From November 1, alcohol sales will be prohibited between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. in Śródmieście and Praga-Północ as part of a citywide safety initiative
Warsaw’s City Council has approved a night ban on alcohol sales in Śródmieście and Praga-Północ, effective November 1, 2025. The restriction applies to shops, gas stations, and retail points, but not to bars or restaurants serving drinks on-site. A citywide expansion is planned for June 2026. Officials say the measure aims to curb nighttime disturbances and improve public safety.
ARCHITECTURE
Art Meets Retail
G City Promenada, one of Warsaw’s most innovative shopping centres, continues to blur the line between commerce and culture. Its latest collaboration with photographer Aleksander Małachowski (@hashtagalek) reimagines the mall’s geometric architecture through an artistic lens. With projects like the Promenada Digital Art Space and “Gallery in a Gallery,” the centre has evolved into a creative hub where everyday shopping meets design, technology, and contemporary art on the capital’s right bank.
Protected Landmark
The Mazovian Provincial Conservator has added the former PAP Scientific and Technical Printing House at 65 Mińska Street to Warsaw’s register of monuments. Built between 1948 and 1958 to designs by Jerzy Brandysiewicz and Stanisław Zaleski, the vast complex is Poland’s largest post-war printing facility. A rare survivor of socialist-era industrial modernism, its preservation safeguards a key example of functional design and the capital’s mid-century industrial heritage in the once-bustling Kamionek district.
Museum Upgrade
The Warsaw Rising Museum in Wola is about to embark on a major expansion, backed by a 100 million PLN investment. The redevelopment aims to enhance visitor capacity and modernise exhibition spaces over a roughly three- to threeand-a-half-year timeframe, allowing the museum to better honour the 1944 uprising and engage future generations.
SPORTS
Arena Expansion
The Ursynów Arena at 122 Pileckiego Street is set for a major upgrade led by the City of Warsaw and the Ursynów Sports and Recreation Center. The modernization will expand capacity to 2,662 seats with a new grandstand, upgraded facilities for athletes, and improved accessibility. The design also features new parking, lighting, and eco-friendly installations. Construction is expected to begin once permits are approved in early 2026.
SPORTS
New Arena
A new multi-purpose sports hall is set to join the RKS Skra Warszawa complex in Mokotów, offering around 6,000 seats and modern facilities for basketball, volleyball and events. The project is part of a broader stadium overhaul, with the hall expected to be completed in the next few years and help revitalize the site’s sporting legacy.
In the News
ARCHITECTURE
AFI Tower
Rising
Construction is accelerating on Warsaw’s largest active building site—the AFI Tower at Towarowa and Pańska streets, beside Rondo Daszyńskiego. Rising 40 floors and reaching 150 meters, the skyscraper will deliver over 50,000 sq. m of office space for around 7,300 employees by 2028. Part of the Towarowa22 “super-quarter,” the eco-certified project will feature terraces, a rooftop garden, and two hectares of surrounding greenery to enhance Warsaw’s urban landscape.
High-Speed South
Poland’s first Pendolino high-speed train has finally reached Zakopane, marking a milestone for Tatra-bound travel. From December 14, 2025, Pendolino services will run regularly between Tricity, Warsaw, Kraków, and Zakopane, with summer extensions to Kołobrzeg. The new timetable introduces 12 daily trains, including the night IC “Podhalanin” linking Zakopane and Świnoujście. The long-awaited service cuts travel times dramatically, strengthening links between Poland’s mountains, coast, and capital.
ECONOMY
EU Windfall
Poland is set for a record-breaking cash injection in 2026 — a total of €48 billion from EU funds. The boost combines the National Recovery Plan and EU structural programs, with investments channeled into renewable energy, digitalization, and healthcare. While economists warn of spending delays, the government expects a surge in economic growth as the funds flow in, marking one of the largest financial inflows in modern Polish history.
PUBLIC SPACE
Park Unveiled
The newly inaugurated Żerański Park on Warsaw’s north-east fringe spans 13 hectares along the Żerań Canal and introduces open shoreline access, water-based recreation zones, and preserved industrial heritage features. With 12 jetties, cycle paths, and hundreds of benches, it has become a fresh leisure destination blending nature and urban renewal.
Renovation Underway
After years of anticipation, the long-awaited modernization of Hala Gwardii is finally set to begin. The project, overseen by the Warsaw Conservator of Monuments, will restore the building’s original architectural details while preserving its wartime scars. Inside, the historic layout will be revived and expanded with a new mezzanine, bringing the total usable space to 9,000 square meters. A memorial to boxing legend Feliks Stamm will be added, and the area between the hall and Lubomirski Palace will be transformed into a green plaza with a pond, playground, and sports zone. CBR Events, which secured a 30-year lease, will oversee the renovation through a public-private partnership.
What's in for November
Swans
Experimental rock pioneers Swans return to Warsaw with their latest sonic odyssey, Birthing. Known for their powerful, immersive live performances that blur the line between music and ritual, the band continues to push the boundaries of sound and emotion. Expect an intense evening of hypnotic rhythms and transcendent noise from one of the most uncompromising acts in modern music.
Where: Klub Stodoła
When: November 25
More info: eventim.pl
Kayah
Polish music icon Kayah marks two milestones in one unforgettable night — her birthday and the 30th anniversary of her breakthrough album Kamień. Expect a powerhouse performance blending timeless hits like “Supermenka” and “Na językach” with fresh new material. With her soulful voice and dynamic stage presence, Kayah promises an evening of celebration, nostalgia, and pure energy.
Where: Klub Stodoła, ul. Batorego 10
When: November 6
Tickets: stodola.pl
Marilyn Manson
Shock-rock legend Marilyn Manson returns to Poland as part of his One Assassination Under God World Tour 2025. Known for his theatrical performances and dark, provocative style, Manson will deliver an electrifying show featuring new material from One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1 alongside cult classics. Prepare for an unforgettable night of raw sound and visual intensity.
Where: COS Torwar
When: November 19
Tickets: livenation.pl
Sophie and the Giants
Electro-pop sensation Sophie and the Giants bring their infectious energy to Warsaw as part of their Europe Tour 2025. Expect a night of shimmering synths, euphoric beats, and Sophie's signature powerhouse vocals, performing hits like Hypnotized, Paradise, and the sultry new single Red Light. A must-see for fans of sleek, high-voltage dance pop and fearless self-expression.
Where: Hydrozagadka
When: November 21
John Maus
Cult favorite John Maus returns to Warsaw with his long-awaited album Later Than You Think. Known for his haunting mix of darkwave, synth-punk, and existential lyricism, Maus delivers music that’s both cerebral and deeply emotional. Expect a charged performance that blurs the line between intensity and introspection. Opening act: rising synth-pop artist Maximilian Tanner
Where: Oczki Club
When: November 18, 2025
Eskaubei & Tomek Nowak Quartet – Tyrmand to Jazz
Marking 40 years since Leopold Tyrmand’s passing, Eskaubei & Tomek Nowak Quartet bring their acclaimed Tyrmand to Jazz project to Warsaw — a rare blend of rap and live jazz inspired by the legendary writer and cultural icon. Expect sharp lyrics, bold grooves, and a tribute steeped in Polish cool.
When: November, 23, 19:00
Where: jassmine, ul. Wilcza 73, (Nobu Hotel)
Tickets: jassmine.com
MOMENTS IN STILLNESS
Sylwia Janasz finds poetry in Warsaw’s quiet corners
INSIDER: Your photos often feel like quiet moments suspended in time. What draws you to those still, understated scenes?
Sylwia Janasz: I enjoy the fast pace of city life, but I also seek out quiet corners where I can stop and breathe. Most of my images capture infrastructure — buildings and skyscrapers — standing motionless, as if posing for the camera. But my calmest moments are spent with my head tilted upward, watching planes at Chopin Airport. That’s why airplanes often find their way into my gallery.
You have a gift for turning everyday places into something poetic. Do you plan your shots or stumble upon them by chance?
I don’t plan my photos, though I sometimes plan the places I want to visit. Once I’m there, the shots either appear — or they don’t. It all depends on the moment and the light. It’s the light that creates the poetry for the eyes.
Light plays a starring role in your images — especially soft morning and late-afternoon tones. How do you chase or wait for the right light?
My lifestyle allows me to photograph mostly around sunset, which is when I feel most inspired. I’m drawn to reflections on glass buildings or the rays breaking through between them. There are also magical sunrises — but because of the early hour, they’re rarer in my gallery.
“Every part of the city has potential, if you arrive at the right time”
There’s a strong sense of balance and simplicity in your work. Where does that visual discipline come from — instinct, training, or taste?
I like stability and order, and that’s also how I approach photography. I prefer few elements and no movement, which is why people rarely appear in my images.
Warsaw often appears in your photos, but never in the obvious way. How do you see the city differently through your lens?
Even though I live here, I’m still discovering Warsaw. I search for interesting corners in every district. Still, what fascinates me most are the city-center skyscrapers — their silhouettes change depending on the perspective and time of year. I also love seeing Warsaw from above, whether from a terrace, an office floor, or a rooftop.
Many of your photos feel cinematic, like frames from a quiet film. If your work had a soundtrack, what kind of music would it be?
That’s a hard question! Music spans such a vast range that it’s difficult to choose just one type. I think it would be instrumental music — something that stirs emotion, the way a photograph does. Maybe it’s better to ask: what kind of music do you hear when you look at my work?
When you’re not shooting, what helps you recharge or find inspiration — walks, books, films, or maybe just watching the light change?
When I’m not taking photos, I’m walking — or tracing routes on a map, planning my next trip. That’s why, alongside my Warsaw photos, you’ll also find images from other parts of Poland.
Scan to give a follow to Sylwia on Instagram
Taste the Exotic
Experience the Magic of the Middle East
Belly Dance Show – Live Performance!
Fridays at 19:00 – Le Cedre 84
Saturdays at 19:00 – Le Cedre 61 lecedre.pl | FB.com/lecedrepl | IG.com/lecedreinwarsaw
“ Inside feels like an anime fishbowl — playful, glowing, and full of life
Astretch of Piękna Street near Hala Koszyki has quietly transformed into Warsaw’s own noodle alley—and Arigatorii House of Udon, the newest arrival from Agnieszka and Stanisław Szpilowscy, has wasted no time drawing a devoted crowd. Known for their other neighborhood favorite, Dziurka od Klucza, the Szpilowscy have once again captured that elusive mix of comfort, craft, and curiosity. Even before you step inside, the sight of an orderly line of guests waiting patiently, phones in hand, tells you something special is simmering within. Step through the door and the world shifts. The interior feels like an anime fishbowl—luminous, playful, and layered with charming detail. Fish-shaped water jugs, scaled soup spoons, and softly glowing lights give the impression that you’re dining inside a scene from a Japanese daydream.
The meal begins with strong supporting acts. The beef tataki, seared rare and sliced thin, is bathed tableside in a soy-andsake elixir by a smiling waitress. It’s luxurious yet balanced, and the shiso leaf at the end doubles as the perfect citrusy, clove-noted palate cleanser. The tako, tender octopus paired with cucumber in tsuyu-yuzu sauce, brings a briny brightness that lingers just long enough to make you crave more.
The udons, divided into fish broth, curry, and freaky, showcase the kitchen’s playful precision. The tantan udon— spicy, nutty, and deeply aromatic—delivers a pleasant heat that
“Piękna Street has quietly become Warsaw’s noodle alley
reveals the noodle’s texture in full glory. The carbo udon, meanwhile, is a joyful wink to Tokyo ramen stalls: a Japanese spin on carbonara that fuses creaminess with umami depth. Its bacon tempura deserves a fan club of its own.
For something heartier, the tori karaage offers crisp-fried nuggets of chicken, gently soaking up the curry broth beneath. It’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down, spoon in hand, to appreciate simple, quiet pleasure.
To sip between slurps, try one of their house-made lemonades—the lychee and rose is fragrant and floral without being cloying, while the yuzu version cuts clean through the richness of the dishes with a citrusy brightness.
And whatever you do, don’t skip dessert. The crème chantilly, a salted caramel dream topped with crunchy grzanki, is soft, mesmerizing, and indulgently simple. The matcha crème brûlée, paired with a refreshing ginger granita, is a revelation—earthy, spicy, and sweet in perfect balance.
Arrigator may be new, but it already feels essential—a warm, witty refuge for Warsaw’s colder months. A bowl here doesn’t just feed you; it cheers you up.
AT A GLANCE
Owners: Agnieszka & Stanisław Szpilowscy (of Dziurka od Klucza)
What we ate: Tantan Udon • Carbo Udon with bacon tempu-
ra
• Beef Tataki • Tori Karaage
Don’t Miss: Matcha Crème
Brûlée with ginger granita • Crème Chantilly with salted caramel
Best For: Comfort dining, casual date nights, and warming up on cold Warsaw days
Arigatorii House of Udon ul. Piękna 54, (City Center)
Review Review
A SHOT OF INSPIRATION
Art, warmth, and precision meet in Powiśle.
“
Coffee here isn’t poured—it’s curated
Push open the door at Cosmos Espresso Bar and you’re first greeted not by the barista, but by his dog—a cheerful sentry who gives you a once-over before the owner looks up with a friendly smile that instantly disarms. The place feels like a secret studio tucked inside a 1960s apartment block: warm light, easy chatter, and walls hung with friends’ art—this time, simple printouts fixed with blue tape that can't help by bring Edward Krasiński’s famous blue line to mind.
Behind the counter, coffee isn’t just poured—it’s curated. Bags of beans from La Cava, Klaro, and Nothing line the shelves like limited-edition prints, each roast a study in restraint and skill. The espresso hums with clarity, the pour-over lingers like a good story. Add a cinnamon roll from Namo Bakery, and you’ve got Warsaw’s Powiśle distilled: intimate, quietly stylish, and full of people who care just a little too much—in the best possible way—about getting it right.
POWIŚLE’S SUGARY SECRET
Big-hearted desserts in a pocket-sized space
PCosmo espresso bar ul. 19 Topiel, (Powiśle)
astorella proves that good things really do come in small packages. The café is barely the size of a tram stop, yet every inch hums with sweetness — from the scent of butter and espresso to the warmth of the staff, as friendly as the pastries are rich.
The star here is the Warszawskie ciasteczko, a delicate sandwich of crisp cookies and cloudlike cream that dissolves perfectly when dipped in espresso — my new afternoon addiction. Their Basque cheesecake (sernik baskijski) has the kind of burnished, bittersweet crust that borders on the spiritual, while the croissants, heaped with toppings, flirt with excess in the best possible way. Even the éclairs, glossy and unapologetic, beg to be dunked. A mural of a lounging mermaid surrounded by croissants and seashells watches over it all — a playful touch in a café that knows exactly how to charm.
na Powislu ul. Dobra 26, (Powiśle), pastorella.pl
Pastorella
AUTUMN AT THE GREEN TABLE
Sustainable dining with real flavor and soul
There’s something about Green Table Bistro that hits differently with the change of seasons. In summer, the terrace hums with spritzes and conversation, sunlight glinting off cocktails that look like they were engineered for Instagram. But come autumn, with the big windows thrown open to Plac Unii and
“
From soup to nuts, Green Table Bistro nails it
the faint crackle of wood from the yakitori grill, the place shifts gears — a warmth settles in, both literal and emotional.
The team here takes sustainability seriously, but without the preachy edge. The plates and cups are spun from repurposed pottery, the tables and chairs molded from recycled fishing nets — a subtle reminder that beauty and conscience can coexist.
And then there’s the food — from soup to nuts, Green Table Bistro nails it. The homemade blood sausage arrives rich and smoky, cushioned by a potato pancake and glossed with chanterelle sauce, while the green apple noodles cut through with a clean, acidic snap. A dry-aged beef burger might sound pedestrian, but not when it’s layered with shrimp cocktail, tomato relish, and an improbably crisp potato rösti beneath a housemade bun. It’s surf-and-turf with a sense of humor.
The tuna crudo is a bright, Mediterranean wink — grated tomato, salsa verde, and just enough chili to make you lean forward. Meanwhile, the beef tartare, jeweled with Cecina de León and pickled chanterelles, manages to be both rugged and elegant, like a leather jacket
worn over a silk shirt.
If there’s a single dish that sums up the restaurant’s ethos, it’s the halibut smoked over the yakitori grill. It arrives fragrant with dried chili butter, the fish tender and barely holding together, flanked by pickled zucchini and wild broccoli — fire and balance in equal measure.
Even the cocktails reflect the same precision and intent. The summer spritzes give way to autumn signatures built on smoke, spice, and fruit — drinks that taste like the season turning.
Green Table Bistro is one of those rare spots that feels both international and distinctly Warsaw. It’s conscious but never self-righteous, creative without being contrived. And it proves, plate by plate, that doing everything well isn’t a sin — it’s an art.
Verdict: A rare balance of style, conscience, and flavor
Green Bistro Table ul. Puławska 2 (Plac Unii), greentablebistro.pl
Yes Butcher Bistro
EXPAT VOICE
Review: Yes Butcher Bistro –A Temple of Meat with a Pulse
BY JOSEPH AWUAH-DARKO FOR THE WARSAW INSIDER
When you enter the cozy green salon of Yes Butcher Bistro, tucked discreetly in Warsaw’s Mokotów district, you are immediately greeted with the warmth and confidence of a place that knows exactly what it is; a sanctuary for those who worship high-grade meat. The interiors balance rustic comfort with quiet sophistication: emerald walls, dark wood accents, and the subtle aroma of smoked butter and charred fat that signals you’ve arrived somewhere serious about flavor.
=During my visit on October 1st, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Chef Michał Gniadek, the restaurant’s founder and culinary force. He speaks about meat the way a poet speaks about language; with reverence, precision, and a deep moral clarity. “We have an amazing range and we care about where it is sourced,” he says, gesturing toward the butcher’s counter gleaming with cuts sourced from Poland, Argentina, and Australia. It’s a statement that frames the entire dining experience at Yes Butcher: indulgence tempered with integrity.
ul. Wandy 16 (Saska Kępa) tel. 798 222 869, ul. Ludwika Rydygiera 16 (Żoliborz) tel. 453 111 869, al. Niepodległości 132/136 (Mokotów) tel. 798 039 869, yesbutcher.pl
“Each bite of the Polish beef tartare was clean, cold, and perfectly balanced...
was clean, cold, and perfectly balanced; the kind of dish that reminds you why tartare endures as a benchmark of technique. Then came the Kaszanka sausages, their earthy richness and deep seasoning pushing every nostalgic button of traditional Polish comfort food, yet elevated by finesse.
The mains reaffirmed Chef Michał’s dedication to quality.
The Polish beef tartare, classically prepared and plated with a painter’s restraint, arrived first; a delicate composition of pickled cucumber, shallot, straw mushrooms, and a quail egg yolk that glowed like a jewel. Each bite
My Polish roast beef steak, grilled to a deep mahogany crust and sliced to reveal a heart of blushing pink, was among the best I’ve tasted in the city; buttery, complex, and impossibly tender. We spoke about my memories of Argentinian beef when I would watch my father
play polo in Buenos Aires, of how pandemic lockdowns brought unexpected success through home meat deliveries, a testament to their loyal following and uncompromising sourcing standards. Perhaps what sets Yes Butcher apart is not just the craftsmanship but the ethics; every cut comes from animals ethically farmed within their own vetting system. It’s a rare combination of conscience and carnivorous joy. Now in its fourth year and preparing to open another location in Poznań, Yes Butcher feels less like a restaurant and more like a philosophy — one that essentially argues, convincingly, that pleasure and principle can share the same plate.
harmony of taste carries the soul...
Warszawa, ul. Nowogrodzka 18A
Review
Almost hidden away on a backstreet in Żoliborz, Kredki Café occupies what used to be a garage, now reborn as a haven for bookish coffee drinkers and design obsessives. The space hums with quiet intelligence, like a studio caught mid-thought. It’s designed with a whisper of modern Japanese homes—the warmth of birch plywood, the gentle geometry, and the way natural light behaves make you feel at ease, mindful with each sip of their carefully brewed coffee.
A skylight above the counter pours in a celestial beam that seems to spotlight the angelic baristas as they move among trays of homemade cookies and sinful slcies of sernik. Around them, Polish art and craft mingle like long-lost relatives: sculptural totems from Totem Studio Warsaw, each carved with a handwritten intention, or Ola Mirecka’s small clay figures—black and tan, like something rescued from an ancient Athenian mantelpiece. Kredki’s founders say they wanted a place that “ages gracefully,” and they’ve nailed it. Clay plaster, terrazzo floors, and pale woodwork already carry that warm, lived-in patina usually earned over years. Locals sometimes ask if the floors are original, which tells you everything about how well the illusion works. Nothing feels newly polished or concept-store precious—it feels right, as if it’s been part of Żoliborz all along.
scratch before moving on. The shelves tempt you with smart art books and local ceramics; the counter offers caffeine with personality: Espresso Kredki, Flat White Kredki, Szybki Przelew Kredki—playful names that make even a coffee order sound like an inside joke.
Żoliborz has always had that small-town-in-a-city energy—a pocket of spatial harmony and civility—and Kredki channels it perfectly. It’s less a café than a neighborhood living room, the kind of place that gently rearranges your pulse. You come for the coffee, stay for the light, and end up talking to strangers who somehow don’t feel like strangers. Kredki doesn’t just serve espresso; it brews belonging.
“Design, daylight, and domestic warmth meet here
Back in the converted-garage room, laptops hum and conversations wander from design gossip to neighborhood politics. The neighbor’s cat, Stark, strolls through like he owns the place, accepting the occasional head
Kredki concept store & café
Ludwika Mierosławskiego 29 (Zoliborż), kredki.store
Kredki doesn’t just serve espresso; it brews belonging
AT A GLANCE
Best for: Slow mornings, creative afternoons, quiet reflection
Signature drinks: Espresso Kredki, Flat White Kredki, Szybki Przelew Kredki
Don’t miss: Homemade cookies, art books, Totem Studio sculptures, Ola Mirecka ceramics
Atmosphere: A Japanese-tinged blend of wood, light, and neighborhood spirit
Pet regular: Stark, the friendly local cat
A revolution in steak seasoning "BEEFINITY" or Innovation
Quality Beef by Yes Butcher!
Yes Butcher! Shop & Bistro's steak offerings recently launched a new addition to Poland's menu: BEEFINITY, a proprietary method of inoculating beef with mushroom cultures. For our Beefinity steaks, we select the highest quality, highly marbled Hereford heifers. And you can add your own touches too!
At Soul Kitchen, co-owners Daniel Leszek and Patryk Lempke reflect on two decades of friendship, patience, and purpose — and the secret to staying fresh in Warsaw’s ever-changing dining scene.
INSIDER: When you first opened Soul Kitchen, what was the hardest part of convincing Warsaw diners to give you a chance?
The hardest part was the location — convincing people that a great meal could be found somewhere hidden, not in a high-traffic, central spot that’s visible from the street. In the beginning, that was definitely our biggest challenge.
Many restaurants peak after a couple of years and fade — how have you kept Soul Kitchen fresh and relevant?
Besides a bit of luck, you have to be persistent, patient, and consistent in your idea and direction. Most importantly, you must truly love being there for people — not just for the business. Our motto is “You can always give up” — meaning, there’s no pressure, just freedom to act calmly and without emotions.
Do you personally measure success by full dining rooms, profitability, reputation — or something else?
That’s a tricky question — probably a bit of everything. When you see guests coming back, new faces arriving every day, and when people from abroad say they’ve heard about Soul Kitchen — that feels like success to us. It’s our small victory.
As co-owners, how do you divide responsibilities, and what happens when you disagree?
That’s the most important factor in any business relationship — learning how to let things go. It took us several years to figure
that out, and we’re still learning how to cooperate, support each other, and respect our boundaries while managing the restaurant together.
Retaining staff is tough in hospitality — what’s been your secret to building loyalty?
Persistence and patience, for sure. Instead of trying to change people, we started by changing our own attitudes.
What does a rare day off look like for each of you?
In the restaurant business, a day off never feels like a full day off. But after more than 20 years, we’ve learned how to rest — how to mentally step away from work. The best way is to travel outside Warsaw, just to change the surroundings and reset.
Is there one dish on the menu you’ll never let go of, no matter what?
That’s a very difficult question!
So far, we’ve kept some dishes, though we adjust ingredients seasonally. So yes, there are a few that stay — but you never really know.
What’s the most memorable feedback or guest moment you’ve had over the years?
The biggest one was in 2015 — when our friendship turned into a business partnership. And honestly, every day we see smiling, satisfied, fulfilled guests at Soul Kitchen — that’s what stays with us most.
10. If Soul Kitchen had a soundtrack, what song or artist would define it?
“
You have to love being for the people — not just for the business...
Don’t Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin.
What food trend do you secretly wish would disappear? Any trend where owners cheat on product quality.
If you could give your younger selves one piece of advice before opening Soul Kitchen, what would it be? Think twice before you open a restaurant!
Where do you see Warsaw’s dining scene in ten years, and what role should Soul Kitchen play in it?
That’s another difficult question, especially given the current geopolitical situation in Poland and Europe. But looking ahead, we do have ideas for developing our business. Above all, we want to maintain what we’ve built — to keep satisfying demanding guests, uphold the quality of our food and service, and continue offering an unforgettable atmosphere and joy.
Soul Kitchen
ul. Nowogrodzka 18A (City Center), soulkitchen.pl
ARTFUL
BEGINNINGS
Modern art, morning light, and a perfect latte
Before wandering through the Museum of Modern Art’s latest exhibition, start your morning at Rumory, the new bistro that hums with quiet energy on the museum’s ground floor. The large, glass-wrapped space floods with light as staff buzz gracefully between tables, their movement almost choreographed. Plates arrive looking like installations themselves—think salmon on toast with a bright slick of hollandaise, the colors and textures splattered across the plate like a
painter’s study.
It’s a fitting prelude to the art upstairs: refined yet relaxed, familiar but carefully composed. A perfect espresso sharpens the senses before stepping into the galleries, but the real revelation comes after. Rumory’s desserts—especially a silky pumpkin cheesecake paired with a spiced latte—turn a post-exhibition chat into a lingering meditation on beauty and craft.
Open from morning till midnight, Rumory bridges culture and cuisine effortlessly. Here, the museum’s quiet ends, and Warsaw’s day begins—with art, flavor, and just the right amount of noise.
Rumory ul. Marszałkowska 103 (Museum of Modern Art)
SPIRIT OF ALINA
Polish comfort with a sculptor’s soul
Tucked beside the entrance to Warsaw’s Zachęta National Gallery of Art, just below street level, Alina feels like a discovery— half sanctuary, half daydream. Named for the great sculptor Alina Szapocznikow, whose work explored beauty, vulnerability, and the human form, the bistro channels that same spirit through architecture, gesture, and food.
The vaulted, cathedral-like room has been left bare, its monumental bones softened
by wooden tables, a reclaimed pew, and mismatched theatre chairs from Greater Poland. What animates it all is the mural by Rovaneche—a sweep of charcoal-like lines that circle the space in fluid, bodily motion. They guide the eye without demanding it, like a sculpture translated into air. It’s a beautiful tension: the room feels both still and alive.
Chef Tomek Czajkowski (of Magiczny Składnik) cooks with a similar balance—comforting yet composed. His leniwe dumplings are soft and delicate, browned in butter and scattered with roasted plums and cool labneh. The cauliflower baked with béchamel and aged Bursztyn cheese is lush without excess, while Silesian dumplings in roast gravy evoke Polish home cooking at its most soulful.
Dessert brings Karpatka with blackcurrant sauce—familiar yet lifted by its tart, painterly finish. There’s a quiet confidence to Alina, one that invites reflection. It’s not about spectacle, but sincerity—about how light catches a curve, or how a meal can feel like a memory.
There’s a deep quiet to Alina, one that invites you to linger—to think, taste, and feel. It’s not a restaurant that shouts for attention but one that reveals itself slowly, like Szapocznikow’s own sculptures: tender, human, imperfectly perfect.
“ It’s not a restaurant that shouts for attention but reveals itself slowly
AT A GLANCE
Location:
Vibe: Minimalist, sculptural, quietly poetic
Must-Try: Leniwe dumplings with roasted plums
Perfect For: Reflective lunches or after-exhibit suppers
Hours: Tue–Thu & Sun 12–22, Fri–Sat 12–24
Alina
Zachęta National Gallery of Art, Plac Małachowskiego 3
Chef: Tomek Czajkowski (Magiczny Składnik)
POP-ART MENU
The Radisson Collection Hotel, Warsaw unveils a one-of-a-kind experience that blends art and gastronomy in vivid harmony. In collaboration with Kawai Art Gallery, the hotel presents the POP-ART MENU — a culinary homage to the bold colors, playful forms, and emotional charge of pop art. Inspired by the works of Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and James Rosenquist, the threecourse menu reinterprets their iconic aesthetics through inventive flavor compositions and striking presentation. Each dish — paired with
original cocktails created alongside Ostoya Vodka and Chivas Regal — transforms the dining table into a gallery of taste.
Highlights include a corn cream soup with spicy popcorn and chili oil, referencing Lichtenstein’s Sunrise; a fried beef tenderloin with bell pepper purée, grilled artichokes, and cola demi-glace inspired by Warhol’s Cow; and a peach and rosewater panna cotta inspired by Rosenquist’s Lanai
The project aims to invite not only hotel guests but also Warsaw residents to experience the hotel’s restaurant as a vibrant cultural space. “We strive to present the hotel not only as a place to stay but as a venue for encounters with art, culture, and contemporary gastronomy,” says Dominik Dobies, Field Marketing Activation Manager, Poland. “Our collaboration with Kawai Art Gallery has allowed us to merge these worlds in a cohesive and artistically refined way.”
The POP-ART MENU is a treat for lovers of art, design, and daring culinary creativity — available for a limited time at Nokto Restaurant, Radisson Collection Hotel, Warsaw, until the end of November 2025.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Radisson Collection Hotel ul. Grzybowska 24, (City Center), radissonhotels.com
ŻOLIBORZ DREAMIN’
Where the smash burger steals the show
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The smash burger is worth the trip to Sady Żoliborz
Ahuge grey poplar stands like a beacon in front of this old PRL pavilion, its broad canopy shading a scatter of patio tables and string lights that glow softly nearby — the perfect frame for Żolifornia. Inside, the guy behind the counter wears a “People Person” T-shirt, and it’s no lie. He talks you through the menu like a friend, then nudges you toward the bacon-egg burger. You should listen.
Żolifornia — that playful splice of California and Żoliborz — nails the attitude: relaxed, confident, quietly sure of itself. The smash burger is worth the trip to Sady Żoliborz, with its crispedged beef, molten cheese, and a yolk that spills like sunlight. Homemade lemonades cut through the richness, tart and cleansing.
As you wipe the grease from the corner of your mouth, your mind almost tricks you into hearing Californication in the background — Warsaw dreaming of the West Coast, and pulling it off.
Żolifornia
Władysława Broniewskiego 7, (Sady Zoliborż)
Where Art Meets Cuisine
BIG & BOWL
BOLD
Second-location on Marszałkowska offering fresh Hawaiian-inspired bowls in a roomy interior
You could almost get lost in the space — a cavernous shell on Marszałkowska that feels more generous than most poke bars dare to be. This is the second outpost from the team behind the hit on Chmielna, and while that original hums with constant traffic and delivery bikes, this one sits quieter, tucked between the caffeine rush of Ministerst-
the shrimp poke bowl: bright, fresh, alive with pineapple and a drizzle of mango mayo that played the line between sweet and sharp. The salmon bowl felt more classic — wakame, edamame, shiitake — a neat, composed symphony of clean flavors and balance.
wo Kawy and the deep-fried frenzy of Kim Chi Ken. It’s a pause in the city’s noise — muted, airy, a place to breathe between bites.
The food does the talking. Calamari, gleaming under the lights, arrived with a golden crust that gave way to something just shy of tender — a little rubbery, sure, but rescued by a knockout alioli that could carry its own show. Then came
There’s nothing revolutionary about it, and maybe that’s the point. Poke Bowl on Marszałkowska isn’t chasing trends; it’s refining a rhythm already proven next door on Chmielna. The bowls are satisfying, healthy without preaching, colorful without being cloying. In a city obsessed with indulgence and noise, this place offers something rarer — a little calm with your lunch.
Poke Bowl (Marszałkowska) ul. Marszałkowska 27/35 (City Center)
NORTHERN HEAT
Bielany’s Buenos Nachos brings flavor with fire
In a quiet corner of Bielany, far from Warsaw’s culinary buzz, Buenos Nachos hums to its own rhythm — a compact Mexican eatery where the scent of toasted corn and lime hits before you even reach the counter. Inside, the setup is simple: you order from a chalkboard scrawl of tacos and quesadillas, then slip upstairs to a modest room that feels part neighborhood café, part family kitchen. It’s not exactly warm in mood — more stripped-back than cozy — but the food provides its own warmth.
Tacos here are the headline act, and the al pastor mostly delivers. Pork is well-marinated and smoky, folded in soft, handmade corn tortillas. You wish for a touch more pineapple brightness — the soul of any true al pastor — but the flavor still lands. The quesadilla con pollo does even better: lime-marinated chicken tucked inside a crisp flour tortilla, layered with cheese, sweet corn, and peppers. It’s indulgent without being heavy, especially when chased by the bright mango salsa or the fiery, honest habanero sauce that could wake the dead.
Out here on the city’s northern edge, Buenos Nachos reminds you that real flavor doesn’t always need a downtown address — just a good tortilla, a splash of heat, and someone who still cares enough to make both from scratch.
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Real flavor doesn’t need a downtown address
Buenos Nachos
Władysława Broniewskiego 56A (Bielany), buenosnachos.pl
Review
GREEN GIANT
Tradition and tenderness in every green cup
You might miss MatchaUP on Skolimowska your first time for it's anonymity in a dark arcade of a pre-war building. Step inside and you’ll sense something more deliberate at work. Owner Kim, a Korean who spent decades in Japan, serves matcha the way it was meant to be — grassy, vivid, and alive with ritual. Here, the powder is sifted, whisked, and poured with reverence, each cup balanced by a house-made rice syrup quietly transformative in its restraint. It’s sweet, yes, but in the way steamed rice can be sweet — gentle, fermented, almost soulful. The syrup’s recipe, passed down from Kim’s mother, lends a familial warmth to what could otherwise be another aesthetic exercise in wellness minimalism. Try the kinako and kuromitsu blend or the four-berry matcha: both hum with character, not sugar. MatchaUP isn’t about trends or TikTok green froth — it’s about clarity, calm, and the taste of care.
The Buzz
WINE & DINE
Kontakt
Sandomierska 13
MatchaUP
Skolimowska 4 (Mokotów)
Presenting the city’s most talked about venues, join us on a whistle stop tour of the cafes, pubs and cocktail dens and wine bars that you can’t afford to miss…
Solec 52 7, (Powiśle)
Some cafés serve pastries; Pastelowe on Solec Street stages a small holiday. Its signature pastel de nata—flaky, caramelized, and custard-filled—appears in classic form and in twists with raspberry, pistachio, chocolate, and even a vegan take. Brioche adds a soft, buttery encore. Inside, playful design reigns: rippling mirrors and a bright, wave-like counter lend seaside whimsy, while the terrace hums with Mediterranean ease. Order a flat white or a crisp filter coffee, linger for natural wine or a spritz, and you’ll see why Pastelowe feels like a Lisbon afternoon transplanted to Powiśle.
Weaknesses do not exist in Kontakt, and if they do, they have yet to be formally identified by any who visit. Looking glorious in its deep shades of blue, its look is complemented by a 400-strong wine list slanted towards natural, bio-dynamic and organic wines. The five-star experience is aided by wonderful food.
LOCAL WINES
Brać
Józefa Sierakowskiego 4a/ lok u3
Resistant as traditionalists may be to the very notion of Polish wine, Brać have made it their mission to showcase its unknown quality. Presenting on-edge sips from niche domestic producers (including collabs with the Funky Fluid craft brewery!), all this is done in a stylish space that feels good to be in. From 2023, this was our favourite wine-related find!
NATURAL WINE
Rascal
Moliera 6
Formerly a canteen for ballet dancers, this address now holds the largest bar in Europe specialising in natural wines – you weren’t expecting that! Entered past a lavish drape, this cool space has a suitably adventurous choice of rebel wines.
BEER GEEKS
Jabeerwocky
Nowogrodzka 12
Good old Jabbers will never let you down. A Warsaw institution, the adventurous choice of beers gives nods to international pioneers, domestic talents as well as
Pastelowe
The Buzz
their own house beers. Prewar floors and the welcome smell of spillage give it a great atmosphere that becomes a boisterous babble of international voices the later it gets. For something quieter, take your pint next door to their sister bar, Jabeerwocky Junior.
CUTTING EDGE CRAFT
Hopito Chmielna
Chmielna 24
Opened last year as the younger sister of Hopito’s Żurawia venture, this branch feels a little more mature in its target audience, though every bit as fun in its beer selection - radicalized drinkers will love Hopito’s own crazy brews.
OLD TOWN PINTS
Same Krafty vis-à-vis
Nowomiejska 11/13
Jammed between the Barbican gateway and the Rynek, Same Krafty’s pair of Old Town drinkeries face opposite each other to offer their own mini-pub crawl. Appearing as raucous and rugged tavern-like bars, the experimental craft beers are a league ahead of the mainstream fizz peddled by the other nearby bars. and a crowd that errs from late 20s upwards.
STUDENT CARNAGE
Nowy Świat ‘Pavilions’
Nowy Świat 26
For the highest condensation of bars in the capital head to ‘the pavilions’, a collection of ramshackle drinking cabins, shot bars and sheesha lairs inside a tight grid of shadowy back alleys. Adding to the gentle sense of confusion comes the realization that so many bars look the same –accessed through clattery,
barred doors, visitors walk into murk and chaos.
ALT. ENTERTAINMENT
Worek Kości
Bagatela 10
There is nothing ordinary about Worek Kości and that’s underlined by its collection of 400 replica skulls. Known for its burlesque nights, this passionate celebration of the beautiful and bizarre also has a busy roster of lectures dedicated to criminal profiling, forensics and serial killers. Oh, and the cocktails are good.
VINYL NIGHTS
Monkey Love
Bulwar Flotylli Pińskiej 1a Monkey Love is more than a restaurant—it’s a full-sensory escape. Set in the lush enclave of Przystań Warszawa, its tropical interiors and wooden DJ console evoke the spirit of Bali or Havana. Curated by DJ Nowosad, the Monkey Love Selection blends various kinds of music, with sounds that ignite the dance floor and shift with the mood. A rotating roster of international DJs, a wall of records by VVOSK, and expertly crafted playlists elevate the vibe, making Monkey Love one of Warsaw’s most vibrant, music-driven destinations.
THE PRAGA VIBE
W Oparach Absurdu Ząbkowska 6 Craft beers lurk within the fridge, but for the seminal Absurdu experience order a tray of vodka before bulldozing through the crowds that gather to listen to Balkan rock and Afro-Latin bands. Somewhere, hidden deep beneath the creaking antiques and
moth-eaten Persian rugs, you might be lucky to find a wood-carved bar.
NORTHERN NIGHTS
Havana
Słowackiego 16/18
Set on the first floor of a PRL era tower, the super cool interior offers up a coherent display of retro posters, luscious plants and light wood trimmings that are respectful of this space’s former life as a 1960s cafe. Perched among hip freelancers and theatre types learning their lines, sip away on trendy bio wines, adventurous lemonades, craft swigs or specialty coffee sourced from local roasters.
UPMARKET CLUBBING
Sen Wioślarska 6
Some would say that Sen enjoys its heyday in the summer when the rooftop terrace opens to afford views of the illuminated bridges that span the river. But even outside these months it’s long enjoyed a reputation as Warsaw’s premier super-lux club. High class cocktails and a stringent door policy have helped maintain their name as the principal destination for glam, catwalk excess.
DESTINATION COFFEE
Café Pląs
Puławska 113A (Królikarnia)
Set inside the Króliarnia palace, it’s laidback and artsy-cool, something aided by the strategically placed plants, chillout beats and rare-find art books placed reverentially on the shelves. Specialty coffee, bio wines, alternative soft drinks and craft beer make it a highly versatile place to finish in after a brisk autumn walk
around the palace grounds.
COFFEE OF LEGEND
Stor
Tamka 33 / Bracka 18
For many there is no better café anywhere in Poland than Stor’s original on Tamka. When the sunlight slopes in through the window, there are few finer feelings than idling away in this plant festooned refuge. Famed for their glorious coffee and detail-driven approach, recognition should also be handed to their devotion to local causes and zero waste philosophy.
FOR VINYL CHILLOUT
Hałas
Elsterska 10
Divide Hałas into two sections: first, a small chamber selling collectors classic vinyl and coffee sourced from some of Europe’s top roasters. Then, smuggled in the back, discover a Nordic-style living room arrangement that encourages afternoons spent sipping coffee whilst catching up on email.
FOR QUICK ESPRESSO
Błysk
Słowackiego 22
Served over a PRL era counter, Błysk’s super-tight confines generate a natural air of familiarity. Often standing room only, the buzz and hubbub owes itself not just to the delicious espresso shots, but also the homemade cookies and dog-loving owners that will spoil your pet.
HIDDEN STAR
El Cafatero
Marszałkowska 27/35
Tucked behind the patinated domes and intricate steeples of Zbawiciela, chilling in this
little café has you thinking you’re somewhere cute and quaint like Vilnius or Lublin.
Specialising in roasting their own African coffees, the super-hip vibe is highlighted by the wall of Polaroid snaps.
CHAMPION BREWS
Forum
Elektoralna 11
Forum has it all: a fashionably
frayed interior, a friendly dog nuzzling around, and a client base that expects nothing but the best – and at Forum, that’s exactly what they get. Marketing themselves as “the home of the Polish Aeropress and Polish Brewers’ Cup Champions”, these accolades say everything there is to know.
COFFEE AUTHORITY
Coffeelab ul. Wspólna 70, (City Center)
A Warsaw-based specialty coffee roastery established in 2012, is renowned for its meticulous approach to coffee roasting. Under the guidance of head roaster Wojciech Rzytki, Coffeelab selects high-quality green beans and profiles each coffee to highlight its unique flavors. Their offerings include a diverse range of beans from regions like Brazil, Ethiopia, and Guatemala, catering to various brewing methods such as espresso and pour-over. Beyond coffee, their café delights with freshly prepared dishes made on-site, adding a culinary bonus to the experience. For those eager to deepen their coffee knowledge, Coffeelab offers barista training courses focusing on espresso machine skills and grinder techniques .
COFFEE IN THE MORNING, PARTY IN THE EVENING
Hood Cafe ul. Poznańska 37 HOOD Café brings Left Bank flair to Poznańska with aperol-orange chairs, leafy patio vibes, and a day-tonight crowd that lingers from espresso to negronis. Breakfasts—like avocado toast with dukkah or a proper egg sandwich with sriracha mayo—set the tone, while smooth coffee and standout matcha fuel the day. Come evening, DJs, cocktails, and a stylish crowd make this café-bar Warsaw’s new all-day favorite.
GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES
Aura
Hoża 27 Aura Bar, Warsaw’s bour-
bon-forward hideaway, charms with Moroccan accents, a leafy patio, and cocktails as smooth as its vibe. Famous for Old Fashioneds (eight riffs and an annual contest), Aura also shines with playful seasonal creations—this summer inspired by music genres. Expect DJs, live sets, and a friendly, living-room atmosphere where bartenders chat as easily as they shake. Tiny space, big character
SOMETHING COLORFUL
Violet Café
Marszałkowska 87
Violet Café is a charming new spot in Warsaw, blending modern design with a nod to its history as a flower shop.
Created by Trias Design Studio, the interior features soft hues of purple, beige, and white, along with floral motifs and high ceilings that create a light-filled, airy atmosphere. The café’s layout includes cozy seating zones, an open kitchen, and unique design elements like a restored historical wall and custom-made furniture. Offering a delicious breakfast menu and tempting desserts, Violet Café is an artistic space that invites both locals and tourists to enjoy a relaxing, inspired experience.
COFFEE SCENE
Na Bank plac Bankowy 4
For those seeking more than just a caffeine fix, Na Bank is a standout in Warsaw’s coffee scene in 2024. Located at Plac Bankowy 4, this specialty café blends precision, artistry, and top-quality beans, giving you the most satisfying bang for your buck. Finding a seat in this bustling café is no small feat, but the energy
inside—echoing the vibrancy of Plac Bankowy outside—keeps you focused, whether you're tackling deadlines or deep in conversation. While you’re there, don’t miss their openfaced sandwiches topped with fresh salads or the popular Turkish eggs with spicy butter and avocado—rich, creamy, and comforting. Pair it all with a sweet treat, like the soft, vegan cinnamon bun with salted caramel, and you’ve got a café experience that’s both energizing and indulgent.
COMMUNITY MATTERS
Fat White
Andersa 6
Fat White brought specialty coffee to Muranów nearly eight years ago, creating a cozy and creative space where community thrives. More than just a café, it’s a vibrant meeting point for imaginative minds, fostering connections over expertly brewed flatties and alternative drinks. With its welcoming atmosphere, filled with comic book figurines and art from local talent, Fat White is a true reflection of Warsaw’s creative spirit.
HIGH QUALITY BITES
Espresso Bar
Emilii Plater 12
Espresso Bar has secured its spot as one of the best café of 2024, thanks to its ideal location on Emili Plater and an elevated food offering that goes beyond the usual coffee shop fare. Born from the beloved Hala Gwardii coffee counter, it pairs expertly brewed Coffeelab and Trigger Roastery blends with thoughtful, high-quality bites— like the standout Norwegian brunost toast. With its warm, minimalist interior and prime setting, Espresso Bar is the perfect all-day spot to work, meet friends easily becoming your new favorite cafe in the City Center.
Dine & Delight
When only the best will do, we’ve cut through the chaff to present a curated choice of Warsaw’s top eateries –from ethnic comfort foods and under-the-radar gems all the way up to the city’s most exclusive dining rooms…
THE MICHELIN STAR
Nuta
Pl. Trzech Krzyży 10/14
MUST TRY THE BOLOGNESE!
Giada
ul. Mokotowska 49A, giada.pl
You don’t so much enter Giada as follow the aroma of truffle and blistering dough that drifts onto Mokotowska. Inside, elegance reigns—green marble, walnut warmth, and hand-laid mosaics that shimmer like fragments of a Roman villa. Yet the terrace steals the show, perfect for spritzes and people-watching on a golden afternoon. The prosciutto pizza, flecked with fig jam, strikes divine balance between sweet and savory; the truffle version stops pedestrians in their tracks. Handmade pasta, especially the slow-cooked bolognese topped with creamy stracciatella, seals the deal. Polished yet personal, Giada captures Warsaw’s appetite and Italy’s soul in one graceful breath.
Andrea Camastra’s restaurant is a magical enclave in which time stands still. Mixing his famed scientific techniques with artisanal processes, his tasting menu is expressive in its aesthetics and flavour, as if it were an extension of his own firecracker character. Even the cheeseboard is a mind-bender – on our April visit, jaws hit the floor as this arrived in the liquified form of a pear consommé topped with warm gorgonzola foam. A bold, world-class adventure, no other restaurant offers such a ride – a second Michelin star seems guaranteed.
FORMAL & EXTRAORDINARY
Epoka
Ossolińskich 3 Nineteenth century cornices and baroque drapes lend an enveloping sense of luxury to this A-Class space. Epoka’s menu is based on Polish cookbooks from different epochs, with the dishes reconstructed in a way that’s innovative, unexpected and a roller coaster of thrills. La Liste officially rank it among the world’s Top 100 Restaurants.
EXQUISITE
Nolita
Wilcza 46
Winning our 2022 award last year for ‘Outstanding Achievement’, chef Jacek Grochowina’s enclave of class looks dashing with its monochrome colours and muted gunmetal shades, but it’s the food that has made it the place Warsaw heads to live the life of the 1%. Treasuring detail and finesse, Nolita demonstrates fine dining hasn’t died.
Dine & Delight
ECLECTIC & UPMARKET
Dyletanci Koszykowa 47
Subtle and stylish with its muted, neutral colours and pops of art, amid the light woods and sky-coloured walls, the assembled fine wines have been selected to dance in tandem with the cooking of Rafał Hreczaniuk. His cooking is elegant, eclectic and never short on sensational taste.
FOR THE TASTING MENU
Rozbrat 20
Rozbrat 20
Fusing upmarket, casual styling with an exciting wine list, interactive service and the kind of atmosphere you can’t get enough of, Rozbrat 20 is a Warsaw gastro landmark. Under chef Bartosz Szymczak, the frequently changing menu has a real playful inventiveness to it.
Ramenownia
ul. Giełdowa 5 (Wola), ramenownia.pl
Step into Ramenownia and it’s like entering Blade Runner—neon-lit, atmospheric, but full of warmth. The team welcomes you as if you’ve wandered into a secret ramen temple. Bowls are generous and full of character: the miso is bold and savory, the spicy miso perfectly fiery, and the mayu tonkotsu—with its touch of black garlic—borderline addictive. Even the nutty tantanmen has its loyal fans. Occasionally the seasoning runs salty, but the comfort factor is undeniable. And for a playful finale? The neon-green melon soda float—a fizzy, nostalgic flashback worth every sip.
DATE NIGHT
alewino Mokotowska 48
Regularly adjusted to utilize the best items the season has to offer, the menu is a triumph of expertly balanced tastes and is admired for some of the most interesting cooking in the city – think elegant with a localized twist. Rounding out the experience is an intimate, labyrinthine design that’s ideal for when it’s cold and grim, and a decked courtyard terrace for when it’s not.
NEW WAVE
hub.praga
Jagiellońska 22
Heading the kitchen is Witek Iwański, a chef whose past accolades include our very own ‘Top Talent’ title at our Best of Warsaw awards. The tan, beige and white interior is embellished with moon-shaped mirrors and statement art, and is twinned with tiny a’la carte courses that appear like miniaturised works of art.
CASUAL SCENE
Bibenda
Nowogrodzka 10
With no reservations accepted, Bibenda’s enduring popularity ensures that queues often build at the entrance – even at the height of the Polish winter. Augmenting the warm interiors of raw red brick and dim yellow lighting, guests flock for a menu that celebrates the fields, forests and farmsteads of Poland. honey and peanut chili crisps.
THE NEED TO KNOW
The Eatery Koszykowa 49A
This attractive off-street space comes swathed in
white-on-white colours –blissfully cocooned from the outside world, and decorated orb-like installations, this chic but casual space gives Polish food a modernised translation. Visiting for our May issue, we were bowled over by the pork cheeks served with a punchy demi-glace and whirls of liquified peas and red cabbage.
NEW POLISH
Źródło
Targowa 81
Hardwood floors, exposed pipes and a flurry of plants equip an open area decorated with blasts of contemporary art, recycled furnishings and extravagant light installations. Menu-wise, the food lights the soul. But more than just celebrating the power of local produce, there’s a refinement at play that speaks of a kitchen team that aims for magnificence.
POLAND REIMAGINED
Bez Gwiazdek
Wiślana 8
Regarded as one of Warsaw’s gastronomic treasures, each month sees Robert Trzópek design a tasting menu inspired by a specific region of Poland. His creative interpretations of the nation’s culinary traditions are delicate, nuanced and beautifully balanced. The chic but casual setting reflects the philosophy.
TRENDING POLISH
Pod Gigantami
Ujazdowskie 24
Once seen as a classic restaurant for ‘old people’, Pod Gigantami’s reinvention stretches to 3 a.m. finishes come the weekend. Marrying heritage with hip, during more normal hours enjoy thoughtfully cooked Polish classics
including an old school schabowy the size of a small planet.
POLAND FOR INSIDERS
Oma
Radna 13
Stepping into Oma is like entering Babcia’s house for a holiday—a warm embrace of Polish tradition with a modern flair. Oma, named after the chef’s grandmother, exudes
Oma-goodness. Nestled in Powiśle, it charms with its vintage Polish decor and fresh flowers. The menu offers classic dishes with a twist: schabowy topped with Parmesan and zupa pomidorowa with garlic. Desserts like knedelki—a cottage cheese dumpling with apples and orange peel—are irresistible. The thoughtful vintage design and caricatures of Oma on the
Rondo Daszyńskiego 2 , Warsaw +48 22 377 38 01 novawola@ihg.com novawola.com Nov a Wola
COMMUNITY HUBS & FOOD HALLS Dine & Delight
servers’ shirts add a personal touch. Make a reservation to avoid heartbreak, as Oma’s popularity often leads to a full house. Dive into this cozy haven and savor the best of Polish summer cuisine, where every bite feels like a warm hug from Babcia herself.
NEIGHBOURHOOD GREEK
Mr. Greek Souvlaki
Londyńska 16
Festooned with potted shrubs, the outdoor wooden deck is one of Saska’s finest
SOUTH AMERICAN FLAIR
Ceviche Bar
Twarda 4
With Argentine chef Martin Gimenez Castro injecting his passion and personality into the venue, this is an address that punches through the greyness of everyday Warsaw. Ceviche is naturally the default order, and here it’s served in around five different forms.
Tuna Elektryczna 2
tail and the best-selling chili con tuna. It’s an ecstasy of tastes.
CITY CENTRE VEGAN
Peaches Gastro Girls
Stalowa 36
Peaches, Warsaw's vibrant vegan hotspot, serves up seasonal dishes with finesse. From their umami-packed grilled mushrooms to inventive cocktails, every bite and sip delights. The minimalist interiors and open kitchen make it an experience for both eyes and palate.
CENTRUM PRASKIE KONESER
Pl. Konesera, koneser.eu
Reopened in 2018 as a mixed-use project containing cultural sites, F&B outlets, A Class offices and loft-style apartments, no other investment has had a bigger impact on Praga’s overdue regeneration than Koneser. Culturally, it’s also done much thanks to the Polish Vodka Museum, the Museum of Fantastic Art and temporary exhibitions such as Banksy in 2021. For most though, the F&B lineup is the strongest attraction of all and this includes upmarket Indian from Bombaj Malasa, the casual eatery Spółdzielnia and the real feather in the cap, the Koneser Grill – a meat-centric venue of high sophistication.
BROWARY WARSZAWSKIE
Grzybowska 58, browarywarszawskie.com.pl
Utilising elements of a historic brewery and setting them against an upmarket backdrop of freshly mapped streets and immaculate new build that feels contextually suited to the district, Features include a premium food hall, Robert Lewandowski’s Nine’s sports bar, the ever-popular Balkan eatery Munja, and Baila – a stunning live entertainment emporium.
FABRYKA NORBLINA
Żelazna 51/53, fabrykanorblina.pl
Representing 200-years of history, the two hectare site is riddled with over 50 leftovers from the Industrial Revolution and these are set against attractions such as the luxury Kinogram cinema (champagne vending machines!), the immersive Art Box Experience, a factory museum and the Smart Kids Planet –a 1,600 sq/m project with nine zones that aim to promote logical thinking, healthy eating, motor functions, perception and creative thinking.
HALA KOSZYKI
Koszykowa 63, koszyki.com
Considered the grande dame of food halls, the brick and wrought iron interiors of this spot look beautiful with the F&B offer split between standalone restaurants such as the fancy Warszawski Sen to vendors like the fist-bumping, burrito boys at Gringo. For craft beer and grilled sausages then Kiełba w Gębie doesn't put a foot wrong, whilst the open-all-hours ĆMA is a legend in its own lifetime.
ELEKTROWNIA POWIŚLE
Dobra 42, elektrowniapowisle.com
Elektrownia’s blended approach includes an exclusive top floor beauty hall filled with cutting edge beauty solutions and a retail offer than tends to shirk the mainstream to instead slant in on contemporary Polish design, upscale vintage, niche brands and established local talent. The food and drink has also been a major plus, with most attention going to a food hall that appears in an energetic sea of neon.
AfricAn gAze: sAnkofA
sAnkofA
“there is nothing wrong with going back for that which you have forgotten”. return. look deeper. move forward. only at Afrykamera 2025.
Experience the power of stories that challenge, inspire, and connect audiences worldwide. The jubilee edition of AfryKamera 2025 brings the best selection and premieres of award-winning films showcased at the world’s most prestigious festivals, such as Sundance, Cannes, London, Camerimage, or Berlinale.
Six days of exceptional screenings, encounters with filmmakers, discussions, and special events inspired by Sankofa, the African symbol of returning to the past to understand the future.
As the Akan proverb says: “There is nothing wrong with going back for that which you have forgotten.”
Immerse yourself in the energy of African culture - diverse, creative, and redefining its place in global cinema.
21-26 November 2025, Warsaw
stAte ethnogrAphic museum in WArsAW // AtlAntic cinemA // Amondo cinemA this november, discover Afrykamerathe celebration of African cinema in Warsaw!
The Wounded Continent
The Kyiv Biennial 2025 redefines what—and where—Europe really is
ART/ADVENTURE
This year’s Kyiv Biennial arrives not as a celebration, but as a reckoning. Under the title Near East, Far West, the exhibition gathers artists, historians, and curators from across the continent to confront the violence shaping our shared present—from Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine to conflicts flaring in the Middle East and the broader authoritarian drift worldwide.
Curated by a consortium from the L’Internationale network, the Biennial spreads across multiple venues and ideas. Its premise is deceptively simple: to redraw the mental map of Europe. What if the future of the continent isn’t being decided in its capitals, but along its fragile borderlands— from Georgia and Ukraine to Kurdistan and Central Asia?
The term the curators use, “Middle-East-Europe,” captures this expanded geography. Here,
artists chart a terrain marked by displacement, empire, and broken promises of liberation. Many reject the notion that Western art or politics remain the measure of progress. Instead, they search for kinship among places long treated as Europe’s periphery.
The works are diverse but linked by a shared urgency. Film archives, recordings, and reassembled documents trace forgotten solidarities: a Moroccan filmmaker once sent to Poland for training under the socialist bloc’s anti-imperialist exchange; Kurdish women publishing a radical journal; Ukrainian museum workers rescuing collections under bombardment. These fragments tell stories of cultural resilience amid collapse. The tone is mournful but never hopeless. Violence is shown not only on the battlefield but within the slow erosion of communities, language, and land. Yet through this reckoning, a fragile optimism emerges— the sense that an alternative Europe, one built on empathy rather than dominance, might still be possible.
Near East, Far West is a demanding but vital exhibition. It reminds us that the continent’s moral and political future may not lie in Brussels or Berlin, but in the cities still learning to live, create, and resist under siege.
NEAR EAST, FAR WEST – KYIV
BIENNIAL
Museum of Modern Art Marszałkowska 103, artmuseum.pl Through until January 18, 2026
Discover Warsaw Like Never Before: Turn the
City Into Your Own Adventure
Step into a story-driven urban quest where Warsaw becomes your playground — full of clues, characters, and unexpected twists
What if your next city walk became an unforgettable adventure?
Escape City invites you to experience Warsaw through two thrilling storylines: “The Adventures of the Basilisk” and “In the Footsteps of the Raven.”
Blending the excitement of an escape room with the intrigue
of a city quest, these outdoor games turn familiar streets into a living, breathing puzzle. Available seven days a week, all year round, the adventures require no reservation — simply start whenever you wish during the city’s opening hours. Over the course of about three hours, you’ll follow clues, solve riddles, and visit key Warsaw locations — from cozy cafés to museums and secret spots — interacting with real-world hosts who hand you props, challenges, and drinks along the way.
Whether it’s a creative date idea, a team-building outing, or a fun way to explore with friends, Escape City offers a fresh perspective on the capital — and the choices you make shape how your story ends. Your adventure awaits across Poland. Start your journey in Warsaw at moonstreet.pl/warszawa
QUESTIONS FOR A SHOP OWNER
ANIA BIELUŃ of MINISTERSTWO DOBREGO MYDŁA
When sisters Ania and Ula Bieluń founded Ministerstwo Dobrego Mydła (“The Ministry of Good Soap”) in 2014, they set out to create smallbatch skincare products made with integrity — natural, effective, and joyfully sensory. What began with soaps and bath fizzies has since grown into a beloved Polish skincare brand known for its hydrosols, butters, and signature balm sticks. We caught up with Ania Bieluń, CEO and co-founder, to talk about family, innovation, and how to care for skin as the seasons change.
INSIDER:
Your brand started quite modestly, right?
Ania Bieluń: Yes, it began very simply — soaps and bath bombs we made by hand. But as we grew, we started exploring oils and butters, which became our real passion. Eventually we created something we call a butter bomb in a stick — it’s not a cream, but a very rich blend of waxes, oils, and butters. You use it like a cream bar to nourish dry areas — hands, elbows, even the face in winter.
So it’s like skincare you can swipe on?
Exactly. We make different versions — plum, chocolate & cinnamon, rice, and soon rose–raspberry and halva. They’re super rich, protective, and ideal for cold weather. For kids, they’re perfect on chapped cheeks or hands; for adults, great before skiing or winter walks.
Your hydrosols are another signature. What makes them special?
They’re distilled floral waters — a byproduct of essential oil distillation. They hydrate, balance pH, and calm the skin. We work with a small family distillery in France that grows and distills its own plants. It’s a partnership we’re proud of.
MINISTERSTWO DOBREGO MYDŁA BIRTHDAY!
Dec 14–15 at Dzielna — treats, talks & special offers. All month: handmade gift boxes & expert advice.
You’ve mentioned your formulas often differ from the market. How so?
We like to challenge standard recipes. Take our Halva Face Scrub — we found most scrubs leave the skin dry and tight. So we designed a formula that combines peeling and mask in one, rich with oatmeal and oils. It’s gentle, creamy, and moisturizing — and we even patented the process.
And your lip balm has a similar story.
Yes! Our Honey Lip Mask is quite special because we found a way to include water-based ingredients — normally impossible in a balm. So you get true hydration from within the butters. It’s rich, but it sinks in beautifully.
There’s a scientific curiosity behind your products. Definitely. We read, test, and experiment constantly. And we do it as a family — my sister, her husband, and our wonderful team split between two cities. It’s creative chaos, but it works.
You also write about the role of sugar in cosmetics — what’s that about?
People think of sugar as harmful, and when you eat too much, it is bad for the skin. But in skincare, sugars like glucose and fructose are amazing moisturizers. They attract and bind water, keeping the skin soft and supple. It’s a beautiful paradox: what harms from the inside can heal from the outside.
Ministerstwo Dobrego Mydła ul. Dzielna 15 (Wola), ministerstwodobregomydla.pl
WINTER SKIN
101:
Comfort & Care from Ministerstwo Dobrego Mydła
Hydrate and Protect
Cold air and indoor heating can strip your skin’s natural barrier. Switch to richer textures — the brand’s Balm Sticks (try Plum or Chocolate & Cinnamon) are perfect for sealing in moisture on dry hands, elbows, or cheeks.
Don’t Forget the Lips
Overnight nourishment is key. Apply the Honey Lip Mask generously before bed to restore hydration and prevent chapping. It’s a combination of butters, lanolin, and water-based ingredients — a rare find in balms.
Sweet Support: Sugars in Skincare
According to Ministerstwo’s research, natural sugars like glucose and fructose act as humectants — they pull water into the skin, improving elasticity and smoothness. Look for sugar-based exfoliants or creams to keep skin radiant through winter.
PRO TIP:
Keep a balm stick in your coat pocket — a quick swipe before heading outdoors creates an invisible shield against cold and wind.
Forgotten Friendships
Zachęta reopens forgotten global artistic bonds
Zachęta’s latest exhibition, What Do We Dream About Together? Global Connections — Abandoned Friendships, looks back at a chapter of history that’s easy to overlook: the era when Poland saw itself as part of a global network of artistic solidarity. Long before the internet, and long before 1989 redrew the map of who mattered, there were artists from Ghana, Vietnam, or Chile showing their work in Warsaw—part of an internationalist ideal known as the “friendship of nations.” This exhibition reopens that archive and asks what remains of those connections today. Curated by Taras Gembik, Joanna Kordjak, and Antonina Stebur, the show pairs rarely seen documents from Zachęta’s own collection with new works by
artists from across the world. It’s an ambitious project, full of quiet revelations about how political ideals were lived—and often betrayed—through art. Marysia Lewandowska reconstructs the voices of artists from the Global South once exhibited here, giving them space to speak again. Ahmet Öğüt revisits a 1980 show of Palestinian art, reviving pieces lost to war and censorship. And Oliwia Bosomtwe digs through official correspondence to expose the contradictions between socialist rhetoric and institutional bias. Each piece becomes an act of repair, connecting past ambitions to present urgencies. Younger artists such as Marta Romankiv and Weronika Zalewska shift the focus to today’s migrants and couriers, creating a space for people who rarely enter art institutions to tell their own stories. Together, these projects show how “solidarity” remains a word both fragile and unfinished—something that must be continually remade. What makes Abandoned Friendships compelling is its humility. Rather than celebrating nostalgia, it treats the archive as a living organism, still capable of dialogue. As Europe again grapples with war, migration, and inequality, the exhibition reminds us that the dream of connection is not lost—only waiting to be reimagined.
What Do We Dream of Together? Global Connections — Abandoned Friendships
Zachęta National Gallery of Art, plac Stanisława Małachowskiego 3, zacheta.art.pl/en
Clockwise from above:
Art Project, ME/MY,
Marina Naprushkina, What Are Our Collective Dreams?, 2025, installation fragment. Photo: courtesy of the artist
Marta Romankiv & Weronika Zalewska in collaboration with Alaksandr Belarusski, Takunda, Charlton Dzikiti, Eshwet Dube, Syed Talha, and Mubashir Hussain, Drop It Off Station, 2025, video still. Photo: Piotr Szewczyk
At the Palace on the Isle, the Warsaw-based artist fills a wartime void with sun-born works of ethereal beauty
When light itself becomes the painter, history glows anew.
In a poetic gesture of remembrance and renewal, artist Nicolas Grospierre has filled the long-empty frames of the Salle de Solomon at the Palace on the Isle with a new cycle of works titled Heliograms. These glowing abstractions, born directly from sunlight, now inhabit the very spaces where Marcello Bacciarelli’s grand 18th-century paintings once stood—works lost forever when the Germans set fire to the palace in 1944.
Grospierre’s installation marks the beginning of a new artistic project initiated by the Royal Łazienki Museum, which invites contemporary artists to engage with King Stanisław August’s original iconographic program. The museum’s goal: to reinterpret the monarch’s Enlightenment ideals through the lens of modern art.
The Heliograms—created without a camera, lens, or film—are a form of solar photography. Over four months in the Łazienki gardens, Grospierre exposed velvet panels to sunlight, allowing its rays to burn delicate, abstract patterns into the surface. The results range from geometric forms to organic curves, each piece unique and unpredictable. The process embodies a dialogue between nature’s uncontrollable forces and human intention, a fitting metaphor for Poland’s own layered history of creation and loss.
Bacciarelli’s original cycle depicted the life of King Solomon, a biblical ruler whose wisdom and justice symbolized Stanisław August’s aspirations for reform and peace. Grospierre’s Heliograms reinterpret those Enlightenment ideals in a new key—meditative rather than didactic, transient rather than monumental, but still charged with light and meaning. For decades, the ornate frames of Solomon’s Hall have stood hauntingly empty, a silent memorial to what was destroyed. With Heliograms, those voids now radiate again—this time not with narrative scenes, but with pure color, light, and the memory of sunlight itself.
“They
reflect both presence and absence, permanence and impermanence,” says Grospierre, “forming a bridge between the physical and the metaphysical—between what we see and what remains beyond perception”
Heliograms in Solomon’s Hall Palace on the Isle, Royal Łazienki Museum
Admission with Royal Łazienki passes; free for Friends of the Museum and on Fridays.
preschools
AMERICAN SCHOOL OF WARSAW
Students aged 3-5 are encouraged to try new things, ask questions, and take risks in a nurturing environment in which they learn life skills alongside academics. Following the Primary Years Programme (PYP), our young students become caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. Contact admissions@ aswarsaw.org
BRITISH PRIMARY SCHOOL OF WILANOW
A values-driven school offering a world-class education based on the best of British Education. BSW is the first school in Poland to be accredited as Compliant by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). Based in a purpose built premises in Wilanow BSW is accepting applications from Nursery to Year 9. Please email admissions@bswilanow.org to organise a visit.
THE BRITISH SCHOOL WARSAW – EARLY YEARS CENTRE
Our Early Years Foundation Stage provides a play-based learning curriculum full of curiosity, wonder and discovery – the perfect springboard into Primary education. ul.
Where every child is seen, heard and empowered to succeed
Class size capped at 18 for individualised teaching
Up to 15 hours of English lessons per week + Spanish classes
Full programme of extracurriculars: chess, judo, dance, nutrition workshops, and more.
On-site psychologist and speech therapist ensure emotional and speech development.
Fresh in-house meals daily, monthly trips and holiday camps included.
EDUCATION
THE CANADIAN SCHOOL OF WARSAW PRESCHOOL
Welcoming students from the ages of 2.5 to 6 years old, currently 45% of their admissions are international students. The dedicated, IB-trained teachers deliver an innovative program (PYP) in English designed for modern world needs. The program offers a combination of Literacy, Maths, Science, Physical Education, Arts & Culture, French and Polish classes. ul. Ignacego Krasickiego 53, tel. 697 979 100, canadian-school.pl
preschools
AKADEMEIA HIGH SCHOOL
An academically selective international school in Warsaw, offering iGCSEs and A Levels whilst preparing students for the best universities in the world. The staff body consists of alumni of the world’s best universities, whilst facilities at what has become Poland’s most prestigious school include an art studio, auditorium, sports hall and roof garden. ul. Ledóchowskiej 2, akademeia.edu.pl
AMERICAN SCHOOL OF WARSAW
With over 50 nationalities, ASW has been welcoming students from around the world since 1953. As an IB Continuum school, our students follow the PYP, MYP and DP throughout their learner journey. Students graduate with either the IB diploma or an American high school diploma. All programs are conducted in English, with integrated EAL support for non-native speakers. Contact: admissions@aswarsaw.org or 22 702 85 00, ul. Warszawska 202 (Konstancin-Jeziorna), aswarsaw. org
BRITISH PRIMARY SCHOOL OF WILANOW
A values-driven school offering a world-class education based on the best of British Education. BSW is the first school in Poland to be accredited as Compliant by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). Based in a purpose built premises in Wilanow BSW is accepting applications from Nursery to Year 9. Please email admissions@bswilanow.org to organise a visit
warsaw montessori family
Warsaw
Montessori
Schools accepting applications for our programs and locations:
Infant & Toddler
Tatrzańska 5a
Badowska 19
Casa dei Bambini
Badowska 19
Szkolna 16, Hornówek
Elementary
Szwoleżerów 4
"Erdkinder" Middle School
Tatrzańska 5a
Montessori High School
Pytlasińskiego 13a
Montessori Farm School
Białka 155, koło Radzynia Podlaskiego
Contact Office: 692 099 134
office@warsawmontessori.edu.pl
www.wmf.edu.pl
EDUCATION
THE BRITISH SCHOOL WARSAW
The mission of TBS is to balance academic success with character building and well-being. Students at The British School Warsaw learn an internationally respected curriculum, based on the best of British academics. They take pride in their excellent results at both International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and IGCSE level, which are well above the global average. ul. Limanowskiego 15, tel. 22 842 3281, thebritishschool.pl
THE ENGLISH PRIMARY
The English Primary is designed specifically for children in the primary education ages, just as children experience in England but in an international community. Pupils are taken through the key learning stages so that they can achieve to the best of their ability through a fun learning experience. The Core Curriculum subjects include English, Phonics, Science, Mathematics, French, PE and Swimming, Music, Personal, Social and Health Education. ul. Rzodkiewki 18, tel. 784 037 808, tep.edu.pl
JOY PRIMARY SCHOOL
Treating pupils with mutual respect but not at the expense of being demanding, the methods used are hard on the problem but soft on the person. Taking into account what students think, feel, learn and want for themselves and their world, Joy Primary teaches important life skills as well as respect, care for others, problem solving and co-operation. Here, children are challenged to discover their abilities and competences, while encouraged to explore personal strength and autonomy. ul. Syta 131A, tel. 722 305 333, sekretariat@joyprimaryschool.pl
MONNET INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Located in Mokotów, the Monnett is the only school in Poland that implements the International Baccalaureate Program from kindergarten level all the way through to secondary school. The fully-qualified staff are committed to delivering only the highest standards of education. ul. Stępińska 13, tel. 22 852 06 08, maturamiedzynarodowa.pl
WARSAW MONTESSORI SCHOOL
leader in the field of Montessori education, well-trained teachers guide students to independent and successful learning with both English and bilingual classroom provided. Located just steps from Łazienki Park the school resides in vibrant surroundings near to museums, embassies and natural settings which provide students with learning outside the classroom. ul. Szwoleżerów 4 (grades 0-4), tel. 608 488 420, wmf.edu.pl A
THE CANADIAN SCHOOL OF WARSAW INTERNATIONAL ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL
Located on two campuses in the Mokotów this is the only authorized IB School with PYP programs taught in English and Polish. French is taught as a third language. International staff, cultural events and challenging student initiatives create the perfect learning environment. ul. Bełska 7, tel. 692 411 573 / 885 420 044, secretary@canadian-school.pl or secretary. olimpijska@canadian-school.pl
THE INTERNATIONAL TRILINGUAL SCHOOL OF WARSAW
Established in 1994, offering nursery, primary, and pre-school education with an international curriculum for children aged from one to 15. The full immersion trilingual setting allows for the choice between English, Polish, Spanish or Chinese, French or Japanese. Teachers are highly-qualified native speakers from the US, France, Spain, China and Japan. ul. Nobla 16 (tel. 501 036 637), ul. Karowa 14/16 (tel. 503 072 119), ul. Krolowej Aldony (tel. 533 321 084), office@3languages.pl, itsw.edu.pl
WARSAW MONTESSORI MIDDLE SCHOOL
Guided by trained specialists, students are responsible for managing their household, operating small businesses, caring for local flora and fauna as well as domesticated animals, taking charge of the younger children and much more. “Adolescence Program” activities, integrated with academic studies, help students discover their inner strength to meet real life challenges. ul. Tatrzańska 5A (grades 5-8), tel. 604 137 826, wmf.edu.pl
WARSAW
MONTESSORI
HIGH SCHOOL
Warsaw Montessori High School aims to teach students the values which Maria Montessori outlined in her educational philosophy such as: responsibility for one’s own development, care for others, honesty, empathy, and service. The school continues to meet the principles of Maria Montessori through implementing the IB Diploma Program principles and practices. Warsaw Montessori High School is an authorized IB World School for the Diploma Programme – code 061201. ul. Pytlasińskiego 13A, tel. 787 095 835, wmf.edu.pl
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LOOKING BACK
LADY OF COMPASSION
British
humanitarian remembered in Warsaw
On November 2, the anniversary of her death, we remember Sue Ryder — a British humanitarian whose life’s work was defined by courage, empathy, and a deep connection to Poland. During World War II, as a member of Britain’s Special Operations Executive, she worked with the Cichociemni, Poland’s elite “Silent Unseen” paratroopers, and witnessed firsthand the suffering caused by Nazi occupation. The experience changed her forever.
Determined to honor the victims of war not with statues but through service, she founded the Sue Ryder Foundation — an international network of homes, hospices, and hospital wards offering care and dignity to those in need. More than a hundred centers opened worldwide, over thirty of them in Poland, many of which still operate today.
Ryder often said she felt as much Polish as British, and when Queen Elizabeth II made her a peer in 1978, she chose the title Baroness Ryder of Warsaw. Her compassion, born of wartime solidarity, grew into a lifelong love for Poland — a legacy that endures in every life she touched.Wander then, if you dare. There is nothing more spine-tingling than drifting through Powązki on October’s last night, the silence broken only by the scrape of a brush against stone or the whisper of someone saying a prayer. Forget Halloween gimmicks; Warsaw’s true ghostly pageant is found here, where memory, tradition, and mortality converge beneath the autumn sky.
