Hotel Podewils in Gdansk

Chef Basia Ritz was the first winner of MasterChef Poland and used this as a springboard to fulfil her ambition of running her own restaurant. Her dream has been realised at this quayside spot nestled amongst numerous other eateries. Locally sourced produce provides many of the menu’s highlights, with the likes of in-season chanterelles laying a strong foundation for the unfussy modern cooking. The personable team provide keen and friendly service.

A joyous splash of colour enlivens the spirits when you enter this eclectic restaurant in the city’s harbourside district. Despite being a short stroll from the centre of the Old Town, there’s a proper neighbourhood vibe here and it’s the kind of place you can pop in for breakfast in the morning or a glass of wine after work. The cooking ranges from the fun and creative (tuna tartare with mango, passion fruit and jalapeño) to the classic (baked plums and crumble).

Located on one of the city’s busiest waterside boulevards, Tygle is made all the more appealing by its enthusiastic service team and enclosed terrace that’s ideal for al fresco dining. Inside, you'll find a minimalist-meets-industrial style, with exposed pipes and Edison bulbs. The satisfying and well-executed dishes come in hearty portions and might include options like beef tenderloin with asparagus. For dessert, the cheesecake will prove a fitting end to the meal for sweet-toothed diners.

Quality primary ingredients and skilled treatment of them form the basis of the cooking at this stylishly understated restaurant. Although multiple cuts of beef form a chunk of the menu, this is far more than a steakhouse. Seafood plays a big role too, with surf and turf platters catching the eye, while the quality of the kitchen shines through even in the smaller details – like a terrific side dish of girolles. The wine list contains some hidden gems and the service team will be happy to recommend a glass or two.

Offering tasting menus named after nearby streets, this restaurant on the ground floor of the Hilton takes its inspiration from the markets of Gdańsk. Its history as a port city means this could include global influences alongside local produce such as fine Pomeranian lamb. The chefs' skill comes through in their sourcing of high-quality ingredients and deft balancing of flavours. An à la carte is available too, and the charming staff explain the dishes with pride.

The city’s Old Town plays host to this understated restaurant surrounded by attractive period buildings. The elegant interior benefits from modern art for sale on the walls and floral arrangements adding a pop of colour. An overtly seasonal menu means you might be treated to superb, full-flavoured deer when the time is right; but there’s a luxury edge to the offering all year round, with ingredients like Oscietra caviar utilised with skill by the chefs. The friendly service stands out for the enthusiasm and knowledge of the team.

Tucked away inside the Hilton hotel, to the rear of its main Mercato restaurant, is this intimate eight-table spot centred around the deeply personal cuisine of Chef Dominik Karpik. Kashubian heritage and the abstract painter Wojciech Fangor also influence a tasting menu filled with creativity and colour – the bread course is a real event and the dessert may require you to get involved yourself. The whole experience is totally immersive and well-guided by an engaging team.