Coffee & tea

This is a very relaxed place, always full of people who seem to have a very nice time here. The atmosphere is one of the best in Warsaw – it’s uncomplicated, cosy, inviting. In the summer period you can sit outside (the door is never closed though, so you don’t feel caught inside), and if it is cold, there are always colourful blankets to keep you warm (but don’t worry, the tea/coffee you choose will do it anyway).

If you ask me, the best tea is Ronnefeldt’s Cream Orange. I also adore (yes, this is the right word) their recommended salads or coffees (keep your eyes open, the list is usually somewhere on/ behind the bar) – very professional and not expensive if you take the place and its cosiness into account.

In a small show-window on the right side of the bar there are always cakes covered in lovely icings – these are reserved for bad mood or a moment of heavenly pleasure. Karma won a senior-friendly badge, so people come here irrespective of the age.

I have lived in Mokotów nearly all my life and I have never liked Praga. Now that I live there, I wouldn’t move in a thousand years and I must say I am an aficionado of this city district.

I was looking for a place where I could invite one of our friends for her birthday. And this place really is one of the coziest locale we could have found! The whole bar has an old Warsaw style, there are old press-cuttings, mirrors and furniture everywhere. Only the staff is young (and very, very friendly).

The music is a mix of the pre-war hits and for example songs made by Starsi Panowie all the Poles know about.There is a wide range of snacks with old Warsaw names you can have, and all the beverages are at quite affordable prices.

This place is a very cosy locale for an evening beer (or even a small birthday party) and in my opinion it can compete with Pawilony (check the Pawilony article), is not so crowded though.

I think that this is one of the happiest places in Warsaw. Because how on Earth can you be unhappy holding a cup of lovely hot chocolate prepared especially for you…?

In the café part you can buy hot chocolates (make sure you try the Wedel traditional one, you won’t be able to eat anything for the rest of the week but the chocolate is definitely worth sinning for), coffees, tees and cakes. There’s also a shop where you can purchase some chocolate and prepare a lovely hot chocolate at home – try Kuwertura naturalna (fresh mix of chocolate straight into the milk), this will solve all your problems, I promise.

Wedel is one of the most traditional chocolate shops in Warsaw and they happen to know a lot about the business and about the feelings of their customers as well – somehow you always leave this place smiling. Every occasion is a Wedel occasion (check the spot for some winter / Christmas gifts 2011).

Make sure you also try TORCIK WEDLOWSKI, a traditional wafer with chocolate which is sold in boxes – this was the first sweet thing I can remember from after 1989 so there’s a piece of history to it.

If you enjoy well-preserved buildings and exquisite original interiors, make sure you visit this baroque work of art (yes, the Palace in Wilanów can really be called that) and its landscaped, spacious gardens.

No matter the time of the year, Wilanów never loses its immense old-world charm: in the wintertime it is mystical and noble, spring and summer lots of tourists flock to the Palace and some refreshing relaxation can be enjoyed in the rose garden (no sitting on the lawn though), autumn is a perfect time to observe newly-weds throwing leaves around while being photographed. You will be amazed by the dignity with which even school groups move around.

Most importantly, Wilanów has an outstanding collection of works of art, including frescoes. To name just a few of that great collection: Rembrandt, van Dyck, Rafael. Of course, as you can imagine, the list is much longer but I don’t want to spoil the “Oh, look who painted this” effect for you.

What I also like about Wilanów is the staff. They are amazingly committed and know a lot (if not everything) about the works presented. Never be ashamed to ask them about something you don’t understand – as opposed to many museums where the people don’t even know what they are guarding, Wilanów invests time and energy in training and you may be sure you will never leave the place with the same amount of knowledge as when you arrived.

When my younger cousin gave our grandmother a muffin from the Warsaw muffin shop Goodies I was quite skeptical. I was already expecting the end of the world, but she exclaimed: “They are lovely!” And with this exclamation I officially recognize the Goodies’ muffins and cupcakes as sweets for all ages and tastes.

Depending on the day of the week (1- Mon, Wed, Fri or 2- Tue, Thu, Sat) there is a different set of muffins and cupcakes to choose from. My personal favourite is a chocolate one with chocolate topping, my cousin (a little bit younger than myself) fell for the new version with ice cream, and my already mentioned grandma loves banana with quark.

The place has a beautiful design of wood which looks very inviting and friendly, the muffins and cupcakes are in the very center on a nice counter and the shop itself is developing very quickly – they are just planning new promotional materials – ecological bags that can be seen on Goodies’ Facebook group. Goodies also promote their products in a variety of ways – on the already mentioned Facebook – and soon on the website where the photos of the Warsaw muffin-eaters of the sweetest shop in Warsaw will be shown.

Remember that Goodies propose different cupcakes for different festive moments (see photo) – make sure you check their latest limited editions or order some special muffins for your own celebration (i.e. Christmas, Autumn, Marriages etc.)!