Archives for “Bars” tag

In Warsaw, just opposite Tel Aviv (check out the Tel Aviv article), we now have Beirut. The first one had its big opening almost three years ago and still attracts many people every day. The latter opened one year after and till this day have fierce fans.

At Beirut they decided to specialize in hummus – and truly their hummus is the best! You can enjoy it plain, or with cumin and rocket salad, or – not for vegetarians – with liver. Sometimes around noon they run out of hummus (just like in real hummus places that I visited in Israel) – but they quickly try to prepare new portions.

If you aren’t a hummus fan go for their halumi burger. Melting cheese with mild spicy sauce!

Bejrut’s setting is a little bit apocalyptic, with sand bags placed just like in a military outpost (though don’t be scared the place has really been well designed – it’s simple, but you can see great care for the smallest detail).

Beirut doesn’t only focus on hummus – they also promote good music. Here you can hear classic Arabic drums, Persian pop, Lebanese funk, and many more.

And just so you know – the only battle that may happen between Tel Aviv and Beirut is the hummus battle – but if that’s the case – we all are going to enjoy it!

PS. Only one step separates Beirut from Kraken – tehy have the same owner who decide to conect them. Changing worlds was never so easy.

Breadbar is a perfect venue for those who hate supermarket breads and don’t have enough time or courage to bake their own. Breadbar offers excellent breads that you can just bring home or enjoy their bread-based food inside the cafe/bar.

You can choose from diverse sandwiches (with smoked cheese, with herring & egg, goat cheese & marmelade), cheese boards, bruschettas or just dip your freshly baked bread in fine olive oil. They clearly have an Italian twist and are proud of their premium quality Italian cheeses and on-the-spot baked rolls, breads or challahs.

Those who like minimal interiors would for sure feel here at home. Everything is made out of wood or black metal. I like it myself, but can’t wait when someone in Warsaw will finally come up with some fresh, NON-minimalist café design.

I love warm evenings at Breadbar when I can enjoy their tasty food with a glass of good (and not expensive) wine, chatting with my friends at quiet ul. Oleandrów. And if you decide that you wanna swich for some sophisitcated fast-food, you can just cross this little street and land with a bag of French fries at Okienko.

Spiskowcy Rozkoszy (Polish for Pleasure Conspirators) is a bar with all possible beer sorts (and they have got about 50 of them – check their FB page for an impressive beer gallery) and joyous, relaxed atmosphere. Some people come here just to play games (assorted games can be found on a shelf), read books or newspapers, some come here just to chat. Many tables are occupied by not only two but six, eight or ten people. Incredible in this tiny little place? This is what I call good atmosphere.

Spiskowcy Rozkoszy was opened some time ago (2011?) and it’s been a place to meet my friends many times ever since. As I already mentioned it’s a place where there is always more room for another guest – no matter how crowded it already is inside.

They serve snacks so do not hesitate to come here a bit hungry. It’s not all about beer.

Latawiec (which means kite in Polish) is one of my favourite spots for a weekend brunch or afternoon coffee. Located just off the Plac Zbawiciela (also known as Hispters’ Square), it attracts a slightly less trendy crowd – quite often I meet families here with toddlers or other kinds of regular visitors.

I always take their zestaw śniadaniowy (breakfast set) for 18 PLN (including a drink). You can choose between English breakfast, traditional Polish set (hams, cheese, marmelade and bread) or one based on scrambled eggs.

Latawiec recently celebrated its first birthday, throwing a party with really good DJs (in the evenings the cafe seems to turn into a bar). They also host many interesting cultural events, such as book swapping, illustration exhibitions or neon renovation workshops.

Visiting Latawiec don’t forget to raise your head up and see a wooden latawiec hanging from the ceiling!

This is where all Warsaw foodies should definitely pay a visit. Regional, seasonal, made from top-fresh, bio, healthy and wonderful ingredients, always described with use of suppliers (also given by name on their FB page!) and regions. If you don’t feel like eating one of the ingredients in a given dish – just tell them, and Funkcjonalna will prepare something especially for you.

Funcjonalna is based in the Functional House (pl. Dom Funkcjonalny), an example of modern Warsaw architecture built in 1928. The villa was designed by Czesław Przybylski, who also designed, among others, the Warsaw central station building. Functional House hosts many cultural projects and institutions, like BWA or Asymetria gallery.

Modern yet traditional and personalised – this is how a perfect 21st century restaurant should look like. Make a wish – and your perfect dish is there at your table.

In spring 2013: try their restaurant garden and enjoy the dishes and first sun rays.