Krakow – Poland

So, after spending the past eight months on the sunny shores of Thailand, we decided to pop back to Europe in search of new adventures and more importantly culinary delights.

This leg of our journey has brought us to Krakow in Poland. It would seem that Poland and in particular Krakow is a city that has been revolutionising cuisine and the way people think about food. This city has recently gained the accolade of Capital of Gastronomic culture 2019.

There are stunning restaurants and beautiful food all over the world but jumping into a scene that is moving at this rate and evolving in this way is far more interesting as opposed to an established niche. We have been fortunate enough to work with the MSHG group that owns 11 highly prestigious restaurants based slap bang in the middle of Krakow, each and every restaurant has their own accolades and achievements.

Throughout this blog we will be visiting each of the restaurants and gaining an insight as to how this food movement is shaping the way of the future when it comes to the food scene in Krakow. Don’t forget to check out our Instagram page @koiartisan to see what delicious food we were treated to from the fantastic chefs behind the scenes!

Kogel Mogel – Located a few steps away from the famous main square, Kogel Mogel is

taking traditional polish fine dining to new levels. Featured in the Gault & Millau guide as well as the Michelin Guide. Be sure to try the Duck or Goose.

Fiorentina – Winner of the prestigious Gastronomic Academy Award during the “Wine & Food Noble Night” gala. Fiorentina offers an ever changing menu depending on the best local produce that’s available. They are particularly well known for their signature beef over charcoal grill. Head Chef, Robert Koczwara and team, will certainly satisfy your taste buds!

La Grande Mamma– An authentic taste of Italy, situated in a beautiful setting with a large open kitchen. Head Chef, Robert Koczwara, not only creates the menu but guarantees the highest quality and most authentic food and flavours in each dish. They hold a great selection of wines that pair perfectly with the food. The roasted pork Tenderloin was simply divine.

Boscaiola– Situated just off main square this authenitc Itallian Pizzeria uses fresh ingredients and serves traditional thin crust pizzas as well as an array of seafood and pasta. We opted for the beef Tenderloin served with a sweet red wine sauce- the presentation, service and interior met and exceeded all expectations.

Szara Ges – Situated in a 14th century building right on the main square, the location of this restaurant is simply stunning. Szara Ges- (translated to Grey Goose) offers the best of Polish fine dining and showcases the best of regional produce. This restaurant has such accolades such as “Wine & Food Noble Night winner” and being a member of the European Academy of Gastronomy. The wine and Whiskey selection is the best we have seen in Krakow.

Bianca – Based on the main square this restaurant boasts the finest, freshest most authentic Italian ingredients. With the open kitchen, the chefs rustle up everything from scratch daily. The outside seating area is the perfect location to sit back, relax, watch the world go by and enjoy the delicious Insalata Con Formaggi Di Capra.

The Spaghetti – Based again on the main square, this stylish restaurant is based underground and specialises in, that’s right you guessed it, Spaghetti. However, there is some serious refinement within this establishment. The Spaghetti Con Verdure served up by Konrad Rutkowski is the best pasta we have tried in Poland.

La Campana – A step through the arches on the oldest street in Krakow will lead you into the most stunning Italian style alfresco garden in Krakow. Here you will simply fall in love with the surroundings, ambience and Chef Kamil Jelen’s food. With live music in the evenings from Wednesday -this restaurant could easily be mistaken for somewhere in Italy. Visit it. You must!

Boccanera – Voted in the top eight most beautiful restaurants in Krakow, upon arrival you can immediately see why. The brunch menu, in particular, the Shakshouka is the perfect start to any day. The friendly and helpful staff will make your visit one to remember.

Wesele – The most refined and traditional Polish cuisine we have come across. Based on the main square where a seat by the window will put you right in the middle of the action. Head chef Andrzei Bruzda will certainly impress. The Polish Sheep’s Cheese with Cranberry jelly was outstanding.

The food scene in Krakow is evolving at a rate we’ve yet to witness anywhere else, playing host to ambitious and exciting chefs with a flair for the modern but a love of the traditional. Just by visiting this small selection of restaurants, we have learned so much about how this scene in Poland, and how diners see their food, is changing. KOI ARTISAN would like to say a big thank you to MSHG group who took us under their wing and played host to us by allowing us to go behind the scenes and meet some of the men and women who are driving the change in this culinary movement.