Dom Polski

Dom Polski is an elegant restaurant at Francuska 11 on the Praga side of Warsaw, in Poland's Masovian region, set in a villa with a garden terrace in summer. The kitchen specialises in traditional Polish cooking and recipes from the Eastern Borderlands (Kresy), the former eastern territories whose cuisine shaped much of what is regarded as classic Polish food today. It is positioned a step above everyday Polish restaurants, with a more formal presentation, although no Michelin listing or chef lineage is claimed. The signature dishes include bigos staropolski, the old-Polish hunter's stew, at around PLN 52, duck with apples at about PLN 84, and pierogi filled with venison at around PLN 58. The bigos and the duck with apples are the dishes most often highlighted as emblematic of the restaurant's approach, which treats game and slow-cooked meats as the heart of Polish dining. The villa setting gives the dining rooms a quiet, residential and slightly old-world feel, with moderate noise and a gracious pace of service. Smart casual dress is typical, though no strict code is confirmed. In summer the garden terrace is the preferred seating, giving a calmer alternative to the busy centre across the river. A drinks list of Polish wines, vodkas and beers is usual in this style of restaurant, but specific labels are not confirmed. Prices are in the upper-middle band ($$$), with a full dinner typically costing PLN 150 to 220 per person with a drink. Hours are 12PM to 10PM daily. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend evenings and summer terrace tables, and booking a few days ahead is sensible. For visitors who want to explore the Praga district and eat traditional Polish cuisine in a more refined setting, Dom Polski is a worthwhile alternative to the Old Town restaurants.