Modern Calm Studio, Wroclaw

Dining at this former coffin-making factory in an old industrial district feels like you’ve stumbled upon a secret little hideaway. The atmospheric bistro is spread across two rooms: the first has a red-brick, vintage feel with an open kitchen; the other is a winter garden room with a tree growing out of it and a bohemian atmosphere. In either, you’ll enjoy rustic, full-flavoured dishes with a hint of the Mediterranean. Friendly service helps maintain the relaxed atmosphere.

Its name translates as ‘Lips Lips’ and you will certainly be licking yours at this loveable little spot nestled, like many Wrocław restaurants, beneath a railway arch. It’s a bustling space, with the efficient team serving a steady stream of walk-in-only tables. The cooking draws on influences from Poland and beyond, in dishes that are straightforward and robustly flavoured – such as beef broth with pork dumplings. For something simpler, they have a selection of gourmet sandwiches.

For a taste of modern-day Poland, this buzzing bar and bistro ticks all the boxes. Tucked beneath a railway arch, it’s a relaxed, tightly packed spot humming with energy while the trains rumble overhead. Choose from a selection of brightly flavoured small plates that are mightily generous in size, from locally made black pudding to the popular ‘chunks of bread’. Adding to the appeal are the efficient service and wallet-friendly wines by the carafe or litre.

This tapas bar under a red-brick railway arch brings a little slice of Spain to Lower Silesia. It’s got all the ingredients of a good night out, from the buzz of happy diners to a drinks list including Spanish wines, sherry and sangria. The cooking marries tapas staples, like croquetas and pan con tomate, with a ‘Something Different’ section incorporating well-judged international tweaks. The Basque cheesecake will provide a fitting finale to a terrific all-round experience.

This younger sister to Mercado Tapas Bistro sits underneath the next railway arch and is a smaller, more intimate space, boasting closely set tables and the chatter of diners blending into the rumble of trains overhead. Like its sibling, the menu has a Spanish heart but this time mixes in more globally minded small plates, such as pork ribs with miso glaze or the standout ricotta agnolotti. Spanish wines are to the fore and the service team run things smoothly.

The surroundings are an event in themselves at this restaurant situated on the estate of the same name, which has a 14th-century castle at its heart and now hosts bedrooms, a spa and even a motor museum across its various buildings and parkland. Dining takes place across several castle rooms and focuses on carefully executed dishes with heart and soul, such as comforting homemade blood pudding or generous duck breast with a rich, full-flavoured sauce.

Operating as both a coffee shop and restaurant, this is one of those appealing something-for-everyone places. Occupying part of a former 1930s department store, its modern bistro feel is infused with subtle art deco touches that tie in with the building’s history. Brunch is served in the day, before the dinner à la carte kicks in with its clean, fresh and seasonal dishes taking inspiration from around Europe. Pastries from the café are sometimes available for dessert.