Beef Cheeks and Vegan Bigos: A Foodie’s Guide To Lunch In Warsaw

Warsaw was the last stop on my months long culinary adventure in Poland. Compared to the places like Wroclaw, Poznan and Lodz, Warsaw really felt like a big city. Like Paris or Rome, finding the best restaurants and hidden gems required covering a lot more ground. After chasing for all the best lunch menus in other Polish cities, I wanted to do the same in the capital and take advantage of the weekday tasting menus for upscale restaurants.

Below are some of my favorite finds and recommends in Warsaw. If you’re visiting for the first time, these will places will certainly show you the finer side of

I’ll quote the prices in PLN, but for reference I’m using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 4 PLN as of May 2024.

Best Lunch Menus And Cheap Eats In Warsaw

Concept 13 Restaurant

Located on the top floor of the Vitkac mall, Concept 13 is one of Warsaw’s finest places to dine. Don’t let its location fool you – this place is a gem for both the food and the ambiance.

The cuisine here blends eclectic flavors with Mediterranean influences. While the à la carte menu tends toward the upscale, their five-course Set Tasting Menu at 139 PLN is a steal.

From the beautifully plated dishes to the exquisite flavors, every aspect of the meal is a treat. I started with a note-worthy basket of freshly baked bread and butter, and then indulged in a butternut squash soup, sweetbread, seafood tagliatelle, pork tenderloin, and a creamy pistachio dessert. The lunch time menu is available Monday through Friday from 12 pm to 4 pm, which changes daily.

N31 Restaurant & Bar

N31 shares Concept 13’s reputation for haute-cuisine and the prices to match. Fortunately, they offer three-course Business Lunch, available on weekdays from 12 pm to 4 pm for 85 PLN. An incredible bargain when you consider their normal tasting menu is priced at 440 PLN.

My meal began with a beautiful burrata salad and sorbet palate cleanser, followed by a melt-in-your-mouth beef cheek, before finishing with a deconstructed crumble pie topped with ice cream. This spot is a must-visit for lunch in Warsaw.

Magari

Typically, hotel restaurants don’t make my list, but Poland seems to have many exceptions to this rule. Magari, located in the gorgeous Puro Hotel, offers a bargain lunch menu from 12 pm to 3 pm on weekdays, featuring a choice of antipasti and main dishes for just 45 PLN. Their full menu is on their Facebook. The dishes and pizzas are excellent and offer tremendous value. You can even add a dessert for 8 PLN.

Kiseki by Alon

This Japanese eatery in central Warsaw boasts an extensive menu, but their bento brunch sets are what drew me in. Regular bento sets range from 53 to 79 PLN, and ramen sets are about 40-45 PLN.

The best deal by far is their brunch sets, available on weekdays from 9 am to 12 pm. These charming sets offer a mix of Japanese and Continental breakfasts for 16 to 29 PLN, including coffee or herbal tea. It’s unbeatable for a centrally located brunch option.

While my list is far from exhaustive, each of the mentioned spots above offers exceptional lunch options without breaking the bank. However, there were a few other lunch spots worth considering if you don’t mind splurging a bit:

Bez Gwiazdek

Bez Gwiazdek offers a 6-course tasting menu for 290 PLN, available from Wednesday to Friday, also serving dinner.

Rozbrat 20

Rozbrat 20 features a tasting menu not limited to just lunch. Their 6-course meal costs 319 PLN, with dishes that could easily earn a Michelin star.

Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants In Warsaw

I don’t always have a separate Vegetarian list, but Warsaw is one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world and a haven for plant-based palates. I gave it a chance and left genuinely surprised. Whether you’re a local or a traveler looking for a meat-free meal, below are some of the places I really liked:

Lokal Vegan Bistro

Lokal Vegan Bistro is another vegan haven for those who still crave the flavors of traditional meaty Polish cuisine. Here, you can enjoy classics like ‘schabowy’ (breaded cutlets) and ‘bigos’ (hunter’s stew), all made from plant-based ingredients. The bistro’s warm, rustic setting enhances the experience, making you feel right at home. Be sure to sample the vegan ‘schabowy’ and ‘bigos’.

Mango Vegan Street Food

I’m a sucker for vintage menu board like the one at Mango Vegan Street Food. But really, I like this place because they’ve come the closest to making vegan ingredients taste like meat. The Cheeseburger Beyond is a messy pile of goodness that tastes just how you’d want a cheesy burger with caramelized onions to taste. And the bun is brioche for the win.

Youmiko Vegan Sushi

I was a bit unsure of foregoing the flavors and mouthfeel of fresh fish when it comes to sushi, but Youmiko Vegan Sushi surprised me. This restaurant gets creative using different vegan ingredients to serve sushi in a new presentation. Go for the Chirashi or the Bento II. There’s a 2 for 1 deal on appetizers on Tuesdays and 20% on Mondays.

Krowarzywa

For a true vegan burger experience, head straight for Krowarzywa. This popular spot offers, plant-based bowls, wraps, and burgers made from ingredients like chickpeas, millet, and tofu.  The Cieciorex burger, made with chickpeas, the smoked Tempeh burger and sweet potato fries are definitely worth trying.

Tel Aviv Urban Food

This vegan and vegetarian restaurant is renowned for its creative Middle Eastern dishes, including their famous falafel, hummus, and an array of fresh salads. The chic, modern interior of Tel Aviv Urban Food makes it a perfect spot for a casual lunch or a cozy dinner. I recommend trying the Jerusalem mixed grill and their hummus platters.

If you’re looking for more travel inspirations, check out some of the 450+ experiences on my bucket list. Maybe you’ll find your next adventure on there.

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Updated on June 5, 2024