Food hall Warsaw
Your guide to culinary heavens in the city
- Last updated: November 22, 2024
Food hall in Warsaw
Your guide to culinary paradises in the city
- Last updated: November 22, 2024
The fusion of a culinary El Dorado and an inspiring social space - that's the simple definition of the concept of food hall. Warsaw is open to new formats which is why places like food halls are attracting crowds of locals and tourist.
They not only provide a culinary journey to different corners of the world, offering the opportunity to try Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Greek, Thai, or American cuisine in one place, but also often serve as centres of culture, entertainment, and local integration. Tempting with taste, interesting arrangements, live music, and various exciting events, food halls in Warsaw are definitely more than just urban dining areas-they are places of meetings, a way to have a good time for singles, groups of friends, and families.
You might remember the long queues at the corner of Marszałkowska and Świętokrzyska streets in 1992, when the first McDonald's restaurant opened in Warsaw. Today, in every shopping mall, you have several fast-food chains to choose from. They are still popular, but our society has changed. People are more conscious, more demanding, consumers want something better, more interesting and of higher quality. The answer is the food hall concept. In general, it somewhat resembles well-known gallery gastronomic zones (food courts), but the concepts of food halls and food courts are diametrically different. A food hall is a place where you not only satisfy your appetite but also feel the metropolitan energy, get inspired, and relax. Food halls in Warsaw have become the beating heart not only of the facilities they are located in but entire districts.
Your guide to food halls in Warsaw
The key to the success of food halls in Warsaw is their location, universality, the right selection of restaurants, bars, cafes, and other points, as well as their choice of fresh ingredients, usually from local suppliers.
These are powerful investments in multifunctional, revitalised complexes that require significant resources and efficient management. Only the best have a reason to exist in this industry. The capital has several food halls. Warsaw fares very well in this comparison against other major cities in Poland. The pioneer in this industry in Warsaw was Hala Koszyki, opened in 2016. Then came: Food Hall in Ogrody Ulricha, Food Hall Elektrownia, Food Hall Browary, and Food Town in the Norblin Factory. Each of these places is unique and worth your visit.
Follow the food hall trail in Warsaw with us.
In this guide:
Hala Koszyki
The extraordinary and intricate history of Hala Koszyki spanning 120 years is the subject of many studies and books. Before you cross the threshold of the hall, it's worth visiting its website. Historical awareness will add extra weight to your visit. After completing a total metamorphosis in 2016, Hala Koszyki has become a modern, vibrant pride of Warsaw. Importantly, the original elements, character, and above all, the old soul have been preserved.
What can you expect in the industrial space of the food hall at Hala Koszyki? Above all, over 20 diverse restaurants, bars, and other gastro points. Here, your taste buds will compete with Indian, Middle Eastern, Italian, Polish, Chinese, Thai, Spanish, sushi, fish and seafood, Hawaiian poke bowls, burgers, ice cream, drinks, and much more. From this esteemed group, it's worth paying attention to Ristorante Semolino, where the Italian chef prepares delicious pastas, pizzas, and other specialties of Italian cuisine that you can compose according to your liking. Warszawski Sen by Mateusz Gesler is a restaurant whose owner needs no introduction, serving excellent Polish cuisine in an artistic environment. The heart of the food hall at Hala Koszyki is Bar Koszyki. The atmosphere and menu evoke the 20s and 30s of the last century. Here, you'll find non-alcoholic "lemonade with dynamite," "lemonade with "siuwaks" with prosecco, and other "classic gadgets".
Hala Koszyki is not just a feast for the palate but also for the ears. The schedule of concerts and other interesting events is truly packed. In addition to the food hall at Hala Koszyki, you'll also find various shops and services. In Hala Koszyki, you'll feel the pulse of Warsaw. It's a fusion of history, art, and innovation in a phenomenal location, and the excellent food hall is its brightest point.
Food Town w Fabryce Norblina
Another location that has gained a second life after its complete revitalisation. Reopened in 2021, the Norblin Factory is a complex of 10 post-industrial restored buildings listed as historical monuments, exuding industrial charm. They house many attractions for everyone: Smart Kids Planet, the Norblin Factory Museum, the unique Apple Museum Poland, an art gallery, the boutique cinema KinoGram, as well as 40,000 square metres of class A office space, along with shops, services, and restaurants, including Poland's first BioBazar with certified organic food. The true ace in this list is the Food Town eatery.
Food Town at the Norblin Factory covers 3,200 square metres, with four historic halls hosting over 20 gastronomic concepts from kitchens around the world and several themed bars, plus a fifth hall dedicated to numerous cultural and entertainment events. Live concerts, comedy, DJ sets, shows, and many other attractions are on during the week and on weekends. The Gimlet Live room in Food Town can be rented for private events. Food Town is the largest food hall in Warsaw and in all of Poland, with thousands of seating places and a guarantee of the best culinary experiences regardless of preferences.
Super Slice with delicious pizza by the slice, Bukhara - Uzbek street food, Sando Rice Express - Japanese rice sandwiches (onigirazu), Gnocchi, Caribbean and Ukrainian cuisine, sandwiches, waffles, noodles, curry, ramen, something for vegans, and much more. You can have breakfast, lunch, dessert, and dinner here. Food Town also boasts six excellent bars. In the central Old Shaker, you can taste fresh beer straight from the tanks.
If you crave not only taste experiences but also have an appetite for great entertainment, be sure to visit Food Town at the Norblin Factory.
Food Hall Browary
Since 1846, Warsaw Breweries have been witnesses to the history and social transformations in the capital. They deserved a new incarnation, which they received after thorough renovation. Despite only 500 meters separating Browary Warszawskie from the Norblin Factory, both complexes function excellently. Browary Warszawskie is a premium-class facility. The highest quality also applies to the food hall concept located on the lowest floor. Warsaw loves this authentic atmosphere. Meticulously restored original elements, old brick, arched vaults, atmospheric lighting, and a touch of modernity are the recipe for success. Similarly, the carefully selected lineup of experienced restaurateurs, who together fill the cellars of Browary Warszawskie with culinary passion.
Don't be afraid to experiment; that's how you'll find your favourite taste. In the Food Hall Brewery, you can opt, for example, for Chinkalnie and Georgian dumplings. Octo offers excellent pizza, pastas, and seafood. Besides, you can greet ramen, fresh fish, sushi, Vietnamese spring rolls, a Boston burger, tripe, hock, or Thai cuisine. Food Hall Brewary has a total of several culinary concepts, and also a very long Central Bar serving excellent cocktails, and a Wine Bar right next to it. What sets Food Hall Browary apart from other food halls in Warsaw is the way the meal is served on real tableware.
Food Hall Browary occupies only a part of the space in Browary Warszawskie. In the complex, you'll also find many other independent restaurants or cafes, as well as an aesthetic medicine clinic, a conference centre, a barber shop, Calypso Fitness Club, and, of course, the craft brewery Browar Warszawski. Food Hall Browary is also a stage open to concerts, DJ performances, events, author meetings, live cooking shows, and other interesting activities. It's a place for successful gatherings in a narrower and wider circle.
Food Hall Elektrownia
The commercial and service complex Elektrownia Powiśle is a true masterpiece of architectural recycling of a historic power plant building that has been in operation since 1904. After a challenging start during the pandemic, today Elektrownia Powiśle is one of the leading destinations for Warsaw residents and tourists alike. Here, you can shop in unique stores and exclusive boutiques, as well as do your daily grocery shopping at Biedronka.
The epicentre of Elektrownia Powiśle is the food hall. Warsaw values diversity and choice, so this format perfectly fits the character of our capital. Food Hall Elektrownia is a place for true foodies looking for the best versions of well-known dishes and new culinary trends. Several stalls offer taste experiences from different parts of the world. HotDogarnia serves the American classic street food, The Fry guarantees authentic Belgian fries, and Kimi Sushi brings the authentic taste of Asia. Additionally, you can indulge in pizza, kebabs, traditional Asian dumplings, sandwiches with baked beef or a vegetarian version, udon, nachos, burritos, or waffles. Don't forget to head to one of the bars at Food Hall Elektrownia. You can sit at the 10-meter Centrala bar and enjoy one of the classic drinks or a modern cocktail at the Kandela bar. Meanwhile, Elektryk is a paradise for beer enthusiasts, offering a choice of up to 90 varieties.
In addition to the Elektrownia Powiśle food hall, numerous restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating operate successfully. Various artistic initiatives and interesting events take place within the centre. Food Hall Elektrownia has won the hearts of true food enthusiasts, so they gladly return here. It's a dynamic place full of life, so expect significant traffic, especially during peak hours and weekends.
Food Hall w Ogrodach Ulricha
Right in front of the Wola Park shopping gallery is the recently revitalised Ulrich Park, created on the grounds of former horticultural facilities. This unique location provides conditions for close contact with nature in the midst of a big city.
In the historic greenhouses, enthusiasts of consumption in soothing natural surroundings will find their little paradise. The Food Hall in Ulrich Gardens encourages exploring different flavours. The Ragazzi restaurant serving Neapolitan pizza is your slice of Italy. If you prefer street food, visit Pasibus and order a deluxe burger. Get aromatic coffee from the bakery-cafe II Panificio, and chocolate drink from Karmello. The Food Hall in Ulrich Gardens also offers a rich selection of Asian flavours, including noodles, chicken prepared in various ways, and curry at Silic&Spicy. Fans of plant-based cuisine and advocates of zero waste will appreciate the vegetarian and vegan menu at Wege Umami Bistro & Sklep, where you can also purchase healthy food and preserves. If you like impressive Vietnamese sandwiches, check out Viet's Baguette.
In the Food Hall in Ulrich Gardens, there's also no shortage of refreshing draft beer, a selection of Polish craft beers, and prosecco at Tap Bar. On the other hand, the Botanic Coctail Bar offers freshly squeezed juices, health herbal infusions, and in the evening, signature alcoholic cocktails. Ulrich Gardens is also a musical stage, a stand-up comedy space, and a host of attractions. The wonderful space is filled with singing, laughter, and fun. And for shopping or a movie, you can hop over to the Wola Park shopping gallery.
Ulrich Gardens is a true urban treasure. The local food hall provides an opportunity to taste specialties from various parts of the world and celebrate life surrounded by nature.
Savor the best international cuisine in the food halls of Warsaw
If you love good food, company, and prefer going with the flow instead of making a table reservation, you must visit one of the capital’s food halls. Warsaw is a city of innovation, so a concept where you can choose the best dishes from around the world in an atmospheric place with good entertainment acts like a magnet on people. Whether you decide on Hala Koszyki, Food Hall in Ogrody Ulricha, Food Hall Elektrownia, Food Hall Browary, or Food Town in Fabryka Norblina, a fantastic culinary and cultural adventure awaits you. It’s best to check out all these wonderful places one by one and choose your favorite.