Most restaurants have their menus, along with prices, posted outside the entrance; if not, there isn’t anything wrong with asking to see a menu prior to sitting down. As a side note, English-language menus are readily available in Poznan, so just ask your server if you need one.
One of the best ways to discover food in Poznan is by picking a restaurant on the fly as you explore the city. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, try the suggestions below.
Atmospheric Restaurants
Many of Poznan’s restaurants have atmosphere, especially the ones housed in historic buildings, where archways and cellars make for plenty of nooks and crannies for private conversations. However, other restaurants make the most of their locations or cultivate atmosphere around a particular theme.Dark Restaurant on Garbary Street may be the most atmospheric restaurant in Poznan or the least, depending upon how you look (or don’t look) at it. The restaurant is based around the idea that food should be enjoyed using the sense of taste rather than sight. Diners are asked about food preferences and allergies, then taken into a completely light-free room where they are served mystery courses. It’s up to them to guess what they’re eating; they are only told after the meal is complete.
Bordo Café, found beyond an archway off of Zydowska Street, serves up regional dishes and French-inspired entrees in a romantic garden during the warm-weather months. Flowers tumble out of pots, a fountain burbles, and candles flicker at night. You might also have a cat swipe your legs, begging for a piece of tender fish or a slice of juicy duck breast, which has been presented with sautéed cabbage and apples.
Polish Restaurants
It would be unconscionable to visit Poland without trying traditional Polish food. Many of Poznan’s Polish food restaurants can be found easily within the Old Town.Ratuszova is located right on the Old Market Square at number 55. Sit on the terrace and watch horse-drawn carriages pass by, accordion players busk for change, and couples take photos of themselves in front of the fountain. Or sit inside, where tables are tucked into corners and the medieval walls maintain a comfortable temperature. One of Poznan’s longest-established restaurants, Ratuszova lives up to its reputation for having served a Polish king in the 17th century with food that will make you feel like royalty.
Gospoda Pod Koziolkami is also located on Old Market Square at number 95 and has taken the symbol of Poznan, two goats butting heads, as its own. In fact its name translates to “At the Goats’ Inn.” Servers wear Polish costumes and the menu is complete with Polish favorites like pierogi and bigos. A full range of grilled meat dishes will make any carnivore happy, especially when accompanied by good Polish beer.
Favorites
Brovaria Restaurant, located in the Brovaria Hotel on the Old Town Square, is also a microbrewery, and beer takes center stage even though the food will also please the palate. Because of its popularity, reserve a table in advance during the high tourist season. A variety of dining areas means you can have your food and drink wherever it suits your mood.Hugo is a little out of the way on ul. Wojskowa, but many diners report having a fabulous experience at this restaurant of minimalist lines and artful presentation. The menu changes often but includes expertly prepared fish dishes, fresh vegetable sides and salads, and succulent cuts of meat drizzled in complementary sauces.
