An old friend from Hala Gwardii has opened up on Emilii Plater
An old friend from Hala Gwardii has opened up on Emilii Plater
By Kevin Demaria
If you remember being mesmerized at Hala Gwardii by the smells of the espresso machine in action, with its steam hissing, and the anticipation of that perfect shot being pulled when you were food shopping on an early weekend morning—then to feeling like something truly epic was lost when it closed last year—you’ll be happy to know that the Espresso Bar has set up a new brick and mortar location on the rapidly developing city center street, Emili Platter.
Stepping into this Scandinavian-inspired coffee shop is like entering a haven of minimalist elegance and cozy warmth. The interior design effortlessly blends sleek modernity with rustic charm, creating an inviting space that beckons patrons to linger and unwind. Clean lines and a neutral color palette dominate the decor, with soft hues of whites, grays, and muted pastels setting a serene ambiance. Light pours in through large windows, illuminating the space and highlighting the natural materials that abound—like smooth, blond wood accents and terracotta bricks around the bar. Every detail is meticulously considered, from the minimalist pendant lighting fixtures suspended overhead to the repurposed hairstyling equipment from the previous owner’s beauty salon that was there for over 30 years. Check out what hangs suspended in the bathroom!
Serving up Warsaw’s own champion roasters Coffeelab and Trigger Roastery, the owners bring their inspiration of drinking dark and rich black coffee from their time in Norway, as well as the high-end brand Tim Wendelboe. A staple choice is a double espresso, but we suggest an aeropress or tonic espresso to get your caffeine fix checked off for the day.
Selectively sourced desserts by Domobake and Muus in Warsaw’s hip district of Powiśle are perfect sweet accompaniments to the savory blends of coffee on offer.
Be sure to try their Norwegian brunost toast prepared fresh for you with toasted chałka and caramelized cheese curls on top. While you can perch outside on their window ledges, their outside garden is scheduled to open in April. It is sure to be the top spot to sit and people-watch on the city’s soon-to-be most popular streets.
