Bibenda
Nowogrodzka 10
As Benjamin Franklin once said, “nothing is certain except death and taxes and Bibenda winning the Insider’s recognition.” Since opening nine or so years back, Bibs have grown from a cult eatery to a bona fide giant with a name known nationwide by Poland’s band of foodies. Winning just about every prize going, you’d be well within your rights calling it Warsaw’s favourite restaurant – certainly, that’s what the queue seems to say.
Eschewing reservations in favour of a first come, first served system, in the evening lines stretch out the door as hopeful diners queue for a seat inside. So, just what is the draw? Augmenting the warm, busy interiors of raw red brick and dim yellow lighting, guests flock here for a menu that celebrates the fields, forests and farmsteads of Poland. Though not strictly vegetarian, meat has become a rare find here, with the focus now fully shifted on eclectic combinations of freshly plucked goodies – for example, crispy mushrooms and scallions with fermented garlic chili honey and peanut chili crisps. Paired with craft beers and bio wines, all these elements come together to make a night to remember. It’s a phenomenon, and rightly so.
