The easing of covid restrictions has been marked by the reactivation of Warsaw’s food halls – following a ‘safety first’ approach by stringently following the requisite hygiene measures, distancing rules and safety guidelines, it is in these food and drink hubs you’ll find the spirit of modern Warsaw!
ul. Dobra 42
Opened for the time (ever!) on Wednesday, Elektrownia Powiśle look hellbent on reshaping how we view Warsaw from a social perspective. A staggering mixed-use project found inside a lovingly revamped electricity plant, highlights include not just an eco-market but a food hall that’s already setting itself the target to become the best in Warsaw (no, make that Poland!).
While many tenants have yet to officially open, we’re already fired up by the prospect of cheese steaks as served by expat Alan Bohinski of Philly’s Finest. Add to that three bars (yep, three!), serving everything from craft beer to author’s cocktails, and you have a place to be reckoned with!
Pl. Mirowska 2
Set within a charmingly distressed piece of Tsarist-era brickwork, it’s not just the depth of the offer that previously kept crowd figures high, but the quality as well.
Standouts in this food hall are too numerous to mention, but hat tips go towards the Gorilla coffee point; the cool corner that is Niewinność Wine Bar; the delicious dumplings at I Love Pierogi; and the English-style spuds served by Pieczone Ziemniaki. Last but not least, no-one in Poland scoops better ice cream than the team at Ice Pot.
ul. Koszykowa 63
Where it all began! Nirvana for the aspirational classes, careful surgery has preserved the heritage of this early 20th century marketplace and juxtaposed it against the urban tapestry of modern Warsaw.
Appealing to everyone from foodies and families to Instagram scenesters, its success has sparked a nationwide wave of doubles and duplicates.
But despite their best efforts, none come close to feeling quite so global. Walking around Koszyki, find all from Korean noodles, Spanish tapas, Mexican burritos, Greek kebabs and so much more.
ul. Wał Miedzeszyński 407
After months of bad vibes and general panic, the return of Lunapark is the kind of news we just can’t get enough of.
Quite simply the most imaginatively insane F&B concept that Warsaw’s ever seen, find this once-abandoned outdoor leisure complex given a Coney Island makeover complete with a bar set around a carousel; a circus-style big top entered via the mouth of a grinning clown; a shot bar disguised as a shooting gallery; and a bank of fairground games.
ul. Postępu 5
Christened Mordor by the despairing employees who head there each working day, the area around Domaniewska doesn’t have the best public image. Now, tthere isn’t just hope, but also a solution to realign the spirit of this quarter. Call it Postępu 5, a collection of street vendors housed in a line-up of former garages and storage units.
Highlights inc. Roger That Foods, a burger stop immediately identifiable by the monster smoker set outside, La Mia Pasta (for you know what), and the legendary Pyzy Flaki Gorące serving Praga-style dumplings in a jar.
