Eat '98: A tour of Warsaw's best, and largely new, eateries
Let's finish the year on a positive note. Instead of listing the worst along with the best, let's only focus on the places that do food right or at least get credit for being daring and trying. Here is a quick run-down on some of the better restaurants and some words of advice for you and their owners.
If you are in the mood for a decent steak stop by the Alamo Steak House (Al. Jerozolimskie 119). The place has some hearty soups, good cuts of beef and a fun, Old-West style. Forget about the London Steak House (Al. Jerozolimskie 42). That was one of the worse meals of my life. Well, so much for being positive.
If you are a homesick American or just want a decent burger visit Champions Sports Bar (Al. Jerozolimskie 65/70). It serves the best burger in town though you won't like the beer prices. The Blue Cactus (ul. Zajaczkowska 11) also flips up a decent burger, but visit there for the tasty Tex Mex starters. Someplace Else (Sheraton Warsaw Hotel & Towers, ul. B. Prusa 2) produces quality, American hamburgers but they aren't worth the price.
In regard to Asian food, Warsaw has plenty to offer. If you want something a little fancier than your favorite Vietnamese kiosk, try the Hong Kong House (ul. Filtrowa 70) for good Chinese, Las (Al. Niepodleglosci 43) for decent Japanese and Korean and visit Himalaja (ul. Mokotowska 39) for some Tibetan grub. Be warned that Himalaja is on the bland side of things unless they have recently discovered spices. But it is something different and that's worth something in this town.
The solid and quality Indian restaurant Maharaja (ul. Marszalkowska 34/50) got some competition this year when Tandoor Palace (ul. Marszalkowska 21/25) moved into the neighborhood. Both serve a decent traditional meal but Maharaja still comes out on top. And I hope Tandoor Palace has fixed its problem of staff hanging around the dining room smoking and learned that speed counts when serving a meal.
Warsaw has also had some hip and sleek joints open this year. Try Rabarbar (ul. Wierzbowa 9/11) for a cook-it-yourself meal on a hot lava stone in a cool, jazzy setting. The good-looking, shiny-metal spot for a sound breakfast or relaxing afternoon drinks is Modulor Cafe (Pl. Trzech Krzyly 3). Also give Zacheta (pl. Malachowskiego 3) a try. You will be impressed.
Speaking of drinks, the buzz and the Guinness are mighty at Morgan's (ul. Okolnik 1) Irish bar. It is a good spot for a pint after a late meal. And once again I recommend that you treat yourself by paying a visit to the wonderful 1920s', classy setting of the Column Bar in the Hotel Bristol (ul. Krakowskie Przedmiescie 42/44). Make it a quality hangout.
Returning to food, I have to mention things Italian. Chianti (ul. Foksal 17) is still at the top of the list, but keep an eye out for fresh little places like Roma Cafe (ul. Belwederska 17) for quality, original cuisine. If you have a great expense account and an understanding boss, take a client to Vivaldi (ul. Senatorska 37) for an upscale meal in an eclectic setting with outrageous prices.
And now, the moment you've all been waiting for, my pick for the best Warsaw restaurant of the year. And the winner is Restaurant 99, (Atrium Center, Al. Jana Pawla 23) which is pictured above.
Though I didn't review it this year, I have paid many a visit to the place over the last 12 months. It can't be beat for quality food that is served with style and care at a fair price. They pay attention to detail and every restaurant in Warsaw should look to them for how a fine establishment is run. And if you want a steak, visit 99 for an amazing T-bone. Restaurant 99 aims to please and usually hits a bull's eye.
There you have it. As I said, Warsaw's restaurant scene is looking up and I hope it only gets better. And I hope that restaurant owners remember that if you are open for business, you have to deliver the goods. There are many fine, hungry people out there looking to be wined and dined. Again: Pay attention to the details, quality does always matter, and a VAT receipt is not an unreasonable request.
So, enjoy all that wonderful food over the holidays wherever you are and get your taste buds ready for another year of new restaurants in Warsaw. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
If you are in the mood for a decent steak stop by the Alamo Steak House (Al. Jerozolimskie 119). The place has some hearty soups, good cuts of beef and a fun, Old-West style. Forget about the London Steak House (Al. Jerozolimskie 42). That was one of the worse meals of my life. Well, so much for being positive.
If you are a homesick American or just want a decent burger visit Champions Sports Bar (Al. Jerozolimskie 65/70). It serves the best burger in town though you won't like the beer prices. The Blue Cactus (ul. Zajaczkowska 11) also flips up a decent burger, but visit there for the tasty Tex Mex starters. Someplace Else (Sheraton Warsaw Hotel & Towers, ul. B. Prusa 2) produces quality, American hamburgers but they aren't worth the price.
In regard to Asian food, Warsaw has plenty to offer. If you want something a little fancier than your favorite Vietnamese kiosk, try the Hong Kong House (ul. Filtrowa 70) for good Chinese, Las (Al. Niepodleglosci 43) for decent Japanese and Korean and visit Himalaja (ul. Mokotowska 39) for some Tibetan grub. Be warned that Himalaja is on the bland side of things unless they have recently discovered spices. But it is something different and that's worth something in this town.
The solid and quality Indian restaurant Maharaja (ul. Marszalkowska 34/50) got some competition this year when Tandoor Palace (ul. Marszalkowska 21/25) moved into the neighborhood. Both serve a decent traditional meal but Maharaja still comes out on top. And I hope Tandoor Palace has fixed its problem of staff hanging around the dining room smoking and learned that speed counts when serving a meal.
Warsaw has also had some hip and sleek joints open this year. Try Rabarbar (ul. Wierzbowa 9/11) for a cook-it-yourself meal on a hot lava stone in a cool, jazzy setting. The good-looking, shiny-metal spot for a sound breakfast or relaxing afternoon drinks is Modulor Cafe (Pl. Trzech Krzyly 3). Also give Zacheta (pl. Malachowskiego 3) a try. You will be impressed.
Speaking of drinks, the buzz and the Guinness are mighty at Morgan's (ul. Okolnik 1) Irish bar. It is a good spot for a pint after a late meal. And once again I recommend that you treat yourself by paying a visit to the wonderful 1920s', classy setting of the Column Bar in the Hotel Bristol (ul. Krakowskie Przedmiescie 42/44). Make it a quality hangout.
Returning to food, I have to mention things Italian. Chianti (ul. Foksal 17) is still at the top of the list, but keep an eye out for fresh little places like Roma Cafe (ul. Belwederska 17) for quality, original cuisine. If you have a great expense account and an understanding boss, take a client to Vivaldi (ul. Senatorska 37) for an upscale meal in an eclectic setting with outrageous prices.
And now, the moment you've all been waiting for, my pick for the best Warsaw restaurant of the year. And the winner is Restaurant 99, (Atrium Center, Al. Jana Pawla 23) which is pictured above.
Though I didn't review it this year, I have paid many a visit to the place over the last 12 months. It can't be beat for quality food that is served with style and care at a fair price. They pay attention to detail and every restaurant in Warsaw should look to them for how a fine establishment is run. And if you want a steak, visit 99 for an amazing T-bone. Restaurant 99 aims to please and usually hits a bull's eye.
There you have it. As I said, Warsaw's restaurant scene is looking up and I hope it only gets better. And I hope that restaurant owners remember that if you are open for business, you have to deliver the goods. There are many fine, hungry people out there looking to be wined and dined. Again: Pay attention to the details, quality does always matter, and a VAT receipt is not an unreasonable request.
So, enjoy all that wonderful food over the holidays wherever you are and get your taste buds ready for another year of new restaurants in Warsaw. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
