Gościniec Figlówka

Chef Janek Wojtalik and sommelier Maciek Łyko, who worked together at Kontakt in Warsaw, have brought their knack for full-flavoured cooking and passionately curated wine lists to Gdańsk. Their simply styled bistro has a proper neighbourhood feel, which is reflected in the generous pricing and friendly service. The menu blends a Polish heart with international influences, such as pork chop cooked over wood then served with ponzu and an Asian-style slaw. Smaller, natural producers are favoured in the interesting wine selection.

Gdańsk’s famous brewer and astronomer Johannes Hevelius lends a variant of his surname to this trendy spot situated in, appropriately enough, a former brewery. The stylish interior includes a vaulted brick ceiling, exposed steel support columns and the odd flash of neon. The dishes adopt influences from around the globe and, seeing as this operates as both a bakery and a restaurant, it's no surprise that the fresh bread and the desserts are highlights. In a nod to Hevelius, the cocktails are named after planets.

The 33rd floor of the Olivia Centre skyscraper provides spectacular panoramic views for this buzzing restaurant where Spanish guitar music soundtracks your visit. The cooking has a similar tone, with a selection of classic tapas to begin – the Ibérico ham croquetas are terrific – before a choice of main dishes. If you’re dining with company, the eye-catching rice dishes for two might include baby octopus or pork ribs as options. A genuine warmth from the service team and a comprehensive, largely Spanish wine list complete the picture.

The clue’s in the name: wine takes centre stage at this simply styled and bang on-trend bar-cum-restaurant. On-sale bottles can be glimpsed around the room, while the 400-strong list contains over 60 great options by the glass. The menu is filled with good value dishes which both deliver bags of flavour and show a wise restraint from the kitchen team. They focus on a clean, balanced style of cooking, with a signature dish of aubergine, Greek yoghurt and seasonal accompaniments.

A true taste of Italy awaits you in this large brick townhouse in the Olsztyn Old Town. Its owner is from Valdobbiadene, the home of prosecco, so starting your meal with a glass of the famous sparkling wine is a must. Sit either on the veranda overlooking the river or in the cosier upstairs dining room, then choose from a menu of authentic Italian dishes that keep the focus on the natural flavours of the best local produce, such as super-fresh trout. The seasonal pasta selection is a real highlight, as is the fabulous tiramisu for dessert.

Make sure you soak up the sense of history in the air as you walk the cobbled streets towards this restaurant in the Toruń Old Town. This part of the city is protected by its former ramparts, which you can gaze upon from a seat on the terrace. Inside, there’s a more contemporary feel, with charcoal-black furniture and rough brick walls. The ground floor has an airy feel, while upstairs is more intimate with tables facing the open kitchen. Allow the charming team to guide you through a menu of traditional dishes, including a terrific version of żurek soup.

On the first floor of the Dr Irena Eris spa hotel, itself buried within the forest, this traditional restaurant offers an old-school kind of charm. With its fireplace, floral tablecloths and wooden parquet flooring, there’s an unashamedly classical vibe to the place. The cooking has a similar feel, with dishes such as Masurian zander and trout with beurre blanc underpinned by the kitchen’s well-honed techniques and careful composition.