Cast-iron‑sizzled and boiled pierogi with generous fillings headline a rustic, folk‑decor dining room that also turns out Polish staples-placki ziemniaczane with goulash, gołąbki and bigos served in bread-with brisk, tourist‑friendly service.
Everything you need to know about dining in this city
Weekdays 12:00 - 15:00 bring lunch sets at many bistros; arrive early to beat lines. Early dinners around 17:00 - 18:30 are calmer and often still priced well. Old Town and Nowy Świat get busy on weekends and holidays; expect waits. Casual counters rarely need reservations, but small dining rooms may.
At many budget spots, order and pay at the counter, then collect a number. For table service, a 10% tip is customary if service is good; it’s rarely included. Cards and contactless are widely accepted, though tiny kiosks may be cash-only. Complimentary tap water isn’t guaranteed-ask politely.
Budget about 20 - 40 PLN for a quick snack or street-food portion; add 8 - 12 PLN for a soft drink. Casual meals like pierogi or daily specials typically run 35 - 60 PLN per person. Sit‑down dinners with a drink often land 60 - 100 PLN. Multi‑course or craft‑drink outings exceed 100 PLN.
Touristed streets in Old Town and along Krakowskie Przedmieście cluster pierogi houses and comfort-food rooms, with deals a block or two off the main route. Śródmieście and Nowy Świat mix quick lunches and late-night takeaways. Praga offers characterful, budget-friendly Polish staples; Wola and Mokotów have office‑area lunch bargains.
Find answers to common questions about dining in Warsaw
Look for ‘zestaw lunchowy’ boards outside cafes and bistros on weekdays, typically served around 12:00 - 15:00. Sets often bundle soup and a main, sometimes with a drink, at a lower combined price. Arrive early; quantities can be limited. Checking today’s menu online helps avoid surprises. Some places post the daily offer on social media each morning.
Step a few blocks off the main squares to find better-value spots. Scan menus for clear prices and daily specials; avoid places that do not post them. Milk bars and self‑service cafeterias are reliable and filling. Share sides, skip bottled water if possible, and watch for optional service fees.
Contactless and chip‑and‑PIN payments are widely accepted, including at many small eateries. That said, kiosks, market stalls, and some bakeries may set minimums or take cash only. Carry a small backup-around 20 - 50 PLN-in notes and coins. Always check before ordering to avoid awkward moments at the till.
Pierogi ruskie, cabbage‑and‑mushroom dumplings, potato pancakes without meat toppings, and hearty vegetable soups are common and inexpensive. Falafel wraps, salad bars priced by weight, and simple tofu or vegetable stir‑fries are also frequent. To order without meat, the phrase ‘bez mięsa’ helps and is understood widely.
Night owls rely on kebab stands, pizza-slice windows, and zapiekanka counters near nightlife streets and transit hubs. Hours vary by day, with weekends running later. Food halls and mall courts usually close earlier. Check online maps for current hours, and expect peak demand after concerts and big events.
Most budget counters and canteens are first‑come, first‑served, so walk‑ins are normal. For small dining rooms on Friday or Saturday nights, a quick call ahead can save time-especially for groups of six or more. Many venues also offer takeout if seating is full or waits are long.
Cheap restaurants in Warsaw range from no-frills milk bars and pierogi counters to contemporary canteens and compact bistros. The city’s budget dining scene is broad: hearty Polish comfort plates, soups, kebabs, pizza slices, and Asian lunch bowls, often served fast and without ceremony. Around central avenues and university areas, prices stay approachable while portions are generous. Many places post weekday lunch sets and early evening deals, and food halls gather multiple low‑cost stalls under one roof. Use myForager to compare smart filters, price ranges, and opening hours to find a quick, affordable spot nearby. Expect casual rooms, counter service at times, and menus translated in tourist zones, with plenty of late‑night takeaway for after‑hours appetites. Beyond the center, residential districts hide family‑run eateries, bakeries, and self‑service cafeterias where daily specials rotate and prices are clearly posted. Portions are commonly filling, even at the lower end of the range, so a single main or soup‑and‑bread combo can be enough for a satisfying meal.
Get product updates, launch news and exclusive tips