The Best Local Restaurants In Gdańsk, Poland

Local produce, fresh ingredients and seasonal recipes form the backbone of Metamorfoza, a high-class establishment that prides itself on its commitment to making the best of the region’s nature and ethical cooking; they even have their own farm. Metamorfoza’s culinary offer includes a tasting menu, with smaller portions of some of the house specialties such as beef tartare, or pigeon with pear and celery, as well as a delectable garden menu comprising of cold meats and vegetables. Servings are presented with an eye for subtle decoration, and the venue’s interior exudes a similar kind of simplicity with hushed tones and comfy, plush chairs.

One of the most iconic and oldest restaurants in the city, Pod Łososiem (loosely translated as The Salmon) boasts a long history of heritage. The 16th century premises it stands in used to house the distillery of Goldwasser, a vodka infused with pieces of 22-carat gold that was once all the rage across Europe’s courts. Today, Pod Łososiem still produces the precious Goldwasser and remains faithful to its royal heritage with luxurious period furniture, tall candles and paintings, as well as menu of royal delicacies. The boar tenderloin with cabbage and mushrooms, or saddle of doe in a sauce of gingerbread and grilled vegetables, are especially recommended.

In old Polish, bowke referred to a port-town thief and drunkard, and it’s after this character from Polish folklore that Gdański Bowke takes its name. The atmosphere of an old port continues to thrive at the restaurant, where dark wooden furniture and modern, exposed brick walls are paired to conjure up a nautical theme straight from the 19th century. As for the food, it’s all about strong Polish flavour with a particular focus on local meats and succulent game, as well as freshly caught, Baltic fish, grilled to perfection.

Decorated in a suitably nautical style with blues and whites, stripes, Nova Pierogova serves some of the best pierogi in the city in an unspoiled, intimate atmosphere. This delicacy of national cuisine is served in the conventional and innovative variations, ranging from the spicy to the sweet and the savoury: try the apple pie pierogi with cinnamon and apples, or the sea-style ones, filled with salmon, ricotta cheese and spinach. Portions are generous and inexpensive, meaning that you can have a fantastic, filling dinner without stretching your budget.