10 affordable restaurants to eat in Warsaw

If you're planning to visit Warsaw, you're in for a culinary treat! This vibrant city is not only rich in history and culture but also boasts an impressive food scene that combines traditional Polish flavors with modern twists. Whether you're a meat lover or a vegetarian, Warsaw offers a wide array of dining options that won't break the bank. Let's explore 10 fantastic restaurants where you can enjoy delicious meals at affordable prices.

1. Podwale 25: A Taste of Traditional Polish Cuisine

Recommended by travel enthusiasts, Podwale 25 is a must-visit for anyone wanting to savor authentic Polish dishes. This restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring classic Polish recipes, including a variety of hearty soups, dumplings, and meat dishes. With prices ranging from 10-15€ per person, you can indulge in generous portions that will leave you satisfied.

We sampled a delicious goulash soup, potato and cheese dumplings, and a perfectly breaded pork schnitzel served with potatoes and lemon. The portions were enormous, and to top it off, you can enjoy a refreshing Książęce beer for just 2.5€ for half a liter. Don’t forget to try the complimentary cherry liqueur shot they serve at the end of the meal!

2. U Szwejka: A Cozy Alternative

Just a stone's throw away from our hotel was U Szwejka, which features a menu strikingly similar to that of Podwale 25. Here, we indulged in lamb sausages with potatoes and salad, as well as potato pancakes topped with smoked salmon and caviar. While everything was good, we still preferred the dishes at Podwale 25. Be aware that this place often fills up quickly!

As a delightful touch, U Szwejka also serves cherry liqueur shots at the end of your meal. If you’re looking for a guided experience, consider joining a free walking tour in Warsaw for a deeper dive into the city’s rich history.

3. Restauracja Zapiecek: The Pierogi Paradise

If you're a fan of dumplings, Restauracja Zapiecek is renowned for serving some of the best pierogi in Poland. These delightful dumplings come filled with an array of ingredients, from savory meats and spinach with feta to sweet cheese with strawberries. A serving of nine pierogi costs around 5-6€, making it an affordable indulgence.

During our visit, we savored the cheese-filled pierogi accompanied by sour cream, which were undoubtedly the highlight of our meal. The extensive menu also includes hearty zurek soup and sausages, but don’t leave without trying the pierogi!

4. Bar Bambino: Classic Milk Bar Experience

Milk bars, or Bary mleczne, are an iconic part of Polish dining culture, offering simple, wholesome meals at fantastic prices. Bar Bambino is one of the best in the city, where you can enjoy a full meal, including an appetizer, main dish, and drink for as little as 4€.

Make sure to request the menu in English upon arrival, as the ordering process can be a bit confusing. You'll need to place your order and pay at the cashier before collecting your food from a counter. Don’t hesitate to show your receipt if you need help!

5. Bar Prasowy: A Local Favorite

Our guide recommended Bar Prasowy, another excellent milk bar close to our hotel. Known for its affordability, the menu typically costs around 4€, but if you want to try several dishes, you can still enjoy a hearty meal for under 12€. We ordered goulash, breaded pork chop with mashed potatoes, pierogi, dessert, and three drinks—all for just 49zl.

Though the menu isn’t available in English, consider using photos from Google reviews or TripAdvisor to point out what you'd like to order!

6. Bar Mleczny Familijny: Nostalgic Dining

Stepping into Bar Mleczny Familijny feels like taking a trip back in time. This milk bar serves traditional Polish food with a nostalgic ambiance. The extensive menu offers a range of comforting dishes, typically priced between 2-4€.

We highly recommend trying the placki kartoflane (potato pancakes) that are simply delicious. As with the other milk bars, asking for the English menu can enhance your dining experience.

7. Vege Miasto: A Vegetarian Delight

If you’re looking for vegetarian or vegan options, Vege Miasto is an excellent choice. They offer a rotating menu of soups priced at about 2€ and main dishes like pasta, pierogi, and vegetable woks for around 5-7€. Their “lunch menu” is a steal at 25zl (5.80€), including a daily soup and main course. Be sure to save room for their delicious cakes!

8. Krowarzywa: The Vegan Burger Spot

Krowarzywa has become a trendy spot for those craving vegan burgers made from organic ingredients. While we didn’t try them ourselves, the reviews suggest they are fantastic, with prices starting at just 16zl (4€). If you're a burger enthusiast, Krowarzywa should be on your list!

Remember to bring your Revolut card (with a €10 promo) to avoid hefty fees while paying and withdrawing money abroad.

9. Ciao Napoli: A Slice of Italy

Sometimes, after indulging in hearty Polish dishes, you might crave something lighter. Ciao Napoli offers delicious wood-fired pizzas that are a great alternative. Their lunchtime special includes a pizza and an extra for just 19zl (4.50€).

In the evenings, prices are still reasonable, with a margherita pizza costing about 20zl and more complex toppings ranging from 22-34zl (5-8€).

10. Mezze: Tasting Middle Eastern Flavors

If you're in the mood for something different, Mezze offers delectable Middle Eastern cuisine. Their midday menu features a soup, salad, and main dish for 23zl (5.30€). Alternatively, you can opt for mezze-style small plates, such as falafel with sauce for 4.80€ or hummus with falafel for 5.80€.

Bonus track: Creative Dining Experiences

If you're willing to spend a bit more for a unique culinary experience, consider visiting “Dyletanci” and “Kieliszki na Próżnej.” These restaurants feature creative menus using high-quality ingredients, with daily specials priced between 30-40zl (around 10€). Dyletanci is run by renowned chef Rafał Hreczaniuk, perfect for wine lovers.

Another notable chef, Mateusz Gessler, has two restaurants in Hala Koszyki: “Ćma” and “Warszawski Sen.” This market is a haven for foodies, showcasing some of the best culinary talent in Warsaw.

Exploring Warsaw's Culinary Landscape

With such a rich variety of dining options, Warsaw proves that you can enjoy delicious meals without spending a fortune. Whether you're indulging in traditional Polish dishes, savoring vegan delights, or exploring international cuisines, there’s something for every palate.

To help you navigate this food paradise, here’s a map of the recommended restaurants in Warsaw:

Have you visited any of these restaurants? We’d love to hear your experiences or any other recommendations for dining in Warsaw!

7 affordable restaurants to eat in Krakow

7 Best Affordable Restaurants to Eat in Medellín