The Polish city of Częstochowa is famous due to the Black Madonna painting, which is housed inside the impressive Jasna Góra Monastery. This attracts tourists from far and wide, particularly Catholics who come here on a pilgrimage. On the pretty streets of central Częstochowa, this list of top-notch cafés should satisfy your gastronomic demands and your coffee needs.
Dwa Koty Cafe (Two Cats Cafe), is a delightful little breakfast, brunch and lunch café in the heart of Częstochowa. Delicious smoothies, fruit juices, teas and coffees are served to perfection – try the iced tea with strawberry or the kiwi smoothie. The breakfast menu includes omelettes with Polish brown bread, muesli with fruit, and toast with bacon and mushroom. Lunch options include red beetroot soup (barszcz), paninis with a range of fillings and healthy salads. Fresh coffee is also served by the venue’s expert baristas. This café has outdoor seating in the summer months, free Wi-Fi and welcomes pets.
Located on the most famous avenue in Częstochowa is the Coffeeshop Company. This cosy venue sits on Aleja Najświętszej Maryi Panny just in front of the Stanisław Staszic Park. This is part of the bigger chain of cafés that the Coffeeshop Company own, and as expected the menu and décor remain consistent throughout their coffee houses. The Viennese-style coffee is the most famous on their coffee menu, and there are numerous varieties of milkshakes including Oreo, strawberry and vanilla. There are many delicious desserts and cakes available – you can see them on display. These include a lemon tart, a fruit gateau (with blueberries, kiwi and strawberries) and a chocolate cake. Bagels, baguettes and sandwiches are available with a range of fillings for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. There is free Wi-Fi and outdoor seating.
Resto & Cafe29 is one of the most well-known restaurant and cafés in Częstochowa. The food menu is huge, the atmosphere is relaxed and the coffee is excellent. It might take you a while to choose your food, as the menu is detailed and is written in English and Polish. If you are unsure, ask for the zestaw dnia (meal of the day) which is well priced at 20 złotych (US$5.50). Recommended options for a starter are beetroot soup (barszcz) or the salad with goat’s cheese in almond flakes with mint-honey sauce, mango, pear and dried fruit. For a Polish speciality, order the nalesniki, which are pancakes with turkey, spinach and sundried tomatoes. Alcoholic beverages as well as ice cream and other sweet desserts are also available.
The Green Monkey Cafe is one of the coolest coffee shops in Częstochowa. It has a modern interior, wooden tables with green seats and an excellent drinks selection. The food menu has waffles and pancakes, packed with fillings and toppings such as maple syrup, honey, fruits and chocolate. There are over ten types of coffee available, including the kawa po irlandzki (Irish Coffee) that has whiskey in it. The fruit smoothies and juices are very popular, as are the cakes. This place stays open until 11pm six nights a week, which makes it a great spot for a quiet alcoholic drink in the evening, too.
A. Blikle Cukiernia is a Polish chain of luxury cafés specialising in sweet treats and good coffee. Their Częstochowa venue is well-located on Aleja Najświętszej Marii Panny, the main street in the city. Inside, there is fast and free Wi-Fi and an exquisite menu containing all of their trademark treats. Try the special pączki (Polish donuts) with rose filling and icing on top or the colourful makaroniki (macarons), which are available in over six different flavours. The drinks menu has layered coffees, hot chocolates and herbal teas. Indulge in one of their delicious ice cream bowls, which come with a range of fruits and sauces.
With a rocking chair or some cushioned food crates, Klubokawiarnia Pestka is one of the more innovative and creative coffee shops on the streets of Częstochowa. You can sip a frothy latte while swinging in a rocking chair, enjoy a healthy salad in one of the corner benches or simply watch the world go by on the street outside, over a blended fruit smoothie. The menu is packed with sweet options such as tiramisu, Oreo tart or apple pie. On the savoury side of the menu, there is a vegan burger, a variety of fresh local soups and various pasta options available. Please note that Klubokawiarnia Pestka closes on Sundays.
Cafe Belg is a quirky spot for a coffee that takes its inspiration from cafés on the streets of Brussels in Belgium. You can find Belgian chocolate in some of the recipes, as well as regular Polish dishes. The chocolate cake, strawberry tart and lemon pie can be ordered by the slice and are worth trying. There are board games for customers to play in a friendly and sociable atmosphere. As it has Belgian influences, Belgian beer is also available at Cafe Belg, and the venue is lively in early evenings as it often has live music.
