If you only have one day in Warsaw, there’s no better way to experience the city than through its food. Warsaw is a city rebuilt from ashes, and its cuisine reflects resilience, creativity, and tradition. From hearty breakfasts to late-night drinks, here’s a walking route that lets you taste the soul of Warsaw in 24 hours.
Morning: Start Sweet and Strong
Breakfast & Coffee – Traditional Pastries and Our Favorite Café
Begin your day with a proper Polish breakfast and coffee. Our favorite place to get a sweet drożdżówka (yeast bun with cheese or fruit) is Cukiernia Pawłowicz, a pastry shop loved by locals for its old-school recipes and melt-in-your-mouth dough. Pair it with coffee from Relax Café Bar at Złota Street — a cult Warsaw café known for its cozy, slightly retro atmosphere, walls lined with vinyl records, and one of the best brews in the city. The place attracts both locals and coffee enthusiasts, making it perfect for starting your foodie adventure with a true Warsaw vibe.
Next Stop – Local Market (Hala Mirowska)
Wander through one of Warsaw’s food halls. Here, you’ll see grandmothers bargaining for sauerkraut, butchers preparing fresh cuts, and bakers pulling out trays of warm bread. Snack on something seasonal—like a pickle straight from the barrel or fresh fruit in summer.
Midday: Traditional Flavors
Lunch – Milk Bar (Bar Mleczny)
For lunch, dive into the authentic Polish experience: a milk bar. These cafeteria-style eateries are where locals grab affordable, home-cooked meals. Order pierogi ruskie (dumplings with potato and cheese), kotlet schabowy (breaded pork cutlet), or barszcz czerwony (beetroot soup). It’s hearty, simple, and delicious. Our favorite is Bar Mleczny Prasowy at Marszałkowska street.
Afternoon Stroll – Old Town & Hidden Streets
Walk off your meal with a stroll through Warsaw’s Old Town. Though rebuilt after WWII, its cobbled streets and colorful facades feel timeless. On the way, pop into a small bakery for a pączek (Polish doughnut filled with rose jam).
Photo: Delicious Poland
Afternoon: Snack & Sip
Street Food – Zapiekanka in Praga
Cross the river to Praga, a neighborhood full of character and grit. Try a zapiekanka, Poland’s answer to street pizza: a toasted baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, and sauces. It’s messy, filling, and beloved. We love zapiekanka from Craft House at Targowa.
Coffee Break – Third Wave Café
Warsaw has a thriving specialty coffee scene. Stop by one of the third-wave cafés for a flat white or a pour-over. Locals love spending afternoons in cozy coffee shops, especially around Śródmieście. Check out Coffeedesk Kawiarnia, STOR Café or Ministerstwo Kawy (Ministry of Coffee).
Photo: Delicious Poland
Evening: Feast Like a Local
Dinner – Traditional Restaurant
Settle in for dinner at a traditional Polish restaurant. Go for żurek (sour rye soup with sausage and egg), gołąbki (cabbage rolls with meat and rice), or a plate of seasonal game. Order a craft beer or a glass of Polish vodka to wash it down. For something truly local, try Pyzy, Flaki Gorące! at Podwale 5—you won’t regret it!
Dessert – Warsaw-Style Ice Cream or Modern Twist on Tradition
In summer, Warsaw is famous for its artisanal ice cream shops. Try flavors like sour cherry or poppy seed. In cooler months, head to a modern patisserie for reinvented Polish classics—like deconstructed sernik. We recommend Na Końcu Tęczy at Aleja Wyzwolenia 15.
Night: Raise a Glass
Nightcap – Polish Vodka or Craft Beer
End your foodie day in Warsaw with a proper drink. Warsaw has excellent craft beer pubs and cozy bars specializing in Polish vodka. Try a nalewka (homemade fruit liqueur) or sample a flight of local brews. Raise your glass to a day well spent! For traditional cherry nalewka, head to Wiśniewski on Żelazna. For craft beer, PiwPaw is always a great choice, with one of the best selections in the city.
Final Tip
Exploring Warsaw’s food scene on your own is exciting, but it’s easy to miss hidden gems or order the “safe” choice. If you’d like to taste the city’s most authentic flavors with stories behind each dish, join our Warsaw Food Tour. We’ll take you to our favorite family-run eateries, introduce you to local specialties, and share the traditions that make Polish cuisine unforgettable. Use the code DELICIOUSPOLAND5 to get a special deal on an unforgettable Warsaw culinary experience!