Restaurant Tourist Traps & Tragedies to Avoid in Warsaw

It almost goes without saying (but maybe it must be said), as more and more tourists flock to Warsaw there will be more and more someones that will try to take advantage of them and charge them an arm and a leg for a meal that can only be described as decent to say the least. Here's a list of five tourist traps and tragedies that are best avoided or at least looked upon skeptically.

1. Panorama Sky Bar

I'm a big fan of being really high up in buildings and looking down. If it has an elevator and viewing deck, then sooner or later I'll be there. There is something magical about looking down and seeing everything as tiny: the ant like people, cars and buses. I like simple pleasures. That said...Panorama Sky Bar is a bloody ripoff. The prices range from for "eh?" to "What?!??!?".  We paid over 100 zl for 2 drinks. The drinks felt like you got a giant glass of ice, rather than what you should have been. The space is a bit soulless and the view is only best had on one of the table near the wall, which are always full and need to be reserved. For the same money or maybe even a bit less you can end up at the Roof Sky Bar which is 10 minute walk away. While still a bit pretentious, it's mile ahead of Panorama Sky Bar.

2.  Almost Anthing in Warsaw's Old Town Square

I get it. You've been walking around all day and your tired. The misses says "let's go to the town square! There was that cute place right next to the money exchange. You know, the one where your man was begging us to come inside as he flashed the menu?" At this point alarm bells should go off in your head screaming that your wallet will soon be empty even if your belly does become full. A fine example of this is Magda Gessler's (the Polish version of Gordon Ramsey) U Fukiera. The place knows how to cook (I'll give them that), but they also know how to charge ridiculous prices for a bowl of soup and a pork chop. Sadly, most places around the square offer the same type of so-so meals for prices that don't match the quality. The atmosphere feels like someone was trying to hard too make the place look old and humble. If I were you I'd take a 5 minute walk to the New Town and check out Pod Samsonem. It's much cheaper and much better quality. Plus the atmosphere is much nicer as are the staff.

3. Literatka

If you like cold food and unhelpful staff, the Literatka is for you. Prices aren't horrible, but they aren't great either. The food is rather standard fair and it really is as if they don't try too hard or maybe don't its that they don't have to because of their location, which faces the Royal Castle. Come on, you can do better than this stuffy and rather pretentious place any day off the week. The only plus may be "the garden terrace" (or street terrace really) in the summer, A nice place for people watching and maybe a piece of cake as well. 

4. Nowy Swiat Pawilony

I like drinking it has to be said. I also like cheap drinking. But if your idea of nice night is a trendy bar with some nice music and maybe some fun looking people, then this isn't for you. The place reminded me of Glasgow at 1 a.m. and it was only the 8 p.m: shot bars and drunk people vomiting on the sidewalk because they brought their own booze and decided to drink it just outside the door. A nightmare unless you just want to get screwed up entirely. Count me out.

5. Belwederski Hotel Restaurant

Let's take a time and head back to the late 1990s or maybe even communism. Welcome to Belwederski Hotel Restaurant. Outdated furniture, staff that seem to be only slightly helpful and food that is just a bit meh.

To sum up, while Warsaw offers countless culinary delights and authentic experiences, it’s worth staying vigilant to avoid the pitfalls of overpriced and underwhelming meals. By sidestepping these common tourist traps, you’ll be free to explore the city’s vibrant food scene and discover the hidden gems that truly reflect its rich culture and flavors. Bon appétit—and happy exploring