Siedlisko Pauza

A younger sibling to the acclaimed Bottiglieria 1881, this buzzing modern brasserie feels distinctly of-the-moment. From the pared-back yet well-appointed décor to the open kitchen and counter seating, it’s no wonder the place is so packed. The cooking resurrects and reinvents Polish classics – such as homemade kaszkanka (black pudding) – while offering a selection of high-quality meats cooked over the grill. Assured, personable service suits the vibe of the place well.

Located in the trendy Plac Nowy square in the city’s historic Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz, this busy and buoyant restaurant adopts a chic brasserie-style aesthetic with high-top tables and a terrace that’s ideal for the summertime. The menu showcases appealing variety, with the globally influenced dishes ranging from oysters to arancini and tempura to ceviche. Whatever you choose, there’s a unifying theme of sensible pricing and quality execution from the kitchen team.

As soon as you enter this slick restaurant in vibrant Kazimierz, you know you’re in good hands. The smart interior with its high-top seating and marble-topped tables has a stylish, wine bar feel, while the superbly friendly and attentive service team keep things running smoothly. The menu offers a delicious taste of Israel, with excellent pitta and some of the best lamb kebabs you will find. That it all comes at affordable prices is an added bonus – as is the selection of Israeli and Polish wines.

It’s easy to miss this likeable little wine bar tucked away in the Old Town, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled, lest you lose out on all the joys it has to offer. There’s a comforting, rustic feel to both the look and the cooking, with a semi-vaulted ceiling and whitewashed brick walls providing the perfect setting for the generous and full-flavoured dishes. A wonderful risotto with Polish porcini mushrooms is a prime example. The fun, trendy wine list focuses on orange and natural options, hence the ‘Nat’ in the name.

Part of a popular dining hub near the Silnica river, this intimate eatery is ideal for date night thanks to its small size and gentle buzz. The highly appealing menu is filled with European classics executed with skill by the chefs. For evidence, order the fabulous Wiener schnitzel that could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those in Vienna. Other dishes from beef tartare to chicken terrine are in a similar vein: generous, well-priced and utilising tried-and-tested combinations to great effect.

Everything about this restaurant is striking: its location on the eight floor of a converted water tower; its quirky interior design that feels like it’s been pulled from a HG Wells novel; and of course, the superb quality of its cooking. In a distinctly flamboyant setting, the chefs ensure their dishes are still the most memorable part of the experience, with clever construction, depth of flavour and technical skill combining in supremely satisfying fashion. Slow-cooked, meltingly soft beef rib with a gentle chive coating is a standout example.

If you fancy a quality glass of wine and some flavour-packed comfort food at a great price, look no further. A simple but delightful spot, this bottle shop, bar and restaurant is run with a smile by its engaging owner and his friendly, knowledgeable team, who will happily recommend a wallet-friendly pick from the extensive wine list. The food offering includes local cheeses alongside goose breast and hams cured in-house, with a more substantial choice of dishes at the weekend. Look out for the likes of veal champagne pâté and the knockout cheesecake for dessert.