Poland abounds with a wealth of culinary treats and famous alcoholic beverages. While you're in Poland you must sample this emerging and increasingly popular cuisine, with its traditional soups and stews, cured sausages, fresh bread and mouth-watering desserts. Most food stuffs are locally and organically grown.



Take your pick from the classic barszcz - beetroot soup; bigos - hunter's stew, packed with flavoursome meat and cabbage; or pierogi - dumplings stuffed with meat or cheese and mashed potato or fruit. For dessert, why not a try a portion of sernik - traditional Polish cheesecake, or the popular pierniki - spiced chocolate gingerbread.

Poland is renowned for its vodka-drinking traditions, but you can try other alcoholic tipples too, including the famous Polish mead, or well-known pilsner beers.

Where to eat in Warsaw:

During your stay in Warsaw you might like to sample some of the following well-known places to eat and drink. There's something for every appetite, from traditional Polish fare to Turkish kebabs and Mediterranean specialities.

u Fukiera. The most well-known restaurant in Warsaw, with famous visitors ranging from Henry Kissinger to Naomi Campbell, this sumptuous eating place is not only a culinary delight but is one of the most atmospheric dining settings in the whole of Warsaw. Situated in Old Town Square, u Fukiera is renowned for its traditional Polish and European food. You simply must try the thick, goulash-style soups, dumplings and sticky sweets.

Address: Rynek Starego Miasta, 27. Open Monday to Sunday from 12pm to last guest.

Biblioteka. Situated in the new Warsaw University library building, Biblioteka ('Library') is sleek and stylish with minimalist decor and a reputation as one of Warsaw's hot spots. Divided into two sections, the first is an elegant Italian bistro, and the second more laid-back and comfortable serving European food. Sample a range of delicious dishes, prepared from scratch, including seasonal treats such as rich game dishes or fresh pastas. For dessert try the fresh cheese cake and fruit.

Address: Ul. Dobra, 55/66 (University of Warsaw Library). Open 12 noon to last guest (kitchen closes 11pm). Closed on Sunday.

Grand Kredens. Often referred to as the grand daddy of the expat dining experience, Grand Kredens retains its traditional ambience, and still offers a vast menu of everything from calamari to game - all of which are cooked to the highest standard. To describe the decor at Grand Kredens is almost like talking about several different restaurants: there is a section which is styled like a Parisian bistro, another that feels like a seaside restaurant and yet another which resembles an Italian trattoria. In fact, the interior could be a film set with its lampposts, bicycles and deep sea divers' helmets.

Address: Ul. Jerozolimskie 111. Open Monday - Friday 10:00 to midnight, Saturdays and Sundays 11:00 - midnight.

Pierogarnia. The new popular style of eatery for the budget-conscious traveller and Varsovian. Situated on the way from the Royal Castle to the Old Town Market Square, this tiny restaurant makes its living from serving up one of the most inexpensive yet tastiest of Polish treats - dumplings! Stuffed with anything from cheese and mashed potato, to meat and fruit, these delicious morsels will tempt vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

Address: Ul. Swietojanska, 13. Open Monday to Sunday from 10am to last guest. Eat in or take away. Reservation recommended - or wait and enjoy the atmosphere!

Sadhu Cafe. Voted best vegetarian restaurant in 2005, Sadhu Cafe creates high quality food and an exotic ambience. Situated under a modern block, the cellar restaurant is a world away from the busy streets above. Choose from a diverse menu with dishes especially created to provide health and well-being, taking inspiration from world cuisines. All dishes include the freshest ingredients with nothing added. Children's dishes and meat dishes are also served. Smoke-free environment.

Address: Walowa, 3. Open Monday to Friday, 4.0pm - 11.0pm and Weekends from 1.0pm to 11.0pm.

Krokiecik. Another firm favourite with budget travellers, vegetarians and Varsovians, this traditional bar mleczny, or 'milk bar' in the centre of town is a bright and modern environment serving tasty, home-cooked Polish food. Originally subsidised by the government, milk bars are a dying tradition but here at the privately-owned Krokiecik you can still get a fast, self-service meal at a fraction of the price. Excellent soups and pancakes. Busy at lunchtimes.

Address: Ul. Zgoda, 1. Open Monday to Saturday 9.0am - 8.0pm, Sundays 11.0am - 7.0pm.

Warsaw Tortilla Factory. A fabulous Tex-Mex restaurant with reasonable prices and all your favourite dishes. A bright and lively atmosphere with a great menu including burritos, burgers, steaks and quesadillas served by friendly staff. Alternatively you might like to pop in for a drink and enjoy live music at the weekends. Reasonable prices.

Address: Ul. Wilcza, 46. Open Monday to Sunday from twelve noon to last guest.

Artibus. If you're in search of a romantic night out or planning to go to the nearby National Opera and Ballet Theatre, this is the place to see and be seen. Chic and theatrical, this comfortable venue offers one of the finest wining and dining experiences in Warsaw. At the higher end of the price range but worth every penny, you can enjoy superb international cuisine such as rock prawn with cognac soup and salmon with seaweed, cucumber and wasabi sauce.

Address: Ul. Matachowskiego, 3 under the Zacheta Gallery. Open daily from noon to last guest.

Cesarski Palac. If you enjoy Chinese food, then you'll enjoy a visit to Cesarski Patac. Elegant and spacious, the 'Imperial Palace' restaurant serves authentic Asian cuisine with a top-notch service. Specialities include the delicious Sichuan stew, Squirrel Fish and Peking Duck. A top-quality restaurant with reasonable prices.

Address: Ul. Senatorska, 27. Open Monday to Friday, twelve noon to 11.0pm, Saturdays 12.30pm to 11.0pm and Sundays 12.30pm to 10.0pm.

Tandoor Palace. If you can't leave curry behind for a few days then head down to the Tandoor Palace for some of the best Indian food in Central Europe. With Indian music and sari-clad service, you might like to choose from a fabulous menu including spicy madras, chicken tikka and top-selling tandoori specialities such as the tandoori chicken sizzler. Reasonable prices. Eat in or take away. Regular comedy evenings.

Address: Ul. Marszalkowska, 21-25. Open daily from twelve noon to last guest.

Lokanta. A great choice if you fancy an authentic kebab cooked over a charcoal grill, or a wood-oven baked pizza, Lokanta is a popular and comfortable place with wooden beams and sofas. Served with Turkish tea, coffee or wine, you can choose from a range of delicious fresh kebabs or classical Ottoman specialities. A great place to wind down after sightseeing. Excellent value for money.

Address: Ul. Nowogrodzka, 47a. Open Monday to Friday 8.0am - last guest. Saturdays and Sundays 11.0am to last guest.