The Warsaw dining scene continues to thrive: Expectations have steadily risen, which has been good news for visitors and locals alike.
Polish fare is celebrated in both upscale establishments and in the traditionally inexpensive milk bars (bar mleczny). Milk bars focus on no-frills and hearty fare, but other restaurants may experiment with Polish dishes and lighten them.
Typical Polish dishes include sledz (herring), kielbasa (sausage), bigos (hunter's stew), pierogi (dumplings stuffed with meat), forest mushrooms, kapusta (cabbage), fruit or cheese, various hot and cold soups, and placki (potato pancakes). For those with a sweet tooth, szarlotka (apple cake), makowiec (poppy seed cake) and packi (jelly doughnuts) are very pleasing.
Expect to pay within these general guidelines, based on the cost of dinner for one, not including drinks, tax or tip: $ = less than 40 Zl; $$ = 40 Zl-90 Zl; $$$ = 91 Zl-160 Zl; and $$$$ = more than 160 Zl.
