Square 5 comes as a pleasant surprise amidst the desert that is Pl. Bankowy. The intimate interiors are already visible from the street, through their floor to ceiling windows. The first thing I notice as I walk by, however, is their extensive menu, scrawled on a blackboard spanning three walls, written in categories: ‘sandwiches’, ‘salads’, ‘drinks’, ‘classic coffees’, ‘unusual coffees’ – too many to take in at once… Combine this with a countertop heavy with freshly-baked goods from croissants and bread rolls to cookies and cakes, all from their own ovens, and you’ve got a positively overwhelmed newcomer. 

What resulted, as I tried to decide as quickly as possible when faced with such a daunting choice, was a strategic zeroing in on one of the categories and choosing something, anything, so the poor girl at the counter didn’t have to wait any longer. I ended up not too badly off, with a big plate of salad and an unexpected complimentary bread basket, filled with their home baked bread, of course. 

Apart from menu staples in the form of sizeable sandwiches and generous salad portions, daily-changing lunch deals are also on offer, which always feature a combination of soup and pasta (together or separate). For those who have the luxury of a languid morning start, Square 5 also do nice breakfast sets.

The drinks also deserve a mention as the choice is just as vast. Their coffee is premium Ionia il Caffe, and it comes in all forms, from the traditional cappuccino to more daring coconut macchiato. As an additional incentive, all coffees are zł. 5 throughout the weekend. Alcohol-wise, this is one of the few places in Warsaw to feature the Polish cider ‘Dzik Cydr’ made only from wild apples and poured from a barrel. All in all, a positive experience – the place definitely has the potential to draw more than just the suits working next door in for lunch. (KK)