Redefining breakfast culture in Warsaw

Redefining breakfast culture in Warsaw
Though it opened early last year, I don’t find myself in Praga nearly as often as I should. If nothing else, let this piece serve as a call to arms: cross the river and experience what is, without exaggeration, one of the best brunches in town.
The name itself is a playful double entendre—Toast, as in the crisped bread they serve all day, but also the kind you raise in celebration. And here, both interpretations apply. It’s a place that revels in simple pleasures: golden, buttery bread piled high with flavor, washed down with an excellent selection of wines.
Before we even get to the food, a word on the service. From the moment I walked in, the staff greeted me warmly—an increasingly rare experience at trendy spots where indifference can feel like part of the brand. In a city where winter skies already feel oppressive, the last thing you need is a restaurant where the vibe is just as chilly. Thankfully, Toast radiates hospitality.
Now, the main event. Breakfast is served until 14:00, after which heartier dishes take over. But let’s be clear: toast reigns supreme all day long.
I went for the Toast Toast 2.0, a dish so good it graces the cover of this issue, eclipsing even the first signs of spring. A perfectly caramelized slice layered with chili oil and salicornia (mini sea asparagus), it’s the kind of indulgence that makes you briefly forget about summer swimsuit season. Rich, decadent, and just the right amount of umami—it’s hands down the best thing I’ve eaten this year.
The menu is a checklist of must-tries, with something for every craving. The Chicken Toast, with shredded chicken in gochujang-spiked tomato sauce, cheddar, and a fried egg, is a spicy, tangy masterpiece. For a more classic approach, the Prague Plate—cheeses, soft-boiled eggs, and figs—is the kind of leisurely European breakfast that makes you feel like you’re living in a film.
Beyond the food, Toast’s interior is a love letter to thoughtful design. Created by Dash Interiors, the space is both minimalist and warm, with noble materials used in inventive ways. The room’s centerpiece is a striking oval table, its cobalt-patterned top perched on mirrored legs that play with light and reflection. Vintage elements, like Arne Jacobsen’s iconic “Ant” chairs, lend a timeless charm, while mosaic plinths and a checkerboard-tiled bathroom floor inject a touch of retro playfulness. The entire space feels effortlessly stylish without being pretentious—a rare balance.
For those looking to avoid the brunch rush, consider stopping by in the afternoon, when the scene mellows out and the wine list shines. With an inspired selection that includes 0% options, it’s clear that Toast isn’t just about breakfast—it’s about an all-day invitation to indulge.
So, if you needed an excuse to explore Praga, this is it. Come for the toast, stay for the vibe, and raise a glass to a city that finally knows how to do breakfast right.