Here are 5 Warsaw food experiences you won’t want to miss! Come hungry, because this is a foodie city.
When I think back to my trip to Warsaw, most of those memories revolve around food. From bowls of chilled pink beetroot soup to steaming plates of hunter’s stew, and strawberry-filled dessert pierogi to pints of the local brew; I feel like I spent most of my time eating and drinking my way around the city! So today I’m going to be sharing some of my foodie recommendations for anyone visiting. Here are some of my favourite food experiences you can enjoy in Warsaw, Poland!
Warsaw Food Guide: What to Eat and Drink in Warsaw, Poland!
Have lunch at a milk bar
What is a milk bar, you ask? Don’t worry, I also raised an eyebrow the first time I heard the name. The term ‘milk bar’ is a misnomer; you don’t go to a milk bar to drink milk – though some of the meals are dairy-based.
A milk bar, locally known as bar mleczny, is a type of establishment similar to a cafeteria and you can order simple yet hearty dishes for really cheap. The first milk bar in Warsaw opened back in 1896, and these experienced a surge in popularity right after the First and Second World Wars due to their affordability.
Unlike your average restaurant, eating at a milk bar involves lining up to place your order, paying for your meal at the cash register, grabbing a tray, picking up your meal from a serving window, and taking the food back to your table. You don’t come here for the customer service, but it’s a unique experience and a must-do when in Warsaw.
If you’re looking to visit a milk bar in the city, I’d recommend Bar Prasowy (their website is only in Polish, but you can grab the address off their Facebook page). The place is really popular with locals, it serves up great food, and it has a cool design. You can’t go wrong with their potatoes with meatballs and a bowl of pink beetroot soup!
This Warsaw food tour will take you to 6 carefully selected spots including a milk bar! This is a fun way to get familiar with Polish food.
Take a pierogi cooking class
I really enjoy taking cooking classes wherever I travel – so far I’ve learned to make pasta in Italy, fish amok in Cambodia, and curry in Thailand – so it was only natural to sign up for a Polish cooking class while in Warsaw.
I joined a cooking class to learn how to make pierogi, and like any good cooking class, the day started with food, because there’s no sense in being hungry in the kitchen! We had a small buffet featuring bread, deli meats and even pickled herring, and once we had snacked to our heart’s content, it was time to get busy.
The plan that day was to create pierogi with 3 different fillings: 2 savoury ones for our main course and 1 sweet one for dessert. For the savoury fillings, we mixed up one batch of ground beef and onions, and a second batch with cheese and potatoes. Then came the task of carefully pinching the pierogi so that the filling wouldn’t leak once they were boiled.
However, my favourite part was working on the dessert pierogi which we stuffed with strawberries, brown sugar, and vanilla-infused white sugar. I have a major sweet tooth, so this recipe was right up my alley! Once the dessert pierogi had been boiled, we sprinkled a little bit of cinnamon on top and it was pure magic.
Another reason I enjoyed this class is that our cooking instructor, Michal, was a fellow traveller who has spent a lot of time travelling to different parts of the world to learn their recipes, so this meant we all had lots of travel stories to swap while cooking. Plus, you’ve gotta love an activity where you leave filling stuffed with delicious food! More details and photos from my cooking class in Warsaw over here.
Want to learn to make pierogi? This pierogi cooking class is the best-rated in Warsaw!
Enjoy farm-to-table dining
Farm-to-table dining is a growing trend these days with a focus on acquiring food products directly from the producer and minimizing the time and handling that it takes for these ingredients to reach your dining table.
Farm to table, in turn, is about eating locally, and organically, and getting access to the freshest food possible.
For a little taste of this, I went to Na Lato, where the chef’s original menu is based on high-quality, local and seasonal products that change throughout the year.
The restaurant’s name means ‘for the summer’ because it started out as a summer venue for food and drinks, but these days it’s a permanent fixture that transitions from restaurant to cocktail lounge to dance floor as the night progresses.
Go on a vodka tour
Whether you want to experience Warsaw’s legendary nightlife, go on a vodka tour, or enjoy a drink at a relaxed riverside bar, there are plenty of options across the city.
When it comes to vodka tours, there are a whole bunch to choose from. You have more formal vodka tastings, and pub crawls that feature plenty of vodka shots, but perhaps the most unusual of them all is a nightlife tour in a Fiat 126p where you get to visit different bars and enjoy vodka, snacks and stories with a local guide!
If you happen to be in Warsaw during the summer months, then I would also suggest checking out the pop-up river bars. These are located along the left bank of the Vistula River and are all within walking distance of each other, so technically you can go bar-hopping. Some bars are sleek and have real furniture, others are more chill and have patio furniture, and then there are those that draw the hipsters with their pallets turned sofas. Whichever you choose, they all allow you to sink your toes into the sand with a drink in hand.
If you want to experience a proper night out in Warsaw, then Nowy Swiat is the place to be. The road is lined with pubs and bars rubbing shoulder to shoulder, and it draws a mix of international travellers in their 20s. Just beware, things can get pretty rowdy along here – hence, why I tapped out early!
This 3-hour Warsaw nightlife tour takes you around Warsaw in a retro Fiat 126p to visit Communist-era bars for snacks and drinks. You get to try 10 different vodkas!
Join a walking food tour
Have you ever found yourself staring at a menu in a new destination thinking, “I don’t know what anything is!”
It’s happened to me a few times and that’s why I think food tours are such a good idea. These allow you to explore the cuisine through a local expert and figure out what dishes you enjoy most.
Once you have a better understanding of the local fare, you can then confidently walk into a restaurant and order something other than pierogi, because you know, Warsaw has a whole lot to offer aside from these beloved dumplings!
Could I interest you in a bowl of bigos (hunter’s Stew), a plate of placki ziemniaczane (grated potato pancake), or pączki (doughnut-like pastry with a sweet filling) for dessert?
This Warsaw food tour includes 10 different tastings where you get to learn more about Polish food.
Warsaw Food Guide: Beyond the Basics
By now you’ve probably realized that Warsaw is a city best explored with your appetite. What struck me during my visit was just how much food culture is woven into daily life here. You can grab a quick plate of pierogi at a milk bar, sip a craft cocktail in a rooftop bar, or wander through a bustling market filled with artisanal cheeses and cured meats—all in the same day.
If you want to make the most of your foodie trip, here’s a deeper look at Warsaw’s food scene, complete with practical tips, cultural insights, and new experiences to add to your itinerary.
Deepening the Five Foodie Experiences
Milk Bars: Poland’s Comfort Food Cafeterias
I touched on milk bars earlier, but these quirky, no-frills eateries deserve a closer look. Milk bars (bar mleczny) were originally subsidized by the government to provide affordable meals for workers and students. Today, they’re a nostalgic reminder of Poland’s socialist past, yet still popular because of their hearty dishes and unbeatable prices.
What to order at a milk bar:
- Barszcz czerwony – a clear beetroot soup often served with little dumplings (uszka).
- Placki ziemniaczane – crispy potato pancakes often paired with sour cream.
- Gołąbki – cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and minced meat in tomato sauce.
- Compote – a sweet fruit drink served cold.
Tip: Many milk bars don’t have English menus. I found it useful to take photos of the dishes beforehand so I could point when ordering!
Pierogi Cooking Classes: Taking Poland Home with You
Cooking classes are one of my favorite travel souvenirs—you get to carry a skill with you long after the trip ends. In Warsaw, pierogi classes are usually hosted by local chefs or passionate home cooks, and they provide cultural context along with recipes.
Beyond pierogi: Some classes also teach you to make other Polish staples:
- Żurek – a sour rye soup with sausage and egg.
- Kopytka – potato dumplings, similar to gnocchi.
- Makowiec – a sweet poppy seed roll served at Christmas.
Why it’s worth it:
- You’ll learn traditional folding techniques (there are several ways to pinch pierogi).
- Most classes end with a sit-down meal where you share dishes with fellow travelers.
- Recipes are often emailed afterward so you can recreate them at home.
Farm-to-Table Dining: Warsaw’s Modern Side
While Poland has a long tradition of hearty, rustic dishes, Warsaw’s younger chefs are putting a modern twist on farm-to-table dining. Seasonal menus change frequently, so don’t be surprised if your favorite dish from spring isn’t available in autumn.
Recommended restaurants:
- Na Lato – trendy, seasonal, and transitions into a cocktail lounge.
- Alewino – a wine bar and restaurant with a focus on local products.
- Bez Gwiazdek – a chef-driven restaurant that highlights one Polish region per month.
Comparison table: Farm-to-Table in Warsaw
| Restaurant | Vibe | Must-Try Dish | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Na Lato | Trendy, social | Beetroot tartare with goat cheese | $$ |
| Alewino | Elegant, wine-focused | Duck breast with forest mushrooms | $$$ |
| Bez Gwiazdek | Innovative, rotating menus | Depends on the region of the month | $$$$ |
Vodka Tours & Nightlife: The Spirit of Warsaw
Poland and vodka go hand in hand. Warsaw is the perfect place to dive deeper into this national drink. A vodka tour doesn’t just involve drinking shots; it’s also about learning the history, production, and rituals tied to vodka.
Types of experiences:
- Vodka tastings – professional setups with flights of flavored and plain vodkas.
- Pub crawls – lively group nights, often mixing vodka shots with games and snacks.
- Retro car tours – hop into a vintage Fiat and bar-hop with a local guide.
Tip: Try żubrówka, a bison-grass vodka with a subtle herbal flavor. Pair it with apple juice for a classic Polish cocktail called a tatanka.
Food Tours: Unlocking the Menu
Joining a guided food tour in Warsaw is like getting the keys to the city’s culinary traditions. Local guides explain the background behind dishes, and you’ll often taste things you wouldn’t have had the courage to order alone.
Dishes I discovered on tour:
- Flaki – beef tripe soup, a Polish classic.
- Oscypek – smoked sheep’s cheese, usually from the Tatra Mountains.
- Sernik – Polish-style cheesecake.
Checklist: Picking the Right Food Tour
- Small group size (10 or fewer people).
- Includes both savory and sweet dishes.
- Offers drinks (beer or vodka) with food.
- Led by a local, not just an English-speaking guide.
Expanding the Warsaw Food Scene
Warsaw’s Street Food
Street food in Warsaw is booming, especially during festivals and summer months. Look out for food trucks parked near the Vistula River and in urban food courts.
Must-try street eats:
- Zapiekanka – a baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, and ketchup; Poland’s answer to pizza bread.
- Kielbasa from a street grill – smoky sausages often served with mustard and bread.
- Obwarzanek – chewy bagel-like bread sprinkled with sesame or poppy seeds.
Markets & Food Halls
Markets are where you feel the pulse of everyday life in Warsaw.
Top picks:
- Hala Koszyki – a stylish food hall with restaurants, bars, and specialty shops.
- Hala Mirowska – a traditional market where locals buy fresh produce and meats.
- Nocny Market – a hip night market set in old train platforms, open during summer.
Table: Best Warsaw Markets at a Glance
| Market | Atmosphere | Best For | Open Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hala Koszyki | Modern, trendy | Dining with friends, international food | Daily |
| Hala Mirowska | Traditional | Fresh produce, meat, cheese | Daily (mornings best) |
| Nocny Market | Hip, youthful | Street food, drinks, live music | Summer evenings |
Warsaw’s Sweet Side: Dessert Culture
Polish desserts are comforting, often tied to holidays and family traditions.
Top picks:
- Pączki – Polish doughnuts filled with jam, custard, or chocolate.
- Makowiec – poppy seed roll.
- Sernik – Polish cheesecake made with twaróg (curd cheese).
- Kremówka – cream pie, famously loved by Pope John Paul II.
Coffee & Cafés
Warsaw’s café culture is thriving, with third-wave coffee shops alongside cozy, old-school cafés.
Notable spots:
- Relax Café Bar – specialty brews with a retro vibe.
- Ministerstwo Kawy – minimalist, chic, and serious about beans.
- Café Bristol – a historic café perfect for cake and coffee.
Vegan & Vegetarian Warsaw
Poland is known for meaty fare, but Warsaw is surprisingly vegan-friendly.
Where to eat plant-based:
- Krowarzywa – vegan burgers with inventive toppings.
- Vege Miasto – hearty plant-based Polish dishes.
- Lokal Vegan Bistro – comfort food classics in vegan form.
Seasonal Specialties & Food Festivals
Polish cuisine changes with the seasons.
Seasonal foods to look for:
- Spring – wild mushrooms, young potatoes with dill.
- Summer – chłodnik (cold beet soup), fresh berries.
- Autumn – bigos (hunter’s stew), roast duck with apples.
- Winter – pierogi with sauerkraut and mushrooms, gingerbread.
Food festivals in Warsaw:
- Warsaw Food Expo – international and local food producers.
- Good Food Fest – seasonal foods and workshops.
- Street Food Festival – rotating venues with food trucks.
Practical Tips for Foodies in Warsaw
Budgeting for Meals
- Milk bars: $3–5 USD for a full meal.
- Mid-range restaurants: $10–20 USD per person.
- Fine dining: $40–60 USD for multi-course menus.
Dining Etiquette in Poland
- Tipping: 10% is standard, but check if service is included.
- Ordering drinks: Water isn’t free; you’ll need to order bottled.
- Sharing meals: Plates are generous; don’t hesitate to share.
Sample 2-Day Warsaw Food Itinerary
Day 1
- Breakfast: Café Bristol (coffee & cake).
- Lunch: Bar Prasowy milk bar.
- Afternoon: Pierogi cooking class.
- Evening: Vodka tour & Nowy Świat nightlife.
Day 2
- Breakfast: Ministerstwo Kawy.
- Lunch: Hala Koszyki market.
- Afternoon: Explore desserts (pączki crawl!).
- Evening: Farm-to-table dinner at Bez Gwiazdek.
Warsaw Foodie FAQ
What is Warsaw best known for when it comes to food?
Warsaw is best known for its comforting Polish classics like pierogi, bigos (hunter’s stew), and barszcz (beet soup). But it’s also gaining recognition for modern farm-to-table dining, craft beer, and vegan-friendly eateries.
Are milk bars in Warsaw worth visiting?
Absolutely! Milk bars are a quirky slice of Polish history and the cheapest way to try hearty home-style dishes. Expect cafeteria-style service and traditional comfort foods served fast and cheap.
What traditional Polish dishes should I try in Warsaw?
Start with pierogi, bigos, placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes), żurek (sour rye soup), and gołąbki (stuffed cabbage rolls). For dessert, don’t miss pączki (Polish doughnuts) or sernik (cheesecake).
Where can I try the best pierogi in Warsaw?
Popular spots include Zapiecek (a chain specializing in pierogi), Gospoda Kwiaty Polskie in Old Town, and Bar Prasowy for a milk bar experience. For a hands-on approach, book a pierogi cooking class.
Is Warsaw a good city for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes! Warsaw has a thriving vegan and vegetarian scene. Krowarzywa is famous for vegan burgers, while Lokal Vegan Bistro and Vege Miasto serve plant-based versions of Polish classics.
How much should I budget for food in Warsaw?
Food is generally affordable compared to Western Europe. Milk bar meals cost $3–5 USD, mid-range restaurants average $10–20 USD per person, and fine dining with wine starts at $40–60 USD.
Can I join a food tour in Warsaw if I have dietary restrictions?
Many tours can accommodate vegetarians, and some can adapt for gluten-free diets if you notify them in advance. It’s best to ask before booking to ensure they can meet your needs.
What drinks should I try in Warsaw besides vodka?
Try Polish craft beers, fruit compotes, kvass (a fermented bread drink), and nalewki (fruit liqueurs). In summer, riverside bars also serve refreshing cocktails with a Polish twist.
Where are the best markets for foodies in Warsaw?
Hala Koszyki is a modern food hall with trendy restaurants, Hala Mirowska is best for traditional produce shopping, and Nocny Market is a summer-only night market with street food and live music.
What are the best times of year to visit Warsaw for food lovers?
Summer is great for outdoor bars and night markets, while winter brings hearty dishes like pierogi with sauerkraut, gingerbread, and Christmas markets. Spring and autumn highlight seasonal vegetables and mushrooms.
Do restaurants in Warsaw accept credit cards?
Most mid-range and high-end restaurants do, but some small milk bars and street food vendors are cash-only. Always carry some złoty just in case.
Is it common to tip in Warsaw restaurants?
Yes, a 10% tip is standard if service is not included. In casual places like milk bars, tipping isn’t expected, but rounding up the bill is appreciated.
Have you tried Polish food?
What were some of your favourite dishes?
I’ve only been to Krakow and I fell in love with a lot of Polish food! The pierogis are definitely a hit and also loved the Milk Bars – especially that they are not novelty but actual food places that play a big part in everyday Polish life. I also liked their “hangover pizza” – I think it’s called a ‘zapiekanka” or something similar 🙂
Ahh, I missed out on the hangover pizza! I just looked up photos and it looks tasty – kind of like an open-faced sandwich with pizza toppings, yum!
So tempting, I’ve never looked at Poland from a food perspective!
Glad to offer a new perspective! 🙂
Warsaw is a heaven for every foodie! There are so many amazing restaurants and bars, that it may be sometimes difficult to choose just one. 🙂 My favourite Polish food are definitely pierogi. I could eat them every day! And my favourite restaurant in Warsawis the Akademia. They have delicious food, always freshly made and the place is very nice and romantic. And their pierogi are just incredible:)
Nice post:) I have been to Warsaw only twice, with my friends, but as a huge foodie I was delighted! I didn’t know much about Polish food before but it turned out to be delicious. My favourite dish was a tartare – even though I didn’t even want to rry it at first. But after I did, I fell in love… It was one of the best culinery experiences in my life! It was in a Bar in the Old Town called Bubbles. Their tartare was amazing, and I haven’t found anything even remotly as delicious. And, as in Bubbles there is a huge choice of champagnes, I found out that it also goes well with a glass of a good champagne 🙂 Can’t wait to go there again!
Recently I discovered Bubbles Bar in Warsaw. It was the best experience to try Kopytka with truffle sauce. I like polish traditional food and they have special dishes in menu. My boyfriend took me and I was suprised because of this magic place.