The Warsaw dining scene has developed in spades over the recent years and offers an assortment of cuisines to suit various budgets and objectives including lounging, power-brokering, romancing or delighting in something gastronomically unique.

These restaurants are divided into five categories: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. The categories serve as guidelines rather than absolute definitions of the establishments. They are listed alphabetically.

The restaurants below have been classed into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over ZL160)
$$$ (ZL90 to ZL160)
$$ (ZL40 to ZL90)
$ (up to ZL40)
These prices are based on an average three-course meal for one person; they do not include drinks, tax or service charge/tip.

Tax is usually included in the price of the food and gratuity should be included at your discretion; 10 to 15% is considered adequate. Note that Polish cuisine is not just kielbasy (sausages) and potatoes! Soups are typical, as well as placki (potato pancakes), golabki (stuffed cabbage), pierogi (potato ravioli with various fillings) and sledz (herring). If you need a quick bite and don't want to sit down, try a zapiekanka (an open-faced baguette-style bread grilled, or microwaved, with cheese, mushrooms, ketchup and mayo).

Roma
An intimate space with only nine tables, Roma delights customers with fresh pasta and meat dishes. In spite of the bijou cosy space and green plants in the big window, the atmosphere is more conducive to laughter and fun than a romantic evening out. There are two other Romas in Warsaw, but this was the first and it's the best. Reservations strongly suggested.

Ulica Grottgera 2
Tel: (022) 841 0133.
Website: www.restauracjaroma.pl  
Price: $$

Boathouse
This highly rated restaurant is pleasantly placed on the banks of the Vistula River north of the Old Town. Its nautical theme extends not only to the décor but also the menu, where the range of Mediterranean dishes is largely dominated by Italian cuisine. In summer there's no better place to be than on Boathouse's large terrace, with a seafood platter, glass of wine, and live jazz in the background.

Wal Miedzeszynski 389A
Tel: (022) 616 3223.
Website: www.boathouse.pl
Price: $$$-$$$$

Living Room
A hip space, with muted colours and candlelight, on a stylish street, the Living Room caters, predominantly, to a lunch and late dinner and cocktail set. The menu is varied from meats to light salads, and they also have a juice bar serving fresh fruit and vegetable drinks. Dining al fresco is available in warm weather.

Ulica Foksal 18
Tel: (022) 826 3928.
Website: www.livingroom.pl  
Price: $$$

Sense
Although billed as a restaurant, with an interesting fusion menu, there's no doubt that Sense really shines at night, even if you just come for cocktails. The food reflects influences from Malaysia, Poland and Thailand. You can watch the chefs work in an open kitchen and a visit to the somewhat disorientating toilets are a must.

Ulica Nowy Świat 19
Tel: (022) 826 6570.
Website: www.sensecafe.com  
Price: $$$-$$$$

Greenway
Part of the chain currently sweeping Poland, this attractive, modern cafe/restaurant offers a wide range of healthy dishes, including Mexican goulash, Indian vegetable kaftans, and a selection of samaras. There's no table service; just join the back of the queue and wait to take your pick.

Ulica Hoax 54
Tel: (022) 696 9321.
Website: www.greenway.pl
Price: $

Krokiecik
The tradition of 'milk bars' (bar mleczny) in Poland is fading slowly, as it's no longer easy for the government to subsidise cheap food in prime locations that could make a lot more money. That said, places like Krokiecik fill in the gap, as it's best considered a tasty, clean, bright and modern 'milk bar', in spite of being privately owned. Self-service allows you to choose from an array of home-cooked Polish food.

Ulica Zgoda 1
Tel: (022) 827 3037.
Price: $

Qllinarnia
Another of Warsaw's surviving ‘milk bars', this time located in a line of sex shops and liquor stores. Don't let the neighbourhood put you off though; many suits dine here on a regular basis. Why? Because there's no beating the price, quick service, and exceptional home-cooked Polish and European dishes. Smiles and warm welcomes however are not Qllinarnia's strong points.

Ulica Zielna 5
No telephone.
Price: $

Coffee Karma
This popular cafe overlooks circular Plac Zbawiciela, one of the few remnants of Socialist architecture. Its coffee is strong, its smoothies creamy and thick, and its light snacks run the gamut from healthy sandwiches to home-made cakes and cookies. Take a pew inside on winter days or grab a table outdoors in the warm summer months.

Plac Zbawiciela 3/5
Tel: (022) 875 8709.
Price: $

Co Tu
It's been hard going for Asian eateries in Warsaw's dining scene, but Co Tu has been making leaps and bounds in the popularity stakes with the city's young, artistic crowd. The fresh dishes that arrive steaming from the kitchen are the key to this tiny diner's success (of course the price and speedy service help); there's an abundance of Vietnamese and Chinese dishes to choose from, and vegetarians are well catered for. Co Tu is hidden amongst a row of bars just off Ulica Nowy Świat.

Hadlowo-Usługowe 21
No telephone.
Price: $

Warsaw Tortilla Factory
What started as a mission to fill a gaping culinary hole in the mid 1990s, resulted in a Tex-Mex institution, loved by both expats and locals alike. The tortillas are indeed made in Poland and the burritos are both filling and scrumptious. Informal and friendly setting. It's likely to be the only place in Warsaw where you can choose how spicy you want your hot sauce to be.

Ulica Wilcza 46
Tel: (022) 621 8622.
Price: $$