline molds, packaging labels, and office furnishings just steps from the Nożyk Synagogue. The rare find sheds light on Warsaw’s once-thriving confectionery industry, much of it destroyed during the war. The discovery will help inform plans for the new “Creative Twarda” cultural complex rising in this historic corner of Śródmieście.the museum to better honour the 1944 uprising and engage future generations.
CULTURE
Dance Pavilion Opens
Warsaw’s new Dance and Other Performing Arts Pavilion opens on January 8, offering 150 events in its debut year. Located in Powiśle, the venue replaces the former Pavilion on the Vistula and aims to elevate dance as a standalone art form, hosting premieres, international collaborations, workshops, and community-focused programs.
SPORT
Stegny Revamped
Warsaw has chosen a winning concept for the overhaul of the Stegny ice complex, selecting a design by P2PA and Metropolis. The project introduces a modern speed-skating oval and two ice arenas, aiming to restore Stegny’s status as a key sports hub while meeting international standards and serving future generations.
SIMAIR FLIGHT SIMULATION CENTER
Poland’s largest, most advanced flight simulation center – for aviation fans, future pilots and cabin crew, and anyone who dreams of taking the controls.
PROFESSIONAL FLIGHT SIMULATORS – CHOOSE YOUR AIRCRAFT
Boeing 737 MAX 8 – fullsize airliner simulator
Step into a full-scale cockpit connected to a passenger cabin. A 220° external visual system and fully functional panels, switches and FMC let you feel what it’s really like to fly the world’s most popular medium-range jet.
Combat VR – fighter jet missions
Take control of legendary fighters such as F-16, F-18, F-35, Su-22, A-10 or MiG-29. Try air-to-air combat, carrier landings, air-to-air refuelling, rescue missions – or dogfight a friend on the second station.
Airbus A320 NEO –next-generation jet
Fly the latest version of one of the world’s best-known passenger aircraft. A full-size cockpit and advanced software faithfully reproduce A320 systems and flight characteristics – perfect for both enthusiasts and professionals.
Helicopter VR – attack & rescue helicopters
Experience intense combat and rescue missions in VR in iconic machines like the AH-64 Apache, Mi-24 and EC-135. Full immersion, 360° view and pure adrenaline.
PASSENGER CABIN SIMULATOR – CREW SIM
A unique, fully functional mock-up of an airliner passenger cabin, connected to our Boeing 737 MAX cockpit.
• 24 passenger seats plus full crew positions
• Real emergency equipment, oxygen masks, PA and interphone
• Controlled sound, lighting and smoke effects
Cessna C152 – first-steps training aircraft
Train like real student pilots. Our C152 uses an original, once-flying airframe adapted into a simulator, ideal for VFR and IFR practice and recommended especially for younger pilots taking their very first “hours” in the air.
Gliders VR – touch the sky
Launch behind a tow plane or winch and soar in popular Polish and international gliders. Enjoy realistic VR scenery and feel like world champion Sebastian Kawa as you ride thermals over spectacular landscapes.
Used for:
• professional cabin crew training
• realistic demo flights with passengers
• specialised “fear of flying” workshops with a qualified psychologist and flight crew
WHO ARE WE?
Simair is the largest simulation center in Poland, available both for professionals and for all fans of civil and military aviation. We prepare future cabin crews for the needs of selected airlines and more. We train future pilots and show the world of civil aviation to everyone interested.
Our team consists of people with many years of practical, international experience working on board various aircraft and with different airlines.
Aviation is our passion and love, which we share with you at every opportunity
simair.pl
phone: 22 699 08 04
email: hello@simair.pl Taśmowa Street 8
FLIGHT SIMULATORS
INSTRUCTORS
DAYS A WEEK
HOURS A DAY
Your Guide to the City’s Festive Fairs
From vintage treasures to slow fashion, dumplings, design, folk art, and global flavours, December in Warsaw brings a full calendar of Christmas markets and holiday bazaars across the city. Here’s where to shop, taste, and celebrate all month long.
Nov 28 – Jan 1, 2026
Jarmark Warszawski
Location: Plac Defilad 1 (City Center) Hours: Mon–Thu 11:00–21:00; Fri–Sat 11:00–22:00; Sunday 11:00–21:00; 24 Dec 10:00–16:00; 25-26 Dec 12:00–21:00; 31 Dec 11:00–21:00; 1 Jan 12:00–17:00. Admission: Free
A full-scale winter village in the heart of the capital with over 100 wooden stalls, a 55 m Ferris wheel, festive rides and live entertainment.
Nov 21 – Jan 6, 2026
Christmas Market at the Barbican
Location: Międzymurze Barbakanu, right next to Sigismund’s Column (Old Town, Warsaw)
Hours: Sunday–Thursday
11:00–20:00; Friday–Saturday 11:00–21:30
Admission: Free
A traditional Old Town Christmas market featuring wooden stalls, festive lights, regional treats and seasonal crafts set against the historic Barbican.
Sneaky Jesus
Sneaky Jesus is a Wrocław-based quartet reshaping Polish jazz with cosmic and urban influences. Formed in 2019, the group—Matylda Gerber, Maciej Forreiter, Beniamin Łasiewicki, and Michał Wdowikowski— has earned international acclaim for its albums for joseph riddle and for chaching taphed, and performs widely across Europe.
When: December 7, 19:00
Where: jassmine, ul. Wilcza 73, (Nobu Hotel) Tickets: jassmine.com
Dec 1 - Jan 31, 2026
Christmas Market on the Viewing Terrace of the Varso Tower
Admission: Ticketed (approx. 45-70 PLN depending on date/ time)
Europe’s first rooftop Christmas market—an elevated winter garden on the 49th floor featuring immersive lights, themed zones, mulled wine and panoramic city views.
December 4–5
Outdoor Christmas Market
Location: plac Politechniki (City Center)
Hours: 10:00 – 17:00
Admission: Free
A seasonal open-air market filled with festive stalls, crafts, and winter flavours.
December 6
Vintage Christmas Fair
Location: MYSIA 3, Mysia 3 (City Center)
Hours: 10:00 – 20:00
Admission: Free
A curated vintage and design fair offering retro clothing, accessories, décor, and unique gift ideas.
Design Fair
Location: Hala Koszyki, level 1+, Koszykowa 63 (City Center)
Hours: 12:00 – 20:00
Admission: Free Hala Koszyki hosts its seasonal design showcase, bringing together independent creators.
December 6-7
Christmas Food Fair
Location: Palace of Culture and Science, plac Defilad 1 (City Center)
Hours: Saturday 12 pm – 8 pm; Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm
A triple-themed celebration combining Christmas crafts, artisanal sweets, and an international dumplings festival.
Warsaw Fantasy Fair
Location: EXPO XXI, Prądzyńskiego 12/14 (Wola)
Hours: Saturday 10 am – 8 pm; Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
Admission: Children up to 7 years have free entrance
Board Games Fair
Location: National Stadium (City Center), Al. Ks. J. Poniatowskiego 1 Street (Praga), Saturday: 10:00 – 19:00, Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
A two-day celebration of board games, with Poland’s largest open-play zone, game-publishing studios, demo sessions, miniature painting, and RPG/ battle game tables — perfect for enthusiasts of all ages.
INSIDER: Seeing Warsaw from above gives the city a whole new personality. What’s the most surprising thing you’ve discovered while flying your drone?
Dawid Wysocki: What captivated me most were the skyscrapers. There’s something special about them — every time I look up, I feel like I’m in another world. From above, Warsaw looks like a city that never sleeps. Especially at sunset — that’s when it really comes alive.
If your drone could talk, what do you think it would say about Warsaw after all these flights?
It would probably say that Warsaw never sleeps. This city has an energy you can feel on every flight — even an ordinary day can surprise you with its light, atmosphere, and people.
Everyone loves a good skyline shot — but what’s your secret spot or favorite neighborhood to capture from the air?
It’s not really a secret anymore, but my favorite spot is around the Palace of Culture and Science and the Złote Tarasy shopping center. I also love the Średnicowy Bridge — the view from there is always impressive, especially in the evening or at sunset.
“From above, Warsaw never sleeps...”
Has your drone ever had an unexpected adventure — or a close call — while chasing that perfect shot?
Oh, definitely. It’s hit a tree, almost landed in the water once, and even bounced off a skyscraper… Not every story ended well, but at least I’ve got memories. I’ve also been stopped by the police twice — one time was just routine, and the second time was pretty funny. They asked what I was doing, I said I was flying a drone, they smiled and walked away.
When you’re not piloting your drone, where do you like to unwind in the city — maybe a place that gives you that same sense of perspective?
Usually at home, editing my drone footage — that really relaxes me. I also like going for walks or bike rides. In Warsaw, I love Mokotowski Park and the river boulevards — they have a unique atmosphere and offer a bit of peace away from the city’s bustle.
Dawid Wysocki, known online as boobel15, captures Poland from above through drone photography. From glowing sunsets to Warsaw’s nighttime skyline, he reveals how different the world looks when viewed from the sky. His work has been featured on television, radio, and in exhibitions. For him, flying is not just a hobby — it’s a passion.
Insider Tip: 19. Dzielnica –
The Place for Living, Eating, Fun & Work
Tucked between Warsaw’s buzzing business hub and vibrant cultural spots, 19. Dzielnica has become one of the city’s most liveable and lively micro-districts. Just steps from Rondo Daszyńskiego, it offers unbeatable connectivity with metro, trams, and buses at your door. Yet inside the neighbourhood, life slows: green courtyards, pedestrian paths, and intimate plazas create a calm, beautifully designed oasis in the heart of the city
Warsaw Rising Museum
Prosta
Kolejowa
Norblin Factory
Towarowa 22
Warszawa Ochota
Warszawa Główna
LIFE, COFFEE, COMMUNITY
In recent years, 19. Dzielnica has become a rising star of Warsaw’s culinary map. A growing constellation of breakfast spots, cafés, bakeries, restaurants, and wine bars attracts not only locals, but also the surrounding office crowd and weekend wanderers. It’s a neighbourhood where people naturally meet – for morning coffee, late dinners, and everything in between.
This community feeling is real. Beautifully lived-in. A place where neighbours chat, dogs know each other, and everyone has their favourite bench in the sun.
BEAUTY, WELLNESS & EVERYDAY EASE
Whether you need a quick manicure, a new haircut, a skincare refresh, or a fitness reboot, you’ll find it right here. 19. Dzielnica is home to one of Warsaw’s largest clusters of beauty, spa, and wellness services – making everyday life wonderfully convenient.
DESIGNED FOR LIFE
Beyond the lifestyle buzz, 19. Dzielnica delivers what truly matters: modern, award-winning architecture, thoughtfully planned homes, green areas for families and pets, and a strong sense of identity. It’s a rare balance – where work, rest, and leisure exist in harmony.
A SMART INVESTMENT
With its location at the edge of Warsaw’s most dynamic business district, the neighbourhood enjoys exceptionally strong rental demand. It’s attractive both for long-term residents and investors seeking steady returns – a place that feels future-proof in every way.
HOLIDAYS IN THE CITY? START HERE
As the festive season settles into Warsaw, 19. Dzielnica becomes an unexpectedly charming place to soak in the atmosphere.
A short stroll away, Plac Europejski glows with winter lights – perfect for taking holiday photos, meeting friends under the decorations, or grabbing a mulled wine on your way home.
And just around the corner, Norblin Factory invites you to dive into seasonal shopping, cosy dining, Christmas-prep errands, or a spontaneous night out. From boutique purchases to the Art Box Experience Metaverse, from cinemas to exhibitions, it’s one of Warsaw’s most inspiring places to spend a winter evening.
INSIDER PICKS: Where to Eat & Sip
Bydło i Powidło
Kolejowa 47/U25 Serious burger cravings meet their match here: juicy gourmet patties, bold toppings, and local ingredients. Try the signature Bydło Burger with house-made sauces and a cold craft beer.
Gangnam
Kolejowa 47B/U6 A must for Korean cuisine lovers. The standout Yeontan Bulgogi—marinated beef grilled over traditional coal briquettes—delivers smoky, satisfying depth.
Lou Lou Eatery
Kolejowa 43A A little slice of effortless Parisian cool in Warsaw, Lou Lou Eatery leans into simple pleasures done exceptionally well. Sun-splashed breakfasts, unfussy French-leaning plates, and a hum of easygoing neighborhood energy make it the kind of place you “pop into” and somehow stay for hours.
La Regina Pizzeria
Kolejowa 43/U21 Reliable, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas with blistered crusts and quality toppings. A relaxed, family-friendly favorite.
Miau Grau (14+)
Kolejowa 47/U21 Expect soft paws on your lap, slow blinks of approval, and a space designed as much for the cats’ comfort as for yours — a sophisticated Wola hideaway where the main attraction is pure, purring charm.
Pracownia Sushi Wola
Kolejowa 45/U10 Fresh, well-crafted sushi in a quiet setting. Clean flavors, good cuts, and a balanced menu perfect for a light lunch.
Spun.eatery
Kolejowa 47B/U3 Modern, health-forward bowls and seasonal small plates served to a vinyl soundtrack. Global flavors and an easygoing vibe.
Typika Café
Kolejowa 47/U24 A sleek specialty café pulling excellent single-origin brews and one of Wola’s best flat whites. Grab a cardamom bun before they sell out.
In Collaboration with 19. Dzielnica 19dzielnica.pl/oferta ul. Kolejowa 43a/U1 tel. 22 572 57 00
“ Murena understands a simple truth: seafood needs room to speak
There are restaurants that announce themselves with a fanfare of foam and fire, and then there are the quieter arrivals — the places that seem to drift into the city on a maritime breeze, as if they washed ashore fully formed. Murena, tucked into a discreet corner of Powiśle, feels like the latter. You slip inside from Solec and the air changes: low light, dark woods, that hushed amber glow that makes everyone look a little more interesting. The room carries the language of contemporary Japan translated through Warsaw’s sensibility — an elegant stillness, a sense of purpose, but not an ounce of pretense.
Murena understands a simple truth: seafood needs room to speak.
And speak it does.
The menu is built for sharing, but not in that chaotic tapasbar way. It’s more like passing around secrets. A plate of matcha butter on toast arrives first — a small green square that looks like a modest introduction but turns out to be a manifesto. The butter is grassy and slow, like someone folded a Kyoto tea ceremony into a breakfast ritual. It coats the bread the way sunlight coats a table. You take a bite and you understand: Murena is here to recalibrate your palate.
Then come the croquettes. Crab croquettes, specifically — golden, delicate, perfect in the hand. They break open with the soft sigh of starch giving way to sea. There’s a whisper of salt fish, a texture that lives somewhere between soufflé and
But Murena’s heart beats at the raw counter, where the chefs seem to carve not just fish but mood.
There is the hamachi, dressed with caramelized kumquat and a lacquer of yuzu casserole, as if sunshine had been reduced to a glaze. The bite skates between rich, citrus, and clean.
fish, strong enough to stand beside salt and flame. Someone here loves wine deeply, and it shows.
Murena is a restaurant built for lingering — for sharing plates and stories, for letting the evening take its time. It brings premium seafood into a space that feels warm rather than exclusive, serious about flavor but easy in its posture.
AT A GLANCE
Vibe: Low-lit, elegant, quietly confident
Best For: Seafood lovers, date nights, refined sharing, wine-forward evenings
Order This: Hamachi with caramelized kumquat; Tuna Toro Nigiri with Ponzu Jelly; Torched Scallop; Crab Croquettes; Matcha Butter Toast
There is the torched salmon, crowned with glowing beads of red caviar — a bite that hums with umami and smoke.
Concept: Japanese-inspired seafood meant for sharing tidepool.
There is the tuna toro nigiri under a trembling ponzu jelly, the whole thing topped with a mischievous sprinkle of green onion. It is cool and warm, rich and bright, a small paradox you solve with your teeth.
There is the scallop, torched and glossed with spicy mayo, its sweetness blooming in the heat.
And then the roll — a small architecture of tuna tartare, crispy nori, rice arare, and the cool vegetal underlayer of cucumber, salad, and avocado. It feels engineered for contrast: the snap of puffed rice, the cream of tuna, the quiet green crunch beneath it all.
Murena may speak in Japanese accents, but it makes no claims of orthodoxy. “We don’t strive for rigid authenticity,” the team says. “We draw inspiration from Japanese culinary art, creating something entirely our own.” And they do. What comes out of the kitchen feels less like mimicry and more like conversation — Warsaw talking to Tokyo across the table.
The wine list is a pleasure: light enough to dance with raw
If Warsaw has been waiting for a seafood place that feels both worldly and intimate, polished but never stiff, Murena may be the answer.
Drinks: Thoughtful wine list with depth and personality
Murena ul. Solec 46, (Powiśle)
Review
SUNNY REVIVAL
Powiśle’s new sanctuary for morning appetites
In the quiet early hours of Powiśle, Seagull opens its doors and invites Warsaw to begin again. The room glows with gentle light, the hum of coffee machines and the easing of yesterday’s edges. It’s not about revival or excess — it’s about renewal. A place where the first part of the day is honoured, where you come not to recover but to replenish.
There’s a subtle Asian-inspired heartbeat in the menu:
“
Cloud matcha for the saints, mimosas for the sinners
eggs Benedict topped with yuzu-hollandaise, shrimp cradled in guacamole and mango salsa, a toast with harissa oil and chickpeas whispering of distant shores. It’s bright, unexpected, and relaxed.
Start with the Cloud Matcha — a pale green wave under a fluff of cloud-meringue; you drink it and you feel the sun peeking in through city windows. Then the Eggs Benedict with shrimp — two soft
poached eggs, guacamole beneath, mango salsa dancing above, the hollandaise laced with citrus-Asian motion. It tastes like morning opening itself up. The English Breakfast offers its own form of clarity — bacon, beans, potatoes, crisp edges — a familiar structure with enough light to lift you into the day.
Seagull isn’t about latenight stories or hangovers; it’s about morning stories. It’s the
neighbourhood spot where you sit across a small wooden table, the steam from your coffee curling in the light, and you talk about what you’ll do — not what you did. The kids arrive with their laptops, the couples talk quietly, the friends plan something new.
Drinks follow the same philosophy: yes, there are mimosas for the celebratory start, but also bright, non-alcoholic alternatives that pair perfectly with
clarity, company and conversation. You’re not hiding from last night — you’re facing the day.
Seagull knows sunshine isn’t just about weather. It’s about texture (that harissa crunch), flavour (that yuzu hollandaise), mood (that calm confidence). Walk in with the city still grumpeyed, leave with its possibilities asking for your attention.
Here, morning isn’t something to survive. It’s something to live.
Seagull ul. Dobra 1, (Powiśle)
GROCHÓW’S GEM
Japanese comfort with refined execution
In a Warsaw where the suburbs of Praga-Południe and Grochów often lurk in the shadow of the city centre’s shimmer, Torio Sushi, Ramen & Dumplings quietly asserts itself as a place worth trudging through the cold for. On a chilled evening we found ourselves stepping
off Grochowska Street into the glow of its entrance, and noticing a small queue of guests willing to wait for the chance of a free table—a clear sign these folks aren’t here for Instagram, they’re here for something earned.
Inside, you sense right away that this isn’t a pop-up or trend-chasing spot—it’s the work of people who have done this before. The owner stands near the sushi counter, the staff move with a rhythm of confidence, and the guest still feels the unmistakable dignity of hospitality rather than the gloss of “look at me” flair.
Our evening began with the Sake Set (18 pieces): futomaki (6 pcs), hosomaki (8 pcs), nigiri (4 pcs), all under the umbrella of the house seasoning called tosos. That seasoning—a gentle aromatic lift—felt like the signature of someone who trusted their ingredients and didn’t feel the need to shout about it. The futomaki were robust and balanced, the hosomaki neat and spry, the nigiri quietly respectful of sushi’s traditions while still bearing Torio’s subtle imprint. You could tell someone who knew fish and rice and rhythm was behind the counter.
We then dove into the ramen: the Seafood Kimchi bowl. It makes no apologies for its ambition: a tang of kimchi, a sea-spray mixture of squid, octopus, mussels and shrimp, coriander, egg, nori, garlic oil, furikake and 110 g of noodles that held firm. The broth, spicy and oceanic without slipping into heaviness, had depth you don’t always find in ramen outside big cities. The little touches—the garlic oil drifting on the
rim of the bowl, the scattered furikake, the coriander’s crisp lift—make this an experience you savour slowly. You feel time slowing, bowl in hand, steam rising, aware that you’re part of something considered.
The vegetable dumplings offered a contrast: gentle, clean, and thoughtfully seasoned. After the punchier flavours of kimchi and seafood, they felt like a pause, a breath—proof that Torio can quietly shift gear from bold to subtle without missing a beat.
But what truly lifts the evening isn’t only what’s on the plate—it’s the way the plates are served. The owner and the team exude an ease that comes from long hours and deep care: attentive without hovering, warm without over-familiarity. The small things count—an offer to top up tea, a moment to explain the seasoning, a glance to check if you’re enjoying the ramen before diving back into their own work. You feel looked after, and importantly you feel respected.
Torio is more than a sushi bar. It is a space where craft meets courtesy, where the food reflects technical skill and the service reflects human investment. Guests show up from the cold, willing to wait, in expectation of something beyond the immediacy of the latest hype. And the restaurant delivers.
If you find yourself in Grochów, craving sushi, ramen or dumplings—and craving to be served rather than simply fed— Torio is worth the detour. Make a reservation, or come early to catch the free table. You’ll leave full, comfortable, and thinking: yes, this place understands what it’s doing.
The Vibe: Professional, welcoming, quietly confident
Good For: Casual dinners, comforting bowls, quality sushi, warm service
Torio Sushi, Ramen and Dumplings
Grochowska 282/U1 (Grochów), toriosushi.pl
A chef’s passion sets the room alight
WAGYU & WANDERLUST
There are restaurants where you come for dinner, and restaurants where you feel, from the moment you sit down, that you’ve stepped into someone’s personal universe. Misaki Kawasaki is the latter — a room humming with warmth, clinking glasses, and the spill of Wednesday-night music drifting in from
across the street. You can hear rumors — the kind that spread from table to table — about live-band karaoke taking place nearby, and the occasional appearance of internationally known DJs who drop by not as celebrities but as friends. It’s the sort of place where the borders between dining room, neighborhood, and after-hours gathering blur pleasantly.
And weaving through all of it is Chef Paula Mycka, who moves from table to table with a kind of kinetic joy. She talks about her dishes with no pause, no breathless moment, as if the story behind each ingredient is as essential as salt. You understand immediately that her passions are braided tightly together: travel, people, and the act of feeding someone well. Meeting her is like finding yourself in the middle of a long, winding anecdote that starts in Warsaw but quickly detours through Doha and Bangkok before looping back across continents.
Her culinary story begins far from any formal kitchen — in Qatar, while she was there doing volunteer work. A family brought her into their home, where she learned to make curry and biryani the way they do it there, stirring spices into deep, smoky warmth, adjusting seasoning by instinct rather than measurement. She fell in love with the generosity of it, the immediacy. When she returned to Poland, she packed her suitcase with loomi, the tangy, sun-dried limes that still echo through her cooking.
Then came Thailand, where she learned the rhythm of flavor through the quick, decisive language of the wok. And
Review
“Toro on a waffle shouldn’t work, and yet it absolutely does
later, the chapter that refined her palate: working with Martín Giménez Castro at Salto and Ceviche. Those years were her education in fish — how to cut it, how to cure it, how temperature changes texture, how acidity can lift a dish into something electric. It shows. Every plate at Misaki Kawasaki has the clean, confident lines of someone who knows exactly what she’s doing.
The menu reads like a map of her journey. The vegetarian trio is anything but an afterthought — vibrant, structured, proof of how seriously Paula treats vegetables. The scallops, bathed in brown butter and brightened with shiso and Thai basil, taste like a dish that’s traveled through her memory before landing on your plate. A radish salad, crisp and cooling, arrives almost like a palate cleanser but ends up being one of the dishes you talk about afterward.
And then there’s the unabashed pleasure of the Wagyu Katsu Sando — A5 tenderloin fried to its perfect edge, layered with truffle aioli, tonkatsu sauce, and that addictive pile of cabbage. It’s decadent but smart, a balance Paula clearly enjoys.
Yet the moment you’ll tell people about is the toro on a waffle. It shouldn’t make sense — bluefin tuna tartare on a sesame waffle — and yet it does, spectacularly. The waffle is warm and crisp, the toro cool and rich, the yuzu crème fraîche tying it all together like a knowing wink. It’s playful. It’s polished. It’s the dish that says: this chef is having fun.
And then — because every restaurant needs a running joke — Misaki Kawasaki is a Japanese–Peruvian restaurant with no rice. Paula knows
Shoyu brown butter and wagyu fat make it so good that you stop questioning the absence of rice altogether.
Dining at Misaki Kawasaki feels a little like being swept into Paula’s orbit — the music outside, the warmth of the room, the dishes that carry stories in their seasoning. It is vibrant without being loud, serious about flavor without ever forgetting joy. It's a place that feeds you in layers: food first, of course, but also memory, personality, humor, and the unmistakable pleasure of being exactly where you want to be.
AT A GLANCE
Order this:
– Toro on a waffle
– Scallops with brown butter & shiso
– Vegetarian trio
– Wagyu Katsu Sando
– Focaccia (Paula’s cheeky substitute for rice)
Good to know:
– Live music drifts in on Wednesdays
– Rumors of live-band karaoke nearby
– Weekend sets by internationally known DJs
harmony of taste carries the soul...
Misaki Kawasaki
Event
RARE ALIGNMENT
A rare Warsaw visit from a wine visionary
It was a rare night for Warsaw’s wine lovers: the arrival of Elisabetta Foradori, celebrated pioneer of biodynamic viticulture from Italy’s Trentino region, hosting a vertical tasting at Sakebar by Nobu. Opportunities like this seldom appear
on the city’s tasting calendar. Foradori’s approach — guided by lunar cycles, living soils, and ancient agricultural intuition — has earned her a near-mythic status among those who follow natural wine closely. To taste her wines alongside Nobu’s culinary precision was not just a
pleasure, but an education.
A vertical tasting, for the uninitiated, offers the chance to trace a single wine across multiple vintages — a quiet, revealing journey through time, weather, and the winemaker’s evolving hand. Foradori’s wines, with their layered textures and grounded honesty, proved ideal guides.
The evening opened with apples, quince, and mackerel — a dish lifted by a young, energetic vintage that cut through richness with clean intention. A brighter, tropical-edged wine followed, amplifying the creamy, umami depth of a coconut-milk ceviche without overwhelming it.
oldego. Sourced from Dolomite vineyards where vines grow high on pergolas in a tradition more Etruscan than modern, surrounded by biodiversity and rooted in gravel and riverbed soils, the wine carried concentration without heaviness. Paired beside it, the 2015 vintage revealed a darker, more mysterious profile — a whisper of forest floor and subtle effervescence that encouraged slower sipping.
Later vintages, including the calm and slow-maturing 2018, harmonised beautifully with dishes accented in goma, yuzu, and miso. The 2016 — spicy, bright, and defined by lively acidity — proved a precise
cleanly through richness while preserving delicacy. Even dessert became an unexpected lesson: bitter chocolate meeting a redcurrant-forward wine that showed how tension, not sweetness, can elevate a pairing.
cod touched with yuzu, cutting
Through it all, Nobu provided more than a backdrop. Their kitchen offered a frame that sharpened each vintage’s character, creating a dialogue between food and wine that felt intentional and deeply considered. Foradori’s biodynamic artistry met Nobu’s meticulous craft — and the result was an evening that reminded Warsaw’s wine lovers why experiences like this are worth seeking out, savoring, and remembering.
Sakebar by Nobu ul. Wilcza 73 (City Center)
MOLTO BENE
BY JOSEPH AWUAH-DARKO FOR THE WARSAW INSIDER
When you enter Va Bene Centro, you are immediately arrested by the bold, almost theatrical display of fresh pizzas and gleaming pastries that greet you at the door. The new outpost, which opened its doors in late September, has already begun cultivating the effortless confidence of a place destined to become a winter favourite. Perfectly situated on St. Barbara Street, opposite the Centrum Szkoleniowe Wspólna, enjoys a natural flow of curious foot traffic; yet it doesn’t rely on happenstance. Va Bene Centro seems to know exactly what it is doing.
The interior, washed in natural light from its generous windows, is a carefully orchestrated marriage of Polish modernism and Italian warmth. Metallic accents meet rich woods, creating an aesthetic that is both grounded and quietly glamorous. The founders collaborated with the Warsaw-based mow.design studio, resulting in a space that manages to feel as democratic and approachable as a contemporary milk bar while retaining the polish and intention of a boutique restaurant. Along the major back wall, one immediately notices the work of celebrated Polish artist Malwina Konopacka;
Va Bene’s third act lands with style and soul
“Around here, ‘va bene’ isn’t a phrase— it’s an atmosphere..
her distinctive ceramics embedded like playful exclamation points in the architecture. Her whimsical influence drifts throughout the space, reappearing in coat hooks, vases, and sculptural objects that lend the restaurant an artistic pulse without overwhelming its simplicity.
But, as with all worthwhile eateries, the real seduction happens on the plate. The menu reads like something conceived
by proud Italian natives who refuse to compromise on flavour. The spicy salami Roman pizza is a standout; thin, blistered crust with just enough chew, supporting fiery ribbons of salami that release their oils into the mozzarella beneath. The carbonara, which I approached with cautious optimism, turned out to be one of the most memorable renditions I’ve tasted in Warsaw: silky, unapologetically rich, and anchored by perfectly cooked pasta that held its integrity from first bite to last.
Still, the most delightful surprise awaited on the pastry side. The sfogliatelle, those intricate, shell-like “lobster tails”—arrived crisp enough to shatter at the
Celebrate the holiday spirit with friends, family & flavour. Green Table Bistro – where meet-ups become memories. Join us this season.
lightest touch, revealing tender layers within. The maritozzi, airy and generously filled with cloudlike cream, bordered on decadent without ever feeling heavy. These pastries were, without exaggeration, among the best breakfasts I’ve had in Poland. I’m confident that any sweet-toothed regular of Va Bene Centro would happily corroborate this claim.
My editor, who joined me for the tasting, found themselves utterly charmed by the potato truffle paste pizza with parsley, a dish that effortlessly balanced earthiness with brightness. If Va Bene Centro continues on this trajectory, it won’t just be a trendy locale, it will be a year-round favourite worth crossing town for.
Va Bene Centro
Barbary 6/8 (City Center)
HEARTFELT BITES
Italian comfort food brightens quiet Dolny Mokotów
There are places that feel less like restaurants and more like tiny gravitational fields— small, unassuming storefronts that pull you in before you’ve even decided you’re hungry. Cuore, tucked into a lonely corner of Dolny Mokotów, is exactly that sort of place. The name means heart in Italian, and it operates with the kind of emotional clarity most restaurants spend years trying to fake. Here, “heart” isn’t a marketing concept; it’s the mood, the temperature, the smell of freshly baked focaccia seeping into the morning air, mingling with the earthy aroma of Barocco coffee.
That coffee is a clue. It’s strong but not bitter—an espresso that snaps you awake without punishing you. You see neighbors wander in for it, the way you’d duck into a friend’s living room for warmth. The staff greet them like regulars even when they aren’t, with the sort of instinctive friendliness that can’t be taught. This is a passion project, after all, born from its owner’s long-standing love affair with Italian food culture. And passion radiates from the place: in the soft clatter behind the counter, the patient layering of ingredients, the quiet pride in every hand-held work of art. Take the focaccia sandwich—
“ Cuoro isn’t serving food—it’s serving feeling
the focaccia sandwich—thick and doughy with a crisp, oily crust that leaves an olive-oil shimmer on your fingers. Inside: pistachio pesto, stracciatella, mortadella. A combination so simple and so correct it makes you question every lesser sandwich you’ve ever endured. The pesto is fragrant
Cuore Italian Street Food ul.
Belwederska 17 (Dolny Mokotów)
and nutty, the stracciatella cool and languid, the mortadella silky and unapologetically pink. It’s a sandwich that doesn’t so much announce itself as convince you, gently and completely, that life improves when you pause for pleasure.
Outside, bicycle couriers come and go in a steady rhythm, that unspoken Warsaw signal that a place has already crossed from neighborhood secret to citywide craving. And just when Cuore feels like it can’t get any more endearing, you learn there’s another location coming—Powiśle this time. Keep an eye out for our Insider interview next month.
KEY TO ITALY
Where Fort Służew hides a true Italian spirit
Dziurka od Klucza may have started life as a sliver of a restaurant in Powiśle, but its evolution into Fort Służew feels less like expansion and more like destiny. What the owners have built here is a testament to stubborn passion — the kind that refuses to dilute flavor or personality just because the dining room got bigger.
And personality, they have in spades. “Dziurka od Klucza” means “through the keyhole,” and they’ve taken the idea full tilt: doors wrapping up the concave cellar walls, keys tucked into corners, the whole place bending into a whimsical, slightly surreal warren. It feels like stumbling into a party in a wine cellar — intimate, mischievous, and unmistakably theirs.
Their tomato tartare could serve as a guiding light for every plant-leaning diner in the city — proof that a humble tomato, shown a little respect, can outshine most things that once had a heartbeat. It’s bright, layered, and quietly confident.
The scallops in truffle sauce with squid ink pasta take things further — a quiet showstopper that moves from flavor to feeling. Silky truffle, sweet scallop, the dark brine of the pasta: a composition that resets your expectations. When it all gets tossed together, it becomes emotional food — the kind that makes you pause, maybe breathe a little deeper.
Their Neapolitan pizza with chorizo and shrimp is bold and playful — Naples with a flirtatious Iberian wink. Meanwhile, the mushroom soup with orzo honors Poland’s forest traditions through an Italian lens,
proving both nations speak mushroom fluently.
Drinks keep pace. Negronis arrive cold, bitter, and perfectly balanced — a small masterclass in restraint.
And dessert? Their sernik — mostly white chocolate, drenched in fresh passion fruit — is shameless in the best
possible way. A final flourish that leaves no doubt as to the kitchen’s intentions.
Dziurka od Klucza may no longer be a secret, but the owners have guarded its soul. Step through their keyhole and the world shifts: Warsaw stays outside; inside, it’s louder, warmer, and infinitely more delicious.
MODERN MAJESTY
Old-world architecture with a modern heartbeat
Astroll down the tree-lined avenue of Aleje Ujazdowskie in Warsaw ought to pause when you reach number 24. Here, the bar of expectation is subtly raised. The building in question — the storied Kamienica pod Gigantami, constructed in 1904-07 to the designs of architect Władysław Marconi
for painter-conservator-collector Antoni Jan Strzałecki — is still one of Warsaw’s finest examples of early-modernist ambition with a baroque flourish.
Its façade is dominated by two hulking sandstone “giants” sculpted by Zygmunt Otto who prop up the balcony — one with his shoulder, the other lifting it aloft by his arms.
What’s remarkable: the structure survived the war with much of its integrity intact. During the German occupation the building was requisitioned, yet it avoided the wholesale destruction that befell many grand homes of prewar Warsaw.
In the post-war decades, the spirit of the place shifted — private salons gave way to a club, rental units, then transactional spaces. Now it has been reborn as a gastronomic and nightlife destination: the restaurant-nightclub Pod Gigantami.
Owner-impresario Piotr Kędzierski has taken what might have been a purely fine-dining project and pushed it to exist in two modes at once: a quietly assertive culinary venue by early evening, and a who’s-who layering of DJs, actors, actresses and Warsaw’s young creative crowd by midnight.
A discreet ‘wall of fame’ registers names and faces of the city’s nightlife and screen elite. Behind the scenes: there is a table in the kitchen, reserved solely for the owner and his most exclusive guests — the ritual is part of the charisma.
In keeping with the architecture, the menu is both high-her-
itage and modern: think Polish classics elevated with precision, not nostalgia. In our visit, three dishes stood out as perfect trifecta pillars: the bone-in schabowy — generously sized, crisp-edged, rendered with respect for fat and crust; the tartare — finely minced beef, stylishly seasoned, anchored with local mustard seeds and pickled mushrooms; and the potato pancakes crowned with wild mushrooms — the earthy, crisp-soft interplay lifting a humble dish into something indelible. The wait-staff are attentive in that rare way where you feel not just served but recognised, as if they are letting you into a circle.
But the dining is only half the story. After 22:00, the lights softly shift, the DJ begins, and what was restrained becomes vivified. Here you will find Warsaw’s young DJ scene, the actors and actresses in between shoots, the creative class claiming a room with a lineage. The building’s original artwork, parquet floors, supraports and echoes of former glory mingle with sound and pulse.
For Warsaw Insider readers – who sense the city’s undercurrents, who want more than a ‘nice meal’ but a place with provenance, personality and a sense of the now-moment – Pod Gigantami is a compelling proposition. Book early, claim your spot before midnight, savour the meal and then stay for what unfolds. In the ever-changing story of this city, this is a chapter worth living.
Go For: Polish classics, architectural atmosphere, late-night scene
Best Time: Dinner before 22:00; dancing after
GRILL MASTERS
Raclette drips, steaks sizzle, lunches impress
Bydło i Powidło has always felt like Warsaw’s answer to the question: What if a steakhouse grew up next door to an American burger joint, borrowed some European flair, and learned to do both well? Years on, the restaurant still manages to strike that balance — a place where carnivores get their fix without the pretension that often trails after marbled cuts and grill marks.
Most people arrive for the burgers, and rightly so. The
now-iconic raclette burger is the kind of indulgence that defeats even the most disciplined weekday resolve. It comes crowned with a molten snowfall of raclette scraped directly onto the patty, saturating everything in its orbit with nutty richness. It’s messy, theatrical, and wholly satisfying — the sort of burger that makes you cancel the rest of the afternoon.
But Bydło i Powidło’s roots lie in steak, and to skip that side of the menu would be a mistake. Cuts are handled with confidence: charred where they need to be, rested properly, served with an understanding that what lands on the plate should speak for itself. Whether it’s a ribeye with disciplined marbling or a
sirloin with that clean, mineral edge, the kitchen shows the same respect to steak that others reserve for special-occasion dining. Here, it’s simply what they do.
For the lighter-leaning eaters — or those convincing themselves they came for balance — the menu offers a surprisingly solid selection of salads. Crisp, bright plates with enough freshness to counter the indulgence surrounding them; no afterthoughts here, just a sensible alternative for those who want something green without sacrificing flavor.
Still, the unsung hero may be the bacon BBQ burger, especially during the weekday lunch deal. Smoky, sweet, and stacked
Bydło i Powidło
“
The bacon BBQ burger proves lunch can still be the best meal of the day
with proper heft, it’s the kind of mid-day reward that feels both efficient and decadent — a reliable reminder that lunch can still be the best meal of the day.
Bydło i Powidło remains a dependable anchor in Warsaw’s burger and steak landscape: unfussy, confident, and always ready with something worth sinking your teeth into.
Wine bistro
Champagne bar
Wine & deli shop
Fine alcohol-free selection
Opening Hours Mon-Sun 12-23
Business lunches Mon–Fri 12–16
Group reservations biuro@win-shop.pl
CIACHO COMFORTS
Comforting plates and masterful bread in a hidden Mokotów nook
Mokotów has no shortage of cafés with well-intentioned sourdough, cardamom-leaning pastries, or the kind of cozy corners where neighbors huddle nursing a warm cup. But Ciacho is something else: one of those rare neighborhood places that pulls people out of their lovely Mokotów apartments in every season, as if answering a call. Tucked behind the legendary EFES Kebab, away from the rhythm of aleja Niepodległości and the hush of Jordanowski Park, it’s a place you find once and then spend the rest of the
year returning to as if renewing a quiet vow.
In summer, the terrace feels like its own small republic of families and neighbors — adults lingering over their coffees while children roam the nearby playground like free-range hens let loose for the afternoon. In winter, the mood turns inward: the hum of ovens, the scent of warm dough, the gentle fog of seasonal teas and cardamom-scented steam. There’s something grounding about watching bakers shape the bread you’ll soon eat, as if the dining room doubles as a showroom for the elemental alchemy of flour, water, time, and heat.
Breakfast here is a defining ritual, whether taken early with purpose or late with the kind of indulgent abandon that cures most of life’s small wounds. The first three dishes on the menu are the ones we rarely stray from. The scrambled eggs arrive creamy and loose, layered over a slab of on-site sourdough. They’re enriched with roasted pumpkin, fresh cherry tomatoes, truffle oil, pangrattato, chives, sprouts — a plate that somehow balances richness with brightness. It’s my daughter’s perennial favorite, though she always negotiates for a few forkfuls of mine.
My own order is steadfast: the kimchi brioche. A humble brioche bun piled with kimchi from Arigator Ramen Shop and tucked around what I lovingly describe as “sleeping sausages,” it’s a sweet-spicy-fatty tangle that never stops being comforting. Cutting into it, tasting the heat against the plush bread and yolky richness, is a pleasure that feels both rowdy and deeply soothing. Lingering here often means
“ Ciacho isn’t just a bakery — it’s a hearth that warms you from the inside out
dessert — or at least packing a few things for home. My daughter tears eagerly into their brioche filled with gooey cream and raspberry jam, while I’m partial to the cinnamon roll swabbed with tangy Sinhalese cream cheese. Their baguettes and sourdoughs, carried out underarm for weekday mornings, remain quiet fixtures on our breakfast table.
Ciacho isn’t just a bakery or a breakfast spot — it’s a hearth. A place that warms you, steadies you, and reminds you that the best neighborhood institutions don’t shout. They glow.
AT A GLANCE
Best For: Long breakfasts, cozy winter visits, pastries to-go
Our Favorite Dishes:
• Scrambled eggs on sourdough with feta spread
• Kimchi brioche with housemade kimchi & sausage
What to Order: The first three breakfast items; pastries to take home
Seasonal Appeal: Terrace in summer; oven-warm refuge in winter
Takeaway Hit: Baguettes and sourdough loaves
In the heart of Warsaw’s vibrant Praga district, inside the beautifully restored 19th-century Koneser vodka factory, stands the Polish Vodka Museum — a place where history becomes a living experience. For many visitors, it’s one of the city’s most surprising discoveries: an immersive journey into the spirit that has shaped Polish culture, craftsmanship, and hospitality for more than six centuries.
Here, Polish vodka isn’t just presented as a drink, but as a story — one rooted in tradition, land, and meticulous skill. The museum invites guests to trace the evolution of vodka from its humble agricultural beginnings to its status as a symbol of national identity. Interactive galleries reveal old distillation
SPIRIT OF POLAND
A sensory journey into Polish vodka heritage
secrets, forgotten grain varieties, and the people who elevated vodka-making into a true craft. It’s history told with wit, design, and sensory detail — far from what most visitors expect.
But the experience doesn’t stop at storytelling. A guided tasting led by trained vodka educators transforms the way guests understand and appreciate the spirit. Through aroma, temperature, and texture, visitors learn how to recognise quality and taste with intention — an approach rooted in education, not consumption. As a certified Responsible Host Brand Home, the museum places strong emphasis on mindful enjoyment, transparency, and safety — making it one of the first institutions of its kind in the world recognised for such standards.
Beyond the exhibition, the museum seamlessly extends into a broader hospitality ecosystem. Guests can explore a stylish bar offering craft cocktails and modern reinterpretations of Polish flavours, enjoy a restaurant experience infused with local character, shop for curated spirits and design items, or even host private events in atmospheric industrial spaces. It’s a place where a museum visit naturally becomes an evening out — whether you’re planning a relaxed night with friends or a special celebration worthy of its unique setting.
Together, the museum and the surrounding Koneser complex have become a cultural anchor — a destination that blends heritage with creativity, offering travellers a deeper, more authentic taste of Warsaw. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a design lover, or simply curious about the spirit woven so tightly into Poland’s story, the Polish Vodka Museum offers an experience that resonates long after the last sip.
It’s not just a museum — it’s a celebration of place, memory, and the craftsmanship that defines Polish hospitality.
IN COLLABORATION WITH
Polish Vodka Museum
Plac Konesera 1 (Praga), muzeumpolskiejwodki.pl
The Buzz
Presenting the city’s most talked about venues, join us on a whistle stop tour of the cafes, pubs and cocktail dens and wine bars that you can’t afford to miss…
LOCAL FAVORITE
Cosmos Express Bar
ul. Topiel 19, (Powiśle)
Cosmos Espresso Bar feels like a hidden studio in a 1960s Powiśle block, where you’re welcomed first by a friendly dog and then by a warm, disarming barista. Art taped to the walls adds a casual, Krasiński-like charm, while shelves display beans from La Cava, Klaro, and Nothing like collectible editions. Coffee here is thoughtfully curated—espresso bright and precise, pour-over lingering and expressive. Paired with a Namo Bakery cinnamon roll, the experience distills Powiśle itself: intimate, stylish, and shaped by people who deeply care about craft.
LOCAL WINES
Brać
Józefa Sierakowskiego 4a/ lok u3
Resistant as traditionalists may be to the very notion of Polish wine, Brać have made it their mission to showcase its unknown quality. Presenting on-edge sips from niche domestic producers (including collabs with the Funky Fluid craft brewery!), all this is done in a stylish space that feels good to be in. From 2023, this was our favourite wine-related find!
NATURAL WINE
Rascal Moliera 6
Formerly a canteen for ballet dancers, this address now holds the largest bar in Europe specialising in natural wines – you weren’t expecting that! Entered past a lavish drape, this cool space has a suitably adventurous choice of rebel wines.
BEER GEEKS
Jabeerwocky
Nowogrodzka 12
Good old Jabbers will never let you down. A Warsaw institution, the adventurous choice of beers gives nods to international pioneers, domestic talents as well as their own house beers. Pre-war floors and the welcome smell of spillage give it a great atmosphere that becomes a boisterous babble of international voices the later it gets. For something quieter, take your pint next door to their sister bar, Jabeerwocky Junior.
CUTTING EDGE CRAFT
Hopito Chmielna
Chmielna 24
The Buzz
Opened last year as the younger sister of Hopito’s Żurawia venture, this branch feels a little more mature in its target audience, though every bit as fun in its beer selection - radicalized drinkers will love Hopito’s own crazy brews.
OLD TOWN PINTS
Same Krafty vis-à-vis Nowomiejska 11/13
Jammed between the
Barbican gateway and the Rynek, Same Krafty’s pair of Old Town drinkeries face opposite each other to offer their own mini-pub crawl. Appearing as raucous and rugged tavern-like bars, the experimental craft beers are a league ahead of the mainstream fizz peddled by the other nearby bars. and a crowd that errs from late 20s upwards.
A MODERN HOTEL IN THE HEART OF WARSAW
STUDENT CARNAGE
Nowy Świat ‘Pavilions’
Nowy Świat 26
For the highest condensation of bars in the capital head to ‘the pavilions’, a collection of ramshackle drinking cabins, shot bars and sheesha lairs inside a tight grid of shadowy back alleys. Adding to the gentle sense of confusion comes the realization that so many bars look the same –accessed through clattery, barred doors, visitors walk into murk and chaos.
ALT. ENTERTAINMENT
Worek Kości
Bagatela 10
There is nothing ordinary about Worek Kości and that’s underlined by its collection of 400 replica skulls. Known for its burlesque nights, this passionate celebration of the beautiful and bizarre also has a busy roster of lectures dedicated to criminal profiling, forensics and serial killers. Oh, and the cocktails are good.
NORTHERN NIGHTS
Havana
Słowackiego 16/18
Set on the first floor of a PRL era tower, the super cool interior offers up a coherent display of retro posters, luscious plants and light wood trimmings that are respectful of this space’s former life as a 1960s cafe. Perched among hip freelancers and theatre types learning their lines, sip away on trendy bio wines, adventurous lemonades, craft swigs or specialty coffee sourced from local roasters.
UPMARKET CLUBBING
Sen Wioślarska 6
Some would say that Sen
Welcome to Warsaw’s newly emerging business district. Crowne Plaza@ Warsaw - The HUB hotel offers modern accommodation, award - winning conference space and superb food and beverage services.
enjoys its heyday in the summer when the rooftop terrace opens to afford views of the illuminated bridges that span the river. But even outside these months it’s long enjoyed a reputation as Warsaw’s premier super-lux club. High class cocktails and a stringent door policy have helped maintain their name as the principal destination for glam, catwalk excess.
COFFEE OF LEGEND STOR Café
Tamka 33 / Bracka 18
For many there is no better café anywhere in Poland than Stor’s original on Tamka. When the sunlight slopes in through the window, there are few finer feelings than idling away in this plant festooned refuge. Famed for their glorious coffee and detail-driven approach, recognition should also be handed to their devotion to local causes and zero waste philosophy.
FOR QUICK ESPRESSO
Błysk Espresso Bar
Słowackiego 22
Served over a PRL era counter, Błysk’s super-tight confines generate a natural air of familiarity. Often standing room only, the buzz and hubbub owes itself not just to the delicious espresso shots, but also the homemade cookies and dog-loving owners that will spoil your pet.
CHAMPION BREWS
Forum
Elektoralna 11
Forum has it all: a fashionably frayed interior, a friendly dog nuzzling around, and a client base that expects nothing but the best – and at Forum, that’s exactly what they get. Marketing themselves as “the home
of the Polish Aeropress and Polish Brewers’ Cup Champions”, these accolades say everything there is to know.
COFFEE AUTHORITY
LAB speciality coffee
ul. Wspólna 70, (City Center)
A Warsaw-based specialty coffee roastery established in 2012, is renowned for its meticulous approach to coffee roasting. Under the guidance of head roaster Wojciech Rzytki, Coffeelab selects high-quality green beans and profiles each coffee to highlight its unique flavors.
SOMETHING COLORFUL
Violet Café
Marszałkowska 87
Violet Café is a charming new spot in Warsaw, blending modern design with a nod to its history as a flower shop. Created by Trias Design Studio, the interior features soft hues of purple, beige, and white, along with floral motifs and high ceilings that create a light-filled, airy atmosphere. The café’s layout includes cozy seating zones, an open kitchen, and unique design elements like a restored historical wall and custom-made furniture. Offering a delicious breakfast menu and tempting desserts, Violet Café is an artistic space that invites both locals and tourists to enjoy a relaxing, inspired experience.
COFFEE SCENE
NA BANK
plac Bankowy 4
For those seeking more than just a caffeine fix, Na Bank is a standout in Warsaw’s coffee scene in 2024. Located at Plac Bankowy 4, this specialty café blends precision, artistry, and top-quality beans, giving
you the most satisfying bang for your buck. Finding a seat in this bustling café is no small feat, but the energy inside—echoing the vibrancy of Plac Bankowy outside—keeps you focused, whether you're tackling deadlines or deep in conversation. While you’re there, don’t miss their open-faced sandwiches topped with fresh salads or the popular Turkish eggs with spicy butter and avocado—rich, creamy, and comforting. Pair it all with a sweet treat, like the soft, vegan cinnamon bun with salted caramel, and you’ve got a café experience that’s both energizing and indulgent.
COMMUNITY MATTERS
Fat White Andersa 6
Fat White brought specialty coffee to Muranów nearly eight years ago, creating a cozy and creative space where community thrives. More than just a café, it’s a vibrant meeting point for imaginative minds, fostering connections over expertly brewed flatties and alternative drinks. With its welcoming atmosphere, filled with comic book figurines and art from local talent, Fat White is a true reflection of Warsaw’s creative spirit.
HIGH QUALITY BITES
Espresso Bar
Emilii Plater 12
Espresso Bar has secured its spot as one of the best café of 2024, thanks to its ideal location on Emili Plater and an elevated food offering that goes beyond the usual coffee shop fare. Born from the beloved Hala Gwardii coffee counter, it pairs expertly brewed Coffeelab and Trigger Roastery blends with thoughtful, high-quality bites— like the standout Norwegian brunost toast. With its warm, minimalist interior and prime setting.
Dine & Delight
When only the best will do, we’ve cut through the chaff to present a curated choice of Warsaw’s top eateries –from ethnic comfort foods and under-the-radar gems all the way up to the city’s most exclusive dining rooms…
Arigatorii House of Udon
ul. Piękna 54, (City Center)
Arigatorii House of Udon has quickly become the standout of Piękna Street’s emerging noodle alley. From the anime-like, detail-rich interior to the patient line outside, the restaurant radiates charm and anticipation. Starters like beef tataki and tako set a high bar, while the udons—ranging from spicy tantan to creamy carbo with unforgettable bacon tempura—showcase playful precision. Karaage offers comforting richness, balanced by bright house-made lemonades. Desserts, especially the matcha crème brûlée with ginger granita, are exceptional. Warm, witty, and uplifting, Arigatorii already feels like a Warsaw essential.
THE MICHELIN STAR
Nuta
pl. Trzech Krzyży 10/14
Andrea Camastra’s restaurant is a magical enclave in which time stands still. Mixing his famed scientific techniques with artisanal processes, his tasting menu is expressive in its aesthetics and flavour, as if it were an extension of his own firecracker character. Even the cheeseboard is a mind-bender – on our April visit, jaws hit the floor as this arrived in the liquified form of a pear consommé topped with warm gorgonzola foam. A bold, world-class adventure, no other restaurant offers such a ride – a second Michelin star seems guaranteed.
FORMAL & EXTRAORDINARY
Epoka
Ossolińskich 3
Nineteenth century cornices and baroque drapes lend an enveloping sense of luxury to this A-Class space. Epoka’s menu is based on Polish cookbooks from different epochs, with the dishes reconstructed in a way that’s innovative, unexpected and a roller coaster of thrills. La Liste officially rank it among the world’s Top 100 Restaurants.
EXQUISITE
Nolita
Wilcza 46
Winning our 2022 award last year for ‘Outstanding Achievement’, chef Jacek Grochowina’s enclave of class looks dashing with its monochrome colours and muted gunmetal shades, but it’s the food that has made it the place Warsaw heads to live the life of the 1%. Treasuring detail and finesse, Nolita demonstrates fine dining hasn’t died.
CARBONARA
RAMEN!
Dine & Delight
ECLECTIC & UPMARKET
Dyletanci
Koszykowa 47
Subtle and stylish with its muted, neutral colours and pops of art, amid the light woods and sky-coloured walls, the assembled fine wines have been selected to dance in tandem with the cooking of Rafał Hreczaniuk. His cooking is elegant, eclectic and never short on sensational taste.
FOR THE TASTING MENU
Rozbrat 20
Rozbrat 20
Fusing upmarket, casual styling with an exciting wine list, interactive service and the kind of atmosphere you can’t get enough of, Rozbrat 20 is a Warsaw gastro landmark. Under chef Bartosz Szymczak, the frequently changing menu has a real playful inventiveness to it.
BOOK A TABLE NOW
Green Bistro Table
ul. Puławska 2 (Plac Unii), greentablebistro.pl
Green Table Bistro transforms with the seasons: breezy and spritzfilled in summer, warm and wood-smoked in autumn. Its sustainability ethos feels effortless, reflected in repurposed pottery and furniture made from recycled fishing nets. The menu is consistently impressive—from smoky homemade blood sausage to a playful surf-and-turf burger and elegant tuna crudo. Standouts like the halibut smoked over the yakitori grill capture the restaurant’s balance of fire and finesse. With thoughtful cocktails and a style that’s both international and distinctly Warsaw, Green Table Bistro proves that doing everything well can be an art.
DATE NIGHT
alewino
Mokotowska 48
Regularly adjusted to utilize the best items the season has to offer, the menu is a triumph of expertly balanced tastes and is admired for some of the most interesting cooking in the city – think elegant with a localized twist. Rounding out the experience is an intimate, labyrinthine design that’s ideal for when it’s cold and grim, and a decked courtyard terrace for when it’s not.
NEW WAVE
hub.praga
Jagiellońska 22/LU1
Heading the kitchen is Witek Iwański, a chef whose past accolades include our very own ‘Top Talent’ title at our Best of Warsaw awards. The tan, beige and white interior is embellished with moon-shaped mirrors and statement art, and is twinned with tiny a’la carte courses that appear like miniaturised works of art.
CASUAL SCENE
Bibenda
Nowogrodzka 10
With no reservations accepted, Bibenda’s enduring popularity ensures that queues often build at the entrance – even at the height of the Polish winter. Augmenting the warm interiors of raw red brick and dim yellow lighting, guests flock for a menu that celebrates the fields, forests and farmsteads of Poland. honey and peanut chili crisps.
THE NEED TO KNOW
The Eatery Koszykowa 49A
This attractive off-street space comes swathed in
white-on-white colours –blissfully cocooned from the outside world, and decorated orb-like installations, this chic but casual space gives Polish food a modernised translation. Visiting for our May issue, we were bowled over by the pork cheeks served with a punchy demi-glace and whirls of liquified peas and red cabbage.
NEW POLISH
Źródło
Targowa 81
Hardwood floors, exposed pipes and a flurry of plants equip an open area decorated with blasts of contemporary art, recycled furnishings and extravagant light installations. Menu-wise, the food lights the soul. But more than just celebrating the power of local produce, there’s a refinement at play that speaks of a kitchen team that aims for magnificence.
POLAND REIMAGINED
Bez Gwiazdek
Wiślana 8
Regarded as one of Warsaw’s gastronomic treasures, each month sees Robert Trzópek design a tasting menu inspired by a specific region of Poland. His creative interpretations of the nation’s culinary traditions are delicate, nuanced and beautifully balanced. The chic but casual setting reflects the philosophy.
TRENDING POLISH
Pod Gigantami
al. Ujazdowskie 24
Once seen as a classic restaurant for ‘old people’, Pod Gigantami’s reinvention stretches to 3 a.m. finishes come the weekend. Marrying heritage with hip, during more normal hours enjoy thoughtfully cooked Polish classics
including an old school schabowy the size of a small planet.
POLAND FOR INSIDERS
Oma Radna 13
Stepping into Oma is like entering Babcia’s house for a holiday—a warm embrace of Polish tradition with a modern flair. Oma, named after the chef’s grandmother, exudes
Oma-goodness. Nestled in Powiśle, it charms with its vintage Polish decor and fresh flowers. The menu offers classic dishes with a twist: schabowy topped with Parmesan and zupa pomidorowa with garlic. Desserts like knedelki—a cottage cheese dumpling with apples and orange peel—are irresistible. The thoughtful vintage design and caricatures of Oma on the
AUTHENTIC POLISH CUISINE
Rondo Daszyńskiego 2 , Warsaw
+48 22 377 38 01 novawola@ihg.com novawola.com
Dine & Delight
servers’ shirts add a personal touch. Make a reservation to avoid heartbreak, as Oma’s popularity often leads to a full house. Dive into this cozy haven and savor the best of Polish summer cuisine, where every bite feels like a warm hug from Babcia herself.
NEIGHBOURHOOD GREEK
Mr. Greek Souvlaki
Londyńska 16
Festooned with potted shrubs, the outdoor wooden deck is one of Saska’s finest outdoor check-ins. If that’s packed – and it often is –head inside where an atmosphere of gentle chaos reigns in the noisy open kitchen.
SOUTH AMERICAN FLAIR
Ceviche Bar
Twarda 4
With Argentine chef Martin Gimenez Castro injecting his passion and personality into the venue, this is an address that punches through the greyness of everyday Warsaw. Ceviche is naturally the default order, and here it’s served in around five different forms.
Tuna
Elektryczna 2
Resembling the scales of a fish, Tuna’s core decorative element are 18,000 tuna cans that sheathe the walls. Smartly appointed in dark metallic
tail and the best-selling chili con tuna. It’s an ecstasy of tastes.
CITY CENTRE VEGAN
Peaches Gastro Girls
Stalowa 36
Peaches, Warsaw's vibrant vegan hotspot, serves up seasonal dishes with finesse. From their umami-packed grilled mushrooms to inventive cocktails, every bite and sip delights. The minimalist interiors and open kitchen make it an experience for both eyes and palate.
VEGAN NOODLES
Vegan Ramen Shop
Finlandzka 12 / Jana Pawła II 52/54 / Narabutta 43
Dubbed by some as “the best
COMMUNITY HUBS & FOOD HALLS
CENTRUM PRASKIE KONESER
Plac Konesera 8, koneser.eu
Reopened in 2018 as a mixed-use project containing cultural sites, F&B outlets, A Class offices and loft-style apartments, no other investment has had a bigger impact on Praga’s overdue regeneration than Koneser. Culturally, it’s also done much thanks to the Polish Vodka Museum, the Museum of Fantastic Art and temporary exhibitions such as Banksy in 2021. For most though, the F&B lineup is the strongest attraction of all and this includes upmarket Indian from Bombaj Malasa, the casual eatery Spółdzielnia and the real feather in the cap, the Koneser Grill – a meat-centric venue of high sophistication.
BROWARY WARSZAWSKIE
Grzybowska 58, browarywarszawskie.com.pl
Utilising elements of a historic brewery and setting them against an upmarket backdrop of freshly mapped streets and immaculate new build that feels contextually suited to the district, Features include a premium food hall, Robert Lewandowski’s Nine’s sports bar, the ever-popular Balkan eatery Munja, and Baila – a stunning live entertainment emporium.
FABRYKA NORBLINA
Żelazna 51/53, fabrykanorblina.pl
Representing 200-years of history, the two hectare site is riddled with over 50 leftovers from the Industrial Revolution and these are set against attractions such as the luxury Kinogram cinema (champagne vending machines!), the immersive Art Box Experience, a factory museum and the Smart Kids Planet –a 1,600 sq/m project with nine zones that aim to promote logical thinking, healthy eating, motor functions, perception and creative thinking.
HALA KOSZYKI
Koszykowa 63, koszyki.com
Considered the grande dame of food halls, the brick and wrought iron interiors of this spot look beautiful with the F&B offer split between standalone restaurants such as the fancy Warszawski Sen to vendors like the fist-bumping, burrito boys at Gringo. For craft beer and grilled sausages then Kiełba w Gębie doesn't put a foot wrong, whilst the open-all-hours ĆMA is a legend in its own lifetime.
ELEKTROWNIA POWIŚLE
Dobra 42, elektrowniapowisle.com
Elektrownia’s blended approach includes an exclusive top floor beauty hall filled with cutting edge beauty solutions and a retail offer than tends to shirk the mainstream to instead slant in on contemporary Polish design, upscale vintage, niche brands and established local talent. The food and drink has also been a major plus, with most attention going to a food hall that appears in an energetic sea of neon.
Le Cedre 84
Al. Solidarności 84 22 618 8999
Le Cedre 61
Al. Solidarności 61 22 670 1166
Experience the Magic of the Middle East Belly Dance Show – Live Performance! Fridays at 19:00 – Le Cedre 84 Saturdays at 19:00 – Le Cedre 61 lecedre.pl | FB.com/lecedrepl | IG.com/lecedreinwarsaw
Rewriting Herstory
A sweeping feminist retelling of art history
The Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw unveils The Woman Question and City of Women, two major exhibitions reframing art history through a feminist perspective. Featuring nearly 200 artists—from Gentileschi and Kahlo to Dumas and Ono—the shows challenge the myth of women’s absence in art while presenting works never before seen in Poland. Alongside this historical arc, four contemporary projects explore identity, the body, and reproductive rights, positioning Warsaw as a dynamic center for feminist art and dialogue.
Museum of Modern Art ul. Marszałkowska 103, artmuseum.p
ADVENTURE/CULTURE
Magic Reimagined
Immersive VR adventure for the whole family
Art Box Metaverse at the Norblin Factorty has unveiled its newest family-friendly experience: “Fairy Tales – The City of Lost Stories,” a 30-minute VR adventure that revives the wonder of classic childhood tales. Aimed at children aged six and up, the experience blends cutting-edge technology with the timeless pull of multigenerational storytelling.
Guided by the warm voice of a grandmother who mysteriously disappears, visitors join her granddaughters on a quest that begins in a cosy attic — one that soon transforms into a flying ship bound for a forgotten realm of stories. Along the way, participants step inside beloved fairy tales: soaring on Aladdin’s magic carpet, diving with the Little Mermaid, wandering the ocean’s depths with Pinocchio, and facing down a fire-breathing dragon.
More than spectacle, the production gently reflects on the fading ritual of shared storytelling, reminding viewers that even the darkest tales carry lessons worth passing on.
As Poland’s first large-scale multi-user VR venue, Art Box Metaverse continues to expand its immersive offerings — and this latest adventure is set to become a family favourite.
Art Box Metaverse Fairy Tales – The City of Lost Stories Norblin Factory, ul. Żelazna 51/53, artboxmetaverse.com
Sensory Delight
A
multi-sensory
journey through Łazienki
What makes Łazienki Królewskie so universally beloved? A new exhibition inside the historic Officer Cadets School sets out to answer that very question — not through dry facts or timelines, but through pure emotion: delight. Drawing on contributions from curators, artists, re-
“
This exhibition isn’t about history — it’s about feeling the museum with all your senses
searchers, volunteers, and even park visitors, The Marvels of the Royal Łazienki is an invitation to experience Warsaw’s most treasured museum and garden through sight, sound, scent, touch, and memory.
The show unfolds across ten themed zones, each highlighting what moves people in this iconic green refuge. There’s a fragrance installation creat-
ed with perfumer Michalina Samborska and input from more than two hundred visitors, a tactile textile-and-ceramic piece by Alicja Bielawska, and poetic works inspired by royal artifacts. Visual art sits alongside Chopin’s music, archival stories from former art students once based in the building, and even culinary discoveries based on royal chef Paul Tremo’s recipes.
From the dreamlike re-creation of a lost Bacciarelli painting to hands-on encounters with Łazienki’s wildlife, the exhibition becomes an act of slowing down — an invitation to notice what continually captivates us about this extraordinary place.
Royal Łazienki Museum
The Marvels of the Royal Łazienki, ul. Agrykola 1, lazienki-krolewskie.pl
CULTURE
Warsaw Live Sessions
A New Tradition on the Cultural Map of the Capital
In just a few seasons, Warsaw Live Sessions has become one of the most significant concert series in contemporary Polish jazz.
Entering the Jassmine club begins with a characteristic elevator ride down to the basement—a gesture that carries a symbolic weight of its own. It is here that, on selected Sundays since 2023, concerts by Polish
artists have taken place as part of the Warsaw Live Sessions series. Organized by the JAZZ PO POLSKU Foundation, the project has become a regular fixture for Warsaw music lovers. Jassmine is considered one of the best-sounding concert venues in Europe, and the series itself is marked by stylistic openness and an avant-garde, “underground” spirit. The combination has proved successful,
and its reputation continues to grow each year.
This stylistic boldness within WLS stems from presenting the full spectrum of ideas shaping the new Polish jazz scene: from acoustic sounds and traditional improvisation, through ambient and electronic projects, to avant-garde experiments. After many concerts, excited audience members leave wondering,
“Was that still jazz?”—and it is precisely this curiosity and discussion that the organizers aim to spark. The series is known not only for its diversity but also for its dedication to high artistic standards. It brings together established composers and young artists who are often defining new directions in Polish jazz.
To date, 50 concerts have taken place, featuring leading names on the Polish music scene, including Piotr Damasiewicz, Dominik Wania, Jazzpospolita, Siema Ziemia, and Nene Heroine. Alongside them perform representatives of the youngest generation—such as Twoosty Mayonez, Hania Derej, and Klawo—artists who are only beginning their careers yet are already attracting attention with their freshness and compositional daring.
Average attendance at WLS concerts is around 200 people, totaling nearly 10,000 listeners. These figures indicate that the series has not only taken root but has become an essential part of the city’s cultural life. Many Jassmine regulars note that it is now difficult to imagine Warsaw without Warsaw Live Sessions.
What makes the project unique, however, is not only its program but also its multi-layered format. Each concert is simultaneously produced in audio and video, allowing the material to reach a wider audience in Poland and abroad. Rebroadcasts appear on Radio Nowy Świat, and selected recordings can be viewed on LOT Polish Airlines flights—offering a distinctive presentation of the Polish jazz scene in an international context. As Jakub
“The fact that this project has taken such deep root in Warsaw shows how necessary it was”
Krzeszowski, President of the JAZZ PO POLSKU Foundation, emphasizes, the core idea of the series is to democratize access to ambitious music:
“From the very beginning, Warsaw Live Sessions was meant to be more than a concert series. We wanted to create a space where Polish improvising artists could meet audiences regularly in the highest-quality conditions. The fact that the project has taken such deep root in Warsaw and become a permanent part of many people’s calendars shows how necessary it was. We are also pleased that thanks to the audio-video recordings we can reach new listeners. In the coming years, we want to make even broader use of this material to
promote the Polish improvisation scene worldwide.”
WSL is a place of encounters, exchange of energy, and the presentation of lively, evolving Polish jazz. Thanks to this Warsaw-based series, one can watch that evolution unfold in real time—and take part in it. If Warsaw has its musical rituals, Warsaw Live Sessions is undoubtedly among the most important today.
FOR MORE INFORMATION SCAN HERE
EDUCATION
Beyond Grades
Unlocking true potential in admissions at Akademeia High School in Warsaw
Contemporary admissions models are increasingly moving away from rigid assessment solely based on points or test scores.
The competency-based model, which focuses on genuine skills, predispositions, and developmental potential, is regarded as a modern and effective approach that better meets the demands of the evolving educational landscape. This type of admissions enables a more comprehensive evaluation of candidates, ensuring the selection of students who not only possess knowledge but are also prepared for academic challenges and personal growth.
Akademeia High School, an academically selective british international school in Warsaw, successfully employs this competency-based admissions model. The school seeks students who stand out not only for their results but also for their creativity, critical thinking, and exceptional motivation to develop. During the Assessment Days, which are key components of the admissions process, candidates have the opportunity to showcase their skills in various formats, allowing the admissions team to fully appreciate their potential.
The admissions process at Akademeia High School is multi-staged, designed to assess candidates’ competencies in a comprehensive and objective manner. Students undertake competency tests in English and Mathematics to determine their current level in core areas. Moreover, candidates participate in
individual meetings with subject teachers, during which their strengths, approach to learning, and motivation are evaluated. Group tasks also form a significant aspect of the process, enabling assessment of teamwork, communication skills, and analytical thinking abilities. Verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests, as well as creative online tasks, provide a broad evaluation of the student's potential. The entire process is meticulously documented, and results, along with a competency report, are presented to parents to support informed decisions regarding school admission.
Akademeia High School’s educational offer is divided into three key stages of student development: the Foundation Year, which provides solid preparation for further study within an international high school environment; the following two years based on the British IGCSE curriculum, allowing for comprehensive knowledge acquisition and skill development; and finally, the prestigious A Levels programme in Years 12 and 13. The A Levels programme offers a wide range of specialised subjects, giving students the freedom to tailor their learning pathway according to their passions and academic goals. Upon completing their A Levels, Akademeia graduates successfully gain admission to the world’s top universities, including prestigious Ivy League institutions, Russell Group universities, and leading European academic centres.
It is worth noting that the school offers entry at any of these stages, adapting the
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
“The competency-based model focuses on genuine skills and developmental potential”
admissions process and personalised educational pathway to the needs of new students.
Assessment Days at Akademeia High School are scheduled for 20-21 February, 20-21 March, and 24-25 April 2026. Families interested in applying to the school are encouraged to contact the admissions team via the online form available on the website.
Additionally, Akademeia organises Open Days, during which prospective families can visit the campus, meet the teaching team, and familiarise themselves with the educational offer. The upcoming Open Days will take place on 14 January, 5 February
(online), and 7 March 2026. Akademeia High School is a place where a personalised approach to each student combines with the highest academic standards. Education takes place in small, supportive classes on a modern campus, fostering allaround development.
Akademeia High School ul. Ledóchowskiej 2 (Wilanów)
For more information please visit: akademeia.edu.pl
preschools
AMERICAN SCHOOL OF WARSAW
Students aged 3-5 are encouraged to try new things, ask questions, and take risks in a nurturing environment in which they learn life skills alongside academics. Following the Primary Years Programme (PYP), our young students become caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. Contact admissions@ aswarsaw.org
BRITISH PRIMARY SCHOOL OF WILANOW
A values-driven school offering a world-class education based on the best of British Education. BSW is the first school in Poland to be accredited as Compliant by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). Based in a purpose built premises in Wilanow BSW is accepting applications from Nursery to Year 9. Please email admissions@bswilanow.org to organise a visit.
THE BRITISH SCHOOL WARSAW – EARLY YEARS CENTRE
Our Early Years Foundation Stage provides a play-based learning curriculum full of curiosity, wonder and discovery – the perfect springboard into Primary education. ul. Dąbrowskiego 84, tel. 22 646 77 77, thebritishschool.pl
Future-Ready Schools
A supportive, balanced approach to student growth
What does today’s school need
in order to truly meet the needs of the modern student? After all, school should serve as both a foundation and a springboard for a child’s balanced development. But is it even possible to respond to all the needs of a young person?
At the core—and the greatest value for every child—is psychological support. A contemporary school should be a place guided by an organised team of psychologists. Their role is to act as a quiet, steady presence accompanying students on their path to adulthood. Why a team rather than a single psychologist? Because a team allows for peer consultation, broader insight into a child’s needs, and— importantly—gives students the freedom to choose whom they feel comfortable speaking with. This does not signal a rise in student problems; rather, it reflects the growing awareness within educational environments. In a fast-moving world it’s easy to lose one’s way, even for the most capable. The role of the school is to act as a map and a compass. And everything begins with the right start.
Another essential element is the partnership between school and home. Few factors are more important in a child’s education and upbringing. A well-coordinated team of parents and teachers is the
strongest predictor of a child’s success. It is inspiring to see parents who read, learn, and actively seek to strengthen their parenting skills—arguably one of the most challenging roles there is. Schools should support this by creating environments in which not only students, but also parents, can grow. Evening workshops or “parent schools” focused on parenting competencies are invaluable tools that strengthen the school–child–home relationship. After all, every child learns by observing. When they see consistency between parents and teachers—and receive trust and support—they feel safe. And in such an environment, snowplow parenting (removing obstacles before the child encounters them) can give way to independent experience. A comfortable, safe setting encourages autonomy, builds a sense of agency, and nurtures responsibility. It won’t always be easy, of course,
Edyta Frejek Owner/Principal of Benjamin Franklin Elementary School Number One
but school should be the safest space to make mistakes and learn from them—and that’s exactly what a modern school must provide.
It’s also worth remembering to recognise and encourage a child’s interests from the earliest grades. Schools should set direction, yes, but they should also follow the student’s individuality. We cannot expect every child to excel in every subject. While a broad knowledge base is necessary, students should be given the chance to develop more deeply in the areas that ignite their curiosity. Individualisation in teaching yields concrete benefits—for both students and educators.
In the end, balance is key. Collaboration, growth, and trust form the foundation. A school for the contemporary student is one built on relationships—relationships with the student, and equally, with their parents and caregivers.
Natalia Chrzanowska Deputy Principal of Primary School Number One Benjamin Franklin
EDUCATION
THE CANADIAN SCHOOL OF WARSAW PRESCHOOL
Welcoming students from the ages of 2.5 to 6 years old, currently 45% of their admissions are international students. The dedicated, IB-trained teachers deliver an innovative program (PYP) in English designed for modern world needs. The program offers a combination of Literacy, Maths, Science, Physical Education, Arts & Culture, French and Polish classes. ul. Ignacego Krasickiego 53, tel. 697 979 100, canadian-school.pl
schools
AMERICAN SCHOOL OF WARSAW
AKADEMEIA HIGH SCHOOL
An academically selective international school in Warsaw, offering iGCSEs and A Levels whilst preparing students for the best universities in the world. The staff body consists of alumni of the world’s best universities, whilst facilities at what has become Poland’s most prestigious school include an art studio, auditorium, sports hall and roof garden. ul. Ledóchowskiej 2, akademeia.edu.pl
With over 50 nationalities, ASW has been welcoming students from around the world since 1953. As an IB Continuum school, our students follow the PYP, MYP and DP throughout their learner journey. Students graduate with either the IB diploma or an American high school diploma. All programs are conducted in English, with integrated EAL support for non-native speakers. Contact: admissions@aswarsaw.org or 22 702 85 00, ul. Warszawska 202 (Konstancin-Jeziorna), aswarsaw. org
BRITISH PRIMARY SCHOOL OF WILANOW
A values-driven school offering a world-class education based on the best of British Education. BSW is the first school in Poland to be accredited as Compliant by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). Based in a purpose built premises in Wilanow BSW is accepting applications from Nursery to Year 9. Please email admissions@bswilanow.org to organise a visit
warsaw montessori family
Warsaw
Montessori Schools accepting applications for our programs and locations:
The mission of TBS is to balance academic success with character building and well-being. Students at The British School Warsaw learn an internationally respected curriculum, based on the best of British academics. They take pride in their excellent results at both International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and IGCSE level, which are well above the global average. ul. Limanowskiego 15, tel. 22 842 3281, thebritishschool.pl
THE ENGLISH PRIMARY
The English Primary is designed specifically for children in the primary education ages, just as children experience in England but in an international community. Pupils are taken through the key learning stages so that they can achieve to the best of their ability through a fun learning experience. The Core Curriculum subjects include English, Phonics, Science, Mathematics, French, PE and Swimming, Music, Personal, Social and Health Education. ul. Rzodkiewki 18, tel. 784 037 808, tep.edu.pl
THE CANADIAN SCHOOL OF WARSAW INTERNATIONAL ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL
Located on two campuses in the Mokotów this is the only authorized IB School with PYP programs taught in English and Polish. French is taught as a third language. International staff, cultural events and challenging student initiatives create the perfect learning environment. ul. Bełska 7, tel. 692 411 573 / 885 420 044, secretary@canadian-school.pl or secretary. olimpijska@canadian-school.pl
THE INTERNATIONAL TRILINGUAL SCHOOL OF WARSAW
Established in 1994, offering nursery, primary, and pre-school education with an international curriculum for children aged from one to 15. The full immersion trilingual setting allows for the choice between English, Polish, Spanish or Chinese, French or Japanese. Teachers are highly-qualified native speakers from the US, France, Spain, China and Japan. ul. Nobla 16 (tel. 501 036 637), ul. Karowa 14/16 (tel. 503 072 119), ul. Krolowej Aldony (tel. 533 321 084), office@3languages.pl, itsw.edu.pl
schools
JOY PRIMARY SCHOOL
Treating pupils with mutual respect but not at the expense of being demanding, the methods used are hard on the problem but soft on the person. Taking into account what students think, feel, learn and want for themselves and their world, Joy Primary teaches important life skills as well as respect, care for others, problem solving and co-operation. Here, children are challenged to discover their abilities and competences, while encouraged to explore personal strength and autonomy. ul. Syta 131A, tel. 722 305 333, sekretariat@joyprimaryschool.pl
MONNET INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Located in Mokotów, the Monnett is the only school in Poland that implements the International Baccalaureate Program from kindergarten level all the way through to secondary school. The fully-qualified staff are committed to delivering only the highest standards of education. ul. Stępińska 13, tel. 22 852 06 08, maturamiedzynarodowa.pl
WARSAW MONTESSORI SCHOOL
leader in the field of Montessori education, well-trained teachers guide students to independent and successful learning with both English and bilingual classroom provided. Located just steps from Łazienki Park the school resides in vibrant surroundings near to museums, embassies and natural settings which provide students with learning outside the classroom. ul. Szwoleżerów 4 (grades 0-4), tel. 608 488 420, wmf.edu.pl A
WARSAW MONTESSORI MIDDLE SCHOOL
Guided by trained specialists, students are responsible for managing their household, operating small businesses, caring for local flora and fauna as well as domesticated animals, taking charge of the younger children and much more. “Adolescence Program” activities, integrated with academic studies, help students discover their inner strength to meet real life challenges. ul. Tatrzańska 5A (grades 5-8), tel. 604 137 826, wmf.edu.pl
WARSAW MONTESSORI HIGH SCHOOL
Warsaw Montessori High School aims to teach students the values which Maria Montessori outlined in her educational philosophy such as: responsibility for one’s own development, care for others, honesty, empathy, and service. The school continues to meet the principles of Maria Montessori through implementing the IB Diploma Program principles and practices. Warsaw Montessori High School is an authorized IB World School for the Diploma Programme – code 061201. ul. Pytlasińskiego 13A, tel. 787 095 835, wmf.edu.pl
LOOKING BACK
FAMILY RITUALS
Traditions that shape Christmas Eve
Every Christmas Eve in Poland carries a quiet choreography— small gestures, repeated across generations, that turn the night into something sacred. For many Warsaw families, the heart of the celebration is not the food or even the gifts, but the longheld rituals observed at the table.
It begins before anyone sits down. A thin layer of hay is tucked beneath the tablecloth, a humble reminder of the manger. At the first sighting of the evening star—real or imagined—the family gathers, and the room softens. The oldest or youngest member reaches for the opłatek, breaking the wafer and offering wishes for the year ahead. It is a moment that suspends time: tenderness expressed in murmured words, small grievances quietly resolved, promises renewed.
An empty place is always set. In many homes, it is symbolic—a gesture of hospitality for the unexpected guest, or a tribute to those no longer present. In others, it is a quiet acknowledgment of the displaced and the lonely, a tradition that echoes Warsaw’s own history of absence and return.
Then begins the meal: twelve dishes, each meatless, each imbued with meaning. Barszcz with uszka, carp, pierogi, makowiec—recipes repeated faithfully, even when adapted to modern tastes. Between the courses, stories appear: of grandparents who fled, of childhood winters when snow seemed endless, of the year someone mistook the carp for a pet.
These rituals endure because they root us. Around that table—year after year—Warsaw’s families rediscover continuity, connection, and the quiet magic of being together.
