Bistro pod Barbakanem

Hands down the absolute best meal we had in Poland. We were very sceptical when we saw the decor, but we were hungry and cold, so we decided to give the restaurant a chance. It was the best decision of the trip. I cannot recommend this place enough. If you are in the area, pop in, it really is worth a visit.

If you’re looking for a quick, cheap place to have a decent meal, this seems to be the place for that. All I ordered was a Nutella Crepe and it was really good. Simple, but good. The interior of the restaurant is bland, lacking in decor or a nice home-y feeling, but with fairly ample seating. The attitude from the cashier matched the rest atmosphere, she wasn’t very cheery, but also not off putting in my opinion. Again, the food is cheap. I paid 22PLN ($6) for a fairly large portion of crepe, and it tasted great. I recommend this place if you’re just looking for a quick bite to eat around lunch time and aren’t trying to impress your date (or you both are down to earth and don’t mind a little bit of grittiness).

I went there based on recommendation of a local, but if you are a tourist and have limited time to experience the Polish food in Warsaw don’t go there 😁 choose a better traditional restaurant. Because for me eating food in a proper dish and not in plastic ones is so important! The soup was so delicious I have never tried it before btw But the pork was so meh ! Nothing special The price was so low

Best for hunger half cost and wide selwxtion polish food. Zurek and Stuffed cabbage...

A modest eatery located adjacent to the historic Warsaw Barbican, offering traditional Polish cuisine in a self-service setting. The menu features classic dishes such as pierogi, pork cutlets, and mushroom soup, served on disposable plates with plastic cutlery. While the decor is simple and reminiscent of a bygone era, the food is hearty and affordable, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic dining experience. The bistro operates daily, typically from morning until early evening, but hours may vary, so it’s advisable to check ahead. Visitors should be prepared for a no-frills atmosphere and a straightforward service approach. Overall, Bistro pod Barbakanem provides a glimpse into traditional Polish dining culture, offering satisfying meals at reasonable prices in a historically rich location. 

I had Placek z gulaszem and hands down it is the worst placek I had in my life and the goo that came with it definitely can NOT be called gulash. Serving on single serve plates with plastic cutlery is also shocking. Staff was rather sad-looking and didn't even crack a smile. The only good thing is the pretty view of the Barbakan

Real old school authentic milk bar. Yes, the locals come here too. Unfortunately, there are too many rowdy tourists here. Please do everyone a favour and respect the place. There won't be many of these authentic milk bars left in the next 5 to 10 years.

Not sure why this place gets such bad reviews. My Ukrainian borscht was delicious and the service was kind. Great prices too. And yes, they use paper plates, but who cares. More hygienic anyway