I am so incredibly happy to have discovered Warszawa, obscured by the more well known European capitals and some show-off neighbours. The city is a mix of old and new, a bit Berlin, a bit Paris, bubbling with creativity in every corner, being restaurants and going-out spots or new emerging brands and projects from an impressive breed of creatives gathering in the Polish capital. The coffee is on-point, the to do list never ending: Warsaw is perfect for an alternative weekend strolling around and discovering all the innovative spots it has to offer.
All the places mentioned below, are easy to retrieve on this WARSAW COOL GUIDE MAP I created, previewed below.
FOOD, COFFEE & DRINKS
SAM
Great coffee and healthy food. I recommend double espresso with their freshly made almond milk as well as their traditional Polish beetroot soup with baked potatoes. Who does not want to sip pink liquid for lunch? 😉
Charlotte Menora
This breakfast spot is a Parisian oasis in the heart of Warsaw. Rattan chairs, marble round tables, a touch of green, nothing is more instagrammable (and delicious!) than a croissant and cappuccino accompanied by huge jars of delicious jams. The classic breakfast order comes with a basket of croissants and assorted breads as well as a choice of two spreads. Strawberry jam and white chocolate are a must, mmm!
Krem
Here goes another French touch (and the owner is indeed a French man!). This place is a personal favorite for the whole aesthetic mix of delicious food (had a great croque madame), minimal-chic meets quirky-casual interior and a very tasteful selection of music which is always appreciated.
Hala Koszyki
This is a food hall built in industrial style putting together a great array of stylish restaurants, kiosks and the like. A foodie heaven, and also good on the eye, for the architecture/interior design appreciators!
Zorza
Great Gatsby vibes for this bar & restaurant. I tried here their “Zorza breakfast” with eggs, avocado & co and found it delicious. Being an interiorista, I fell in love with the space as well.
Klub SPATiF
A true sweet spot in the sense of the word, maybe even a personal Warsaw favorite. Delicious, healthy food, served in beautiful plates and glasses in original colours and designs. A reserved courtyard mixing wooden tables, plants and greens, with shiny plates and cutlery and upholstered chairs in vibrant prints. An artsy crowd. I loved their lemonade served in copper cups, and can highly recommend the lunch menu comprised of small portions but very carefully prepared meals, available for around 7 euros.
Lukullus
You can consider this as the Ladurée of Warsaw. Beautiful, eclectic design and packaging, plus good coffee, and of course pastries. I really enjoyed the Polish doughnut with rose jam.
Etno Cafe
Pretty interior in scandi tones: acapulco chairs, cozy armchairs, pastel colours meeting tropical wallpaper. As in all the hyped Warsaw cafe, this place is not short of sophisticated coffee options, Ethiopian being a favorite, as well as their iconic Cold Brew bottles.
Regina Bar
Quirky meets chic, pizza meets Asian. Regina Bar is one of my personal Warsaw favorites, undefinable, easy-going, for sure not boring. Had a delicious pizza with zucchini, with their special dough and lemonade (in Warsaw they know their lemonades too!) and enjoyed all the details from the interior and branding to the friendly service and its hip crowd.
Nocny Market
Open Thursday to Saturday night, this is a great spot to experience food and music outdoors in an alternative atmosphere. Set in an old train station, actually literally on an old train track, this market is full of food kiosks, people of all sorts and ages, and live dj-sets. How cool is that!
Stor
Yet another great hipster Warsaw cafe, also featured in the lovely Varsavia Coffee Spots guide of great coffee spots in town. I here had one of great Warsaw flat whites and homemade granola.
Want to try: Wegemama, Odette Tea Room, Odette, MOMU, Ministerstwo Kawy, Melody, Palmier, MOD, Solec 44, La Sirena.
TO DO, MUSEUMS & LANDMARKS
Palace of Culture & Science
Very pretty park and a must-have picture for the Warsaw portfolio.
Want to visit: Botanical Garden of the University of Warsaw, The Neon Museum, Warsaw Old Town, Theatre Square.
SHOPPING & BRANDS
Lui Store
Not only this fashion store has an amazingly aesthetic Instagram account, it also has a great interior design, and well, actual great brands, such as Attico, Rodarte and Jonathan Simkhai. The three things combined make it fashion heaven on Earth, and one of my personal favorite fashion boutiques, full stop. Actual selection is quite low, but exquisitely curated, which is both a visual pleasure and wallet-saving. Win-win!
Le Petit Trou
French-inspired, Polish-founded lingerie brand set in a minimalist yet luxe environment with gold accents contrasting the darker lingerie pieces. The store also hosts bags and accessory brand Chylak, yet another example of great emergent Polish brands.
Momu
E-commerce only, lovely embroidered t-shirts and illustrations!
Kopi
Innovative jewellry and accessories.
Anders
Fashion brand: think Jane Birkin, Provence, French-girl chic vibes.
Label Magazine
Design and lifestyle magazine written in both Polish and English. Great visuals and editorials.
Want to shop: Supersalon, Cloudmine.
WHERE TO STAY
Want to stay: Autor Rooms, Puro
MORE VISUAL IMPRESSIONS
All places can be found on the Warsaw Cool Guide map here.
Those Sweet Spots 