MILK BARS (bar mleczny) - Courtesy of expatsguide.pl

You cannot miss a true Warsaw experience in one of a numerous milk bars (bar mleczny) which are a revived version of communistic city canteens. Before 1989 these were the only affordable "restaurants" which offered simple food. Nowadays, the sentimental Warsawians still visit these magnificent bars which attract not only with prices but also with an unforgettable experience. Milk bars are very hype at the moment and many artists and other out-of-the-crowd individuals are likely to be seen there. Dishes served there can only be found in a grandma's kitchen. or in a milk bar.

The typical prices for a schnitzel (kotlet schabowy) is 6-8 PLN, soups (zupy) 2-4 PLN, crêpe (naleśniki) 4-6 PLN, dumplings (pierogi) 4-5 PLN.

According to a survey, conducted by Zycie Warszawy newspaper, the most beloved milk bars in the city are:

Bambino, Krucza 21 (Śródmieście); Mo-Fr 8-20; Sat-Sun 9-17, Kefirek, Kondratowicza 25 (Bródno); Mo-Fr 7-19; Sat-Sun 8-17, Familijny, Nowy Świat 39 (Śródmiescie); Mo-Fr 8-20; Sat-Sun 9-17, Sady, Krasińskiego 36, (Zoliborz); Mo-Fr 7-19; Sat-Sun 9-17, Prasowy, Marszałkowska 10/16 (Śródmieście); Mo-Fr 7-19; Sat-Sun 9-17 & Karaluch – University Bar, Krakowskie Przedmieście 20/22 (Śródmieście); Mo-Fr 7-20; Sat-Sun 9-17.

Restauracja "PIEC" (Polish)

Address: Krakowskie Przedmiescie 67 Tel: +48 (22)6220185

Located perfectly between the popular shopping area of Nowy Swiat and the charms of Warsaw Old Town is a very special traditional Polish restaurant; the type of place where the locals like to eat because the food is of the highest quality and the atmosphere is homely, friendly and well! - traditionally Polish! Restauracja "PIEC" is the kind of place where you sit down for a meal and leave 5 hours later! You just don't want to go! Krzysztof will always take the time to speak to you and make you very welcome..

Restauracja Polska Tradycja (Polish)

Address: Ulica Belwederska 18A. Tel: +48 (22) 8400901

A beautiful renovated manor in the Mokotow district serving traditional Polish dishes open daily for lunch and dinner (reservations recommended). A very romantic setting with beautiful gardens (weather permitting). The duck is delicious and it's always a good idea to listen to the restaurant recommendations about what is in season.

Think 'boar, duck, wild mushrooms, pike, carp, game'.

AleGloria (Polish)

Address: 3 Trzech Krzyży Square. Tel: +48 (22) 5847080

Polish art meets Polish cuisine. A fusion of traditional Polish food and interior design. This is Polish culinary tradition at its finest and you have a choice of rooms to eat in ranging from Strawberry Field (a room decorated with Strawberries) to more traditional surroundings such as the Fireplace Room.

Think 'game bird, herring, deer, Borsch, duck, steak'.

Adler (German)

Address: Ulica Mokotowska 69. Tel: +48 (22) 6287384

German (Bavaria) cuisine served in a comfortable and rustic environment. Good old-fashioned food and a good choice of German beer to wash it down with. Think about a typical Bavarian restaurant come bar and you have Adler. Staff wear traditional Bavarian dress, serve traditional Bavarian food and traditional German beer.

Think 'pork knuckles, white sausages, bavarian mustard, German beer'.

Bliss (Chinese)

Address: Ulica Boczna 3. Tel: +48 (22) 8263210

It's quite difficult to find a good Chinese restaurant in Poland outside of Warsaw and Bliss is one of the best. Located close to the Royal castle and with a pleasant outside area, you will find the food to be tasty, filling and value for money. The Peking Duck is delicious and we highly recommend Pierogi in the Oriental style.

Think 'peking duck, Canton, Sichuan, Chinese art on the walls'.

Hard Rock Cafe (American)

Address: Zlote Tarasy, ul. Zlota 59. Tel: +48 22 222 0 700

Focusing on serving great American cuisine in an atmosphere of adrenalin pumping rock n' roll, the Hard Rock Cafe Warsaw features your favorite authentic Hard Rock merchandise and collectibles along with taste-tempting cocktails and authentic rock memorabilia from Poland's leading musicians and rock's most prolific stars.

Think 'rock n' roll, cocktails, burgers, rock collectibles'.

Bacio di Angelo (Italian)

Address: Ulica Wilcza 8. Tel: +48 (22) 6224454

We offer delicious food and three varied rooms to eat your meal in. The restaurant ’s unique character together with the sheer variety of the menu, is the essence of Angelo. The chef specializing in sea food, amongst other traditional Italian... such as exquisite home-made pastas has created a locally renowned menu.

Think 'sea food, home made pasta, cosy'.

Restauracja Japonska Inaba (Japanese)

Address: Ulica Nowogrodzka 84 / 86 . Tel: +48 (22) 6225955/ 6225956

Inaba serves traditional Japanese cuisine which is under the care of two people: Mr. Koichiro Iwasaki - the owner, and the restaurant’s chef. We wish to introduce to you the taste of everyday Japanese food through our menu choices, and also we would like that the restaurant, whose name associates the two countries, will help to promote Japanese culture in Poland. Think 'tempura, sukiyaki, sushi, sake, yose-nabe '.

London Steak House (English)

Address: al. Jerozolimskie 42. Tel: +48 (22) 8270020

For when 'Only a steak will do'. A little bit of London, England to be found in Warsaw, complete with red telephone box, red post box and traditional British grub. Steak is the speciality and it comes in many different cuts and sizes. Not just British food, you'll also find a good selection of Polish and International dishes on the menu.

Think 'steak, London, England, West End restaurant'.