So, hybrids have been popping up all around Warsaw as of 2012. And it seems the Polish celebrity chef, Krystian Zalejski, has lusted after one of his own. But his bakery-cum-restaurant-cum-café-cum-wine bar (phew!) is not like the other ones of its kind. It quickly becomes clear that the owner wanted to create something that was as familiar as the typical Warsaw café but at the same time a bit more polished. All food, from the pastries to the dinner dishes (including the pasta too, of course) is made from scratch in their kitchens, the old-fashioned way. The waitress highlights that with no prompting: “Our chef puts great emphasis on quality”.

And quality we received. I ordered something to nibble on – a Mediterranean Basket, French pastry stuffed with feta and roast vegetables, from their pastry selection. Simple. But what I did not expect was: a) for it to be that delicious; and b) for it to be brought to me on Villeroy & Boch crockery, warmed up and garnished with rocket and balsamic dressing. Talk about quality.

Everything about this place is pleasant. Pleasant sounds through the speakers, pleasant interior, and a general pleasant feel. The location is also pleasant, situated a bit off of the Royal Route, on the edge of the bustling Pl. Trzech Krzyży. Done in a rustic style, with white washed raw wooden tables (watch out for the splinters though) and antique-style décor, it is home-y and comfortable. Christian’s provides all meals of the day with a menu that only lasts a few days, written out on huge blackboards and mostly filled with Italian staples, but with a twist. Think pappardelle with roasted duck slices and rosemary. The establishment takes no shame in the originality of their concept. So as the text on their wall says, “take it or leave it”. (KK)