Dziurka od Klucza

Some of us already knew that Powiśle has emerged as Warsaw’s ‘it’ neighborhood, but now it seems that the secret is out – the area is now bustling with newly-opened venues, most of an ambiguous nature – places that simultaneously fill the function of bar, café and restaurant. And in the middle of this lands Dziurka, hidden away among the trees and pleasantly bathed with white brickwork, violet splashes and wooden panels and floorboards.

They call themselves a kingdom for big and small princesses alike, and the decor sure is enough to confirm. Curious doors sit embedded into the wall as if waiting to be opened by the keys that hang on the tree outside. Herb pots dot the windowsills, while flowers and lampshades burst forth from the remaining surfaces. The name translates simply to “keyhole” (hence all the keys, doh), and the place sure is as small as one. It is more bistro than anything else, although customizing your visit into a café experience is no mean effort given their wide coffee menu and divine desserts that reside on the counter. But it feels unfair to write about this place without mentioning the food – that is, after all, the star of the show.

Revolving around Italian classics (think linguine, ravioli, gnocchi), the concept is simple: have a narrow core menu and a separate daily menu that ensures that you won’t be eating the same thing twice. Add a little creative flair and lots of mouthwatering ingredients and you’ve got yourself a recipe for loyal customers. Yet the finishing touch has got to be in the pasta, which they manufacture themselves, hanging them from the ceiling to dry for the entire world to admire. Try their intriguing black variety, dyed with squid ink… Anything but typical, this side street charmer has done a grand job of getting local foodies talking.