Simple, honest and brilliant at what they do, allow this slice of little Italy to bring some warmth to your soul…
Simple, honest and brilliant at what they do, allow this slice of little Italy to bring some warmth to your soul…
“I come from Puglia, a region where mozzarella is awarded the same importance as our daily bread,” says Francesco Micaletti, a former consultant that left the office grind behind to launch Bianca Mozzarella along with his partner, Kaja Przygońska.
Twinning his business acumen with Kaja’s fantatical knowledge of cheese, the pair found themselves taking Warsaw by storm courtesy of their online service. But what started out as something of an in-the-know secret, soon found itself blowing up as word quickly spread about the quality of the product.
Pairing recipes gleaned from their time in Italy with the best Polish eco-milk they could find, the results floored the foodie public and won a heap of admirers in the process – from Kukbuk to Vogue. In fact, so bowled over were the latter, they called it “the most sought-after cheese in Warsaw”. They weren’t wrong, either.
From this success, a stationary store was born – one in which visitors could have a glass of something sparkly and some little bites of this and that. Opened a few months back, already it has proved a resounding hit.
Set in a corner unit just off Koszykowa, this bi-level space has an easygoing charm: tall windows, soft tunes, and a welcoming simplicity that feels right for the brand – décor wise, there’s not much more than some plants on the walls and a bit of art here and there. It doesn’t need any more.
Visually dominated by the counter at the end, it’s here – and from the shelving to the side – that visitors pick from their signature mozzarella or stop to stock up on jars of caramelized onions or tomato confit. But with purchases made, linger longer to enjoy the moment over niche Italian wine or a glass of bombardino – a wintry drink with brandy, advocaat and whipped cream on top. Served hot, you feel your immunity boosted on a sluggish day.
The food front, too, is worth attention: that means a range of focaccias with an array of fresh, seasonal toppings, pasta served in a pleasurable cheesy goo (cue round of applause for their scamorza), and burrata baked with veg sourced from Pan Ziółko, the closest Warsaw has to a celebrity grocer.
Reassuringly busy with regulars popping in and out, it’s the kind of place that Warsaw needs more of: seamlessly blending the functions of store and hangout, it’s a venue that lifts your mood instantaneously.
Natolińska 3, website