Few chefs have done more to rehabilitate Poland’s culinary reputation than Andrzej Polan – a crusader for seasonal tastes and regional produce, his is a menu that gives mundane sounding ingredients new impetus: you’ve had herring before, just not like this. Hell, even the humble dumpling is given an overdue makeover.

Looking warm and woodsy, this super small restaurant has emerged to become a major figure on the national restaurant scene.

So with that in mind, the Insider expected excellence for its latest visit, and that’s precisely what we got. Here, even the bread is something you’ll likely fall in love with.

Starters: if not photogenic, then certainly delicious – that’s discs of goose-mushroom pate served with pickled cucumber and apple essence.

Mains: a soft rabbit confit with seasonal forest fruits, pumpkin jam and fried potato. Full marks.

Dessert: and finally, a shortbread cake with chocolate and persymona mousse. Woo indeed.

Final cost: with tip, PLN 160. Bargain. Simply put, it’s a restaurant that puts you in good mood for the rest of the day. Think of it as Warsaw at its best.

Mała Polana Smaków
ul. Belwederska 13/44, polanasmakow.pl