A food tour of Wrocław

Known as one of the most picturesque cities in Poland, Wrocław is filled with vibrant colors, busy streets, beautiful nature, a fairy tail facade, medieval structures, tourist attractions that will not be able to be seen anywhere else ( for example the lamplighter that walks the streets manually lighting the street lights as they used to do many years and centuries back), lovely people and even a dark and rich past that has since been a vital part of all history books.

Amongst all that and more lies the ever-growing modern twist to their urban streets and with this comes a whole bunch of new and amazing restaurants that are a must-try for anyone who is a lover of all things food! All amongst the city’s vibrant and cultural life, there lies a tasty and incredibly divine array of everything from sophisticated world-class establishments that offer the definition of fine dining to traditional polish cuisine, Parisian cafes, wood-fired oven pizzas straight from the streets of Italy, coffee shops with an excuse to brunch it out on the weekends, to quick eats and exotic flavors and much much more. Below are a few of the places that I think are a must-try if you are in the mood for a food-related adventure!

Iggy Pizza

Location : ul. Kuźnicza 10

With the pizza+spritzer trend catching on, the best place to experience this would be at Iggy’s Pizza Place. Its Instagram-worthy interior, its catchy neon light captions and all-around bright and vibrant setting make it the perfect place for any occasion.

Their Neapolitan pizzas are made fresh every day with sourdough and seasonal ingredients and cooked inside the wood-burning oven and with a unique mix of flavors and toppings that one would not originally think of mixing and matching together. But when Iggy does it, it just works.

RAGU Pracownia Makaronu

Location : ul. Sienkiewicza 34A

Keeping up with the Italian cuisine, a dull moment is nowhere to be found in the bright, open space of the restaurant RAGU. It isn’t surprising when you see long lines of people outside waiting for a seat at the tables on weekdays and weekends. A wide variety of pasta like gnocchi, tagliatelle, ravioli and spaghetti are all made fresh every morning and served with simple yet memorable homemade sauces. Even for seafood lovers, you can order everything from shrimps, clams to lobsters and crabs. You can find something for anyone and everyone at Ragu.

Charlotte

Location : Św. Antoniego 2/4

On Sundays we brunch! And what better place to have a weekend brunch in than this Parisian-bakery inspired eatery. From their freshly made basket of various bread and croissants to their homemade jams and spreads, it is a place where you can indulge yourself in the atmosphere of a french cafe by lazily sipping a cup of coffee whilst enjoying the company of friends and feasting upon their baked goods and menu specials.

Frytki + Sos

Location : Oławska 6 and Św. Antoniego 14

What better way to cure the midnight munchies than freshly fried french fries and homemade artesian sauces. You can choose from all different kinds of friends: thick-cut, thin cut golden pieces of freshly fried french fries to their equally as delicious sweet potato fries, fries in a chip like form etc and of course, you can not forget to add in a special sauce that is made right there every day, there is a sauce for each and everyone regardless of occasions and cravings.

You can not go wrong when it is all freshly made right there on the spot. You will find everything from refreshing, hot, spicy, Asian twist and even vegan.

Cafe Targowa

Location : Piaskowa 17 and Hala Targowa - Słoisko 11

This itty-bitty teeny tiny little coffee shop can be found inside the Market Hall located in between a copy shop and a bakery. This is a haven and realm of experience for all kinds of baristas and even Filip Kucharzyk who was the twenty-sixteen World AeroPress Champion. His artistic take on alternative brews is very often made with beans from his very own, private coffee roasters called Figa Coffee. Can not go wrong with coffee!

Woo Thai Restaurant

Location: Grunwaldzka 67

Craving the flavors and spices of pad thai? Woo Thai is the place to go to if you dream of a real Thai fest. With his authentically seasoned dishes, fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables and drinks inspired by flavors of Asia, the experienced chef will take you on a palate-focused journey through the colorful flavors of Thailand. Enjoy the Asian cuisine with this aromatic range of spices and colors from right in the heart of Wroclaw.

Woosabi

Location : ul. Włodkowica 21

With the lights setting a mode, palm leaf wallpapers inside the roomy interior, Woosabi gives you the real Asian holiday vibes. Mixing fusion with the Asian the menu has everything: bao buns (you can pick from bulgogi beef, pulled pork and pineapple duck, marinated tofu and much more), noodles, rice bowls - the signature Woosabi Bowl is a must-try. With a mixture of rice, your choice of salmon/shrimp/tofu, mango, avocado, fresh cucumber, marinated carrots, nori, and the homemade ‘woosabi mayo’ should not be missed. Do not leave without trying their exotic desserts like mango tapioca, mango sticky rice, fried baos with ice cream.

Karczma Lwowska

Location : Rynek 4 , Old Town

Directly translating to ‘Lviv Tavern’, this authentically old-school cuisine takes you on a baltic journey. From a formerly Polish city that is now lost to the wilds of Ukraine (still with Polish influence). Dishes inspired by a simple country lifestyle, the restaurant's interior itself is immaculately decorated in decked out, rustic, rural artifacts, antiques and old photos to take you back to the rural lands as a nostalgic or brand new experience. Designed for a day-long feasting experience with its traditionally brewed Lwowskie beer on draught that comes straight from its namesake and is served in a large ceramic beer stein. It is as folks as they come!

Pod Fredrą

Location : Rynek Ratusz 1 , Old Town

What better way to introduce yourself to traditional polish cuisine than from inside of one of Wrocław's most medieval Town Hall that still stands today. This place covers all things Polish: from the music, the meaty-filled menu combined to create the experience of being in an old Polish village. In addition to that, this experience is complemented by a large and international wine list. What is there not to like!

Central Cafe

Location: ul. Św. Antoniego 10 , Old Town

Cosy and a little bit noisy, and the Wroclavian bagel temple, Central Cafe has got a more western, American style kind of bakery, this cafe is open for breakfast and is a popular destination with locals and tourists alike. Whether you prefer savory breakfasts or sweet breakfast, you can choose from delicious pastries, fluffy pancakes, cupcakes, quiche, yogurt, oatmeal, pastrami sandwiches and over a dozen choices of bagel sandwiches, it has got everything, tasty coffees and hot herbal tea infusions. It is the perfect breakfast place!

Dim Sum Garden

Location: ul. Podwale 83, Old Town

One of the newest additions to the Ovo building, this place has been buzzing since the day it opened up. Dim Sum Garden is a level above the rest. Creating fresh splendid dumplings as well as Laksa ( a popular soup amongst southeast Asia), it has got a unique taste. Adding to the Asian menu there are a number of other specialities like pecking duck, mango curry, General Tso’s chicken, XO beef and much, much more. To top it all off, their unique cocktails are dangerously good! Everybody loves sum Dim sum!

Mango Mama

Location: Podwale 83, Madodrze , ul. Św. Mikołaja 77, Old Town

What started as a little hole-in-the-wall serving a wide range of Asian platters in the Nadodrze district to now a restaurant located next to Dim Sum Garden also is the Ovo complex loved and visited by locals and tourists alike, Mango Mama is a chain of Into-Asian restaurants in Wroclaw that started off small but is now a glammed-out multiple-level establishment but with the same old great taste. The dishes are everything from spicy, aromatic, colorful and unique flavors.

You can find a wide mix of cuisines from the south-east peninsula where you can enjoy the flavors of pad thai, Phuket spice, to Indias samosas and chicken tikka masala to Japans sushi. It is all there and it is all good!

Doma Korean BBQ and Sushi

Location : ul. Odrzańska 24-29/3

It has been a few years now that we have seen Korean cuisine explode into popularity and now, much to a lot of people's delight, it has come to the Wrocław's scene as well. Doma Korean BBQ is a suitable destination for anyone that has been craving Korean specialities like bibimbap, bulgogi, kimchi and mandu dumplings. What makes this a fun experience for everyone is the barbecue fun of choosing a various mix of meats, vegetables to grill right at your table.

In addition to its traditional Korean cuisine, they also serve a wide range of sushi, for example, hosomaki, uramaki, futomaki and fusion rolls. For a fun night with family or friends and a fully interactive do-it-yourself barbecue adventure, Doma Korean BBQ and Sushi is the place you want to be.

Panczo

Location : Św. Antoniego 35/1A

Mexican and Tex-Mex may not be Poland's forte, you’ll most likely be met with microwave-thawed guacamole, flavorless quesadillas and soggy tacos at most places; However, those times have changed since the arrival of Panczo. This Mexican favorite amongst locals and tourists alike is here to change the game! This establishment uniquely puts its effort into enriching flavour, quality and creativity.

A must try on their menu is their ‘big-ass burritos’, featuring ingredients like pulled pork, pomegranate, fresh mango marinated in passion fruit and cauliflower in coriander mayo. This combination will leave you begging for more. If that sounds like too much, don’t worry there’s always more to try on the menu, from pulled-chicken quesadillas, decked-out baked potatoes, tacos, a rainbow selection of margaritas, cheladas, sangrias and shots! Don’t forget to celebrate Taco Tuesday with any other than Panczos!

Pasibus

Location : ul. Świdnicka 11

You can not have walked through the streets of Wroclaw and not have come across this popular chain of one of Poland's greatest burger joints. In the case that you have, you might have noticed Poland's current gourmet obsession that’s been invading the city. Riding this new wave is Pasibus, a restaurant/food truck hybrid! With eight locations through the city (and many more to come), I’m sure you’ll come across one sooner than later!

Head to Pasibus station on ul. Włodkowica 37 or ul. Świdnicka 11 to try out the full menu with indoor seating, freshly made homemade lemonade and alcohol! The ‘Gonzales’ burger takes on a unique twist with unconventional ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, cranberry paste, plum-ginger chutney, sunny-side-up eggs and much more to build your palette! To grab a bite while waiting for your train or bus, head over to the Wroclavia shopping centre, and the Arkady Wrocławskie Shopping Center to sample the Chicken burger. Vegetarian and concerned, but don’t want to miss out? Pasibus has got you covered by swapping the beef patties for amazing meatless alternatives!

Tapas Bar

Location : ul. Św. Mikołaja 8-11

If you are in the Spanish mood of a fiesta then Head over to the city of Wrocław's busiest Tapas bar for some scrumptious gamba Amarillo, mini paella, empanadas, patatas braves and much much more! Located in one of the most happening courtyards, these delicious foods offer a perfect alternative to the Polish vodka snacks next door! After siesta, we fiesta! Join in for some authentic tapas and a nice selection of true Spanish wines for a late night of flowing food and drinks at affordable prices!

Akropolis

Location: Rynek 16/17

My big fat Greek meal.

Catering to the surprisingly large Greek population in Wroclaw, Akropolis is one of the must-visit upscale Greek restaurants right around the Rynek. Akropolis is all dark woods, wine-warm elegance with an old fashioned, Cosa Nostra appeal. Definitely not your usual breezy seaside villa decor here, but the menu does not fail! The seafood and Greek meats from the grill hit the spot, so order the lamb and you will not the disappointed! This is another example of Poland at its best!

Falla

Location: ul. Stawowa 4

This vegetarian eatery leaves you salivating over the exotic flavours. FALLA offers a vibrant selection of tasty wraps including an avocado + nori creation with beet falafel and mascarpone cheese, shakshouka, harira soup, delicious hummus, Tel Aviv eggplant and elaborate Israeli inspired mezze to share! You’ll always be surprised with their seasonal menu.

Giselle French Bakery Cafe

Location: ul. Szewska 27

What's better than breakfast for dinner? At Giselle French Bakery Cafe, all-day breakfast is served with a range of tasty egg concoctions, scrumptious pastries, buttery quiches and French specialities such as Croque Madame, Croque Monsieur, and of course their very own Croque Giselle. The aroma of freshly baked bread on-site daily will drag you in to enjoy a breakfast feast at an affordable price!

Restauracja Jasna Food and Drink

Location: ul. Pawła Włodkowica 18

Looking for traditional Polish cuisine with a twist? Restauracja Jasna Food and Drink, a classy, white tablecloth affair restaurant serving fancy gourmet meals in a beautifully restored tenement house, offers an exclusive seasonal menu, ranging from classics like beef roulade with dumplings and pork knuckle with cabbage.

Based on regional products such as złotnickie cold cuts and cheeses from Łomnica, and Old Polish traditions, the dishes are colorful, light and elegantly presented. The kitchen will take you on a journey through the known childhood fla­vours recalled with great nostalgia.

Mr Pancake

Location: ul. Szewska 69/70

Mr Pancake has finally arrived in Wroclaw! A gastronomic concept based on treating food as a comprehensive experience, I promise you from the second you walk in, you won’t want to leave. Known for its American cuisine and an extraordinary insta-friendly interior of pastel colours, pink countertops, neon lights and built-in swings by the large windows overlooking St. Mary Magdalene, the aesthetics itself makes it worth a visit! You’re guaranteed a delightful culinary and visual experience at Mr Pancake.

At this point, it is not only pizza and pancakes but offers also burgers and vibrant drinks with soap bubbles and glitter. Crazy, right? The pancakes are truly the winners. Towers drenched in sweetness, these pancakes with salty toppings, ice cream and cotton candy have become standard, creating crazy combinations and lots and lots of calories. The Wrocław premises of the chain will be launched at ul. Szewska 69/70, i.e. in the area of the Market Square.

Umami Dumpling & Pasta Bar

Location: Rynek 60

Not the Japanese establishment you’d expect from the name, Umami focuses on the 'fifth taste’. What is the ‘fifth taste’ you may ask? Discovered by Kikunae Ikeda, a chemistry professor in Tokyo, it refers to the unique taste of popular Japanese seaweed Konbu. The substance that creates the taste occurs naturally in many products such as mushrooms, cheese, seaweed etc. Umami creates a long-lasting taste that is delicate and multidimensional in itself, it fits well with other tastes and even exposes them.

Dishes rich in umami give satisfaction, are warming and calming. However, the owner's true culinary love is flour which is showcased through the menus selection of dumplings, noodles, ravioli, pierogi, wontons, ramen, pad thai, tagliatelle and more. ‘Flour used properly to give you unlimited possibilities’ - the Chef Darek Łaźniewski. Bright and airy, located right on the main square, Umami is the perfect treat for unique flavors and an intriguing selection of cocktails such as the ‘smoked sesame’, ‘spiced pineapple’ and ‘roasted tea’.

Vega

Location: ul. Sukiennice 1/2

This veteran establishment is one of the first in the country to commit to an all-vegetarian menu when it opened back in 1987! Now, after a long-needed renovation, Vega has gone 100% Vegan! Located right on the market square and set over two floors, the modern makeover has created a stunning interior.

Enjoy daily specials, meatless cutlets, and Eastern-inspired dishes, with plenty for diabetics, those going gluten-free, and even raw foodies. It caters to all! Full of flyers and activist info, this place is probably the cheapest, most alternative place you can eat on the market square of any major city in Poland. Definitely, a must-visit!

Jaffa

Location: Plac Solny 14

A slice of Tel Aviv in Wroclaw. This hip and buzzing street food style eatery is a popular stop after work to refuel with Israeli mezze, hummus, roasted cauliflowers, pitas, shawarma, fattoush salad and delicious wine! But before the food, comes the tempting exterior and then the comfy and colorful interior. The decor and music create a club and lounge vibe making it a new addition to the local nightlife scene in Wroclaw. If you’re an Israeli cuisine lover, then definitely make your way to Jaffa.

Chimney Cake Bakery

Location: ul. Oławska 4

Native to the Hungarian-speaking regions of Romania, this sweet treat takes a Polish twist to it! If you’re not familiar with chimney cakes, it is made up of yeast dough that is rolled and wrapped into a spiral around a spit, then rolled in sugar and butter while baking. At Chimney Cake Bakery you have the pleasure to see them make it right in front of you while offering multiple different toppings and fillings, including plum jam, Nutella, gingerbread, peanut butter. One of their most innovative creations is the Chimney Cake Cone filled with Ice Cream, a seasonal treat! So don’t forget to grab a hot steaming chimney cake for only 10-17zł.

Whiskey in the Jar

Location: Rynek 23/24

Whiskey Jar is famous for its mixed drinks made with Jack Daniels and served in juice jars (if you couldn’t tell already by the name). With an amazing location opposite the Town Hall and multi-level industrial interior with leather booths, guitar and motorcycle parts on the walls, Whiskey in the Jar also offers burgers, steaks, ribs etc. Although they might be a bit on the pricey side, I assure you the luscious and flavorful meals will make it worth every cent.

To add to the atmosphere is the live music happening from around 19:00/20:00 every Friday and Saturday.

Oliwa i ogień 2.0

Location: Świętego Marcina 2, 50-265

Wroclaw seems to be growing as a gastro-tourism destination in Europe and Oliwa i ogień 2.0 is here to pave the way. On July 16, it opened right next to Bema Square, taking over an abandoned corner restaurant that seemed impossible to salvage with its ruined interiors. Originally operating on Igielna Sreet, the owners decided to take up a challenge and create a mere miracle.

The space has beautifully exposed antique bricks with minimalist decor. A captivating room on the side was created called Oliwa i ogień 1.0, replicating the whole place on Igielna Street, dealing with the sentimental return to the not-so-distant past. The products such as cold cuts and cheeses are imported by the team directly from Italian producers, rather unheard of in other Polish restaurants.

The Campania cuisine is the model, with more than a dozen pizzas including a few with really interesting compositions. An absolute favorite is the Amore Mio, with pistachio pesto, wild boar mortadella, provoke affumicata cheese, olive oil and basil. A strong competitor is the Simple Ragu Pizza, with rags all neapoletana and zucchini. This rage is slightly sweet, fleshy, creamy and its combination with their dough simply is remarkable.

Let me tell you, good bread changes everything, and this place is addictive! The fresh starters and fried dishes are essential to try as well, from the Crocche (a simply breaded potato croquette with parmesan cheese) to the Fagottini Di Mortadela. This one is truly ‘bellisimo’. Fantastic pouches of mortadella with ricotta mousse and pistachio pesto inside leaves you with a nutty, sweet aftertaste. A must try!

For all the pizza lovers out there, the quality and ingredients are truly impeccable. Make your way and try it for yourself!

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I hope this article has inspired you and your taste buds to get out and make the most of Wrocław's ever-developing food culture and take on the city’s culinary tour of all the foods and eateries that Wroclaw has to offer. With such diversely colorful and vibrant architectures and history as well as being deemed one of the most multicultural cities, you will be sure to find any cuisine from anywhere in the world in order to satisfy all your cravings, wants and needs in the field of all things food!

About the author

Nahal is a 4th-year US student of veterinary medicine who in her free time loves strolling around the Wrocław main square, restaurant hopping and always enjoys a cup of good coffee. She is fascinated by exotic animals and after graduation plans to start her professional career in a zoo.