Wczasy od Maluszka do Staruszka

A pure taste of Morocco has landed in Poland via this delightful little restaurant. An intimate and relaxing spot, it’s decorated with clay pots and ornate hanging lamps – a lovely setting for the authentic, impressively constructed dishes. The beef tagine is a Moroccan classic and sums up the kitchen’s skills perfectly, with plenty of flavour from the meat and a wonderful balance of tastes and textures throughout. The crisp millefeuille should be a go-to for dessert, while the refreshing mint tea is the perfect end note for a heartening experience.

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.

A fun evening out is on the cards at this lively spot inspired by the night canteens of Bangkok. An open kitchen and vintage vibe contribute to the party atmosphere, which is helped along by a range of Thai-inspired cocktails. The authentic menu covers all four regions of Thailand, with vibrant dishes delivering the hallmark blend of sweet, sour, spicy and salty. Sharing is encouraged and the dishes are well-priced, so don’t hold back when ordering.

Run by the same team as Naama in the city centre, this suburban spot has a stylishly modern feel, while its voile curtains dividing the tables add an intimate air. The house-made sourdough gets the meal off to a great start, before the carefully conceived and skilfully executed dishes such as butterflied trout with braised cabbage and tomatoes. Add in the warm, friendly service and you have all the ingredients of a perfect neighbourhood haunt.