Browary Warszawskie (Warsaw Breweries) is one of the capital’s most exciting urban renewal achievements — a city within a city, that’s active and bursting with life all year round.
The 4.5-hectare area in the heart of Wola that was once a forgotten industrial plot, has been transformed into a fashionable and trendsetting quarter of the city. Now, it’s perfect for living, working and spending your free time amid its vibrant microcosm of culture, gastronomy and nightlife!
And the list of things to do here — from events like live music and yoga classes, to cuisines from around the world and an incredible selection of craft beers and cocktails, to a stunning outdoor garden (accented by 17-meter-high painted steps and lush plants in the summer)– is endless.
Food, Drink and Fun!
Enter Browary Warszawskie’s campus and you’ll be hit with a host of delightful smells, from fresh-baked bread to warm roasted coffee, to the sweet smell of pastries and the savory scent of cooking meat. That’s because this spot offers food and drink from around northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and east Asia. In fact, nearly 40 of the best cafes, restaurants and dining concepts can be found in and around Browary Warszawskie, drawing in local residents office workers and tourists from all over the city.
At the apex is Food Hall Browary - a casual indoor food market with 15 contemporary food concepts from around the world plus the Central Bar for drinks, the ideal spot for an evening out with friends without the diplomacy of choosing a restaurant.
Meandering through the stalls of the food hall!
Next door - at the very heart of the complex’s historical legacy and modern revival - Browar Warszawski (The Warsaw Brewery) offers a super batch of 19 varieties of craft beer brewed in plain view, including the legendary Grodziskie and Porter from the early days of the brewery. Plus, a full card of food, from juicy pork knuckle to fresh seafood - again, perfect for big groups. We’re a big fan of this brewery for a simple reason – it’s a connection to the past. The former brewery from the early 20th century whose operations were interrupted nearly 100 years ago, is once again alive and well!
In fact, you can see for yourself how thriving this brewery is with tours that are organized regularly – just contact the brewery for more!
Hungry folks may actually be on the lookout for somewhere to catch the game on the big screen, in which case their destination should be the 'fan zone' NINE’s Restaurant & Sports Bar. Named after the player number of Polish footballer and co-owner, Robert Lewandowski, the restaurant section of this establishment has an international menu developed around the Polish captain’s proclivity for a healthy lifestyle, which may be a key word for more serious diners.
Executive Lounge perfectly balances class with a sophisticated menu of cocktails, and tapas, whilst making itself an incredibly attractive option for private events. Additionally, Baila Show & Dining delivers an exclusive ‘dinner and a show’ in the form of delicious Latin American dishes with eye-catching entertainment! A hop, skip and jump through the rest of the Browary lineup reveals more of the diverse smorgasbord and quality of what’s on offer here.
We recommend starting with a visit to Wyraj, the authentic Slavic food restaurant that’s one of Browary’s shining stars. So shining in fact, that it was recognized by the Michelin Guide, which awarded it the coveted BIB Gourmand distinction. And it makes sense why: this restaurant is a foodie’s dream, drawing on culinary traditions of ancient Poland, and basing its menu on the traditional seven seasons of the Slavic calendar.
But of course, that’s not all. Head over for some fresh dishes at Mediterranean places like Mykonos (Greek dishes done exquisitely), Sobremesa Tapas Bar (Spanish tapas that will delight and leave you wanting more), Munja ( offering Balkan food to warm the belly) and amazing Olivos (with all of its authentic Greek flair). Plus Bombaj Masala Wola (Indian food that’s seriously out of this world) is a must. In addition to proper meals, there are several gourmet delicatessens, bakeries, cafes and sweet shops, namely: Crazy Butcher, Piccola Italia deli, Good Lood ice cream (the best in PL). Or, for the fish lovers, swing by Czarnomorka, a delightful fish market serving up the largest selection oysters in the city, or Prosushi, which offers light and delectable sushi in an elegant space. Meanwhile Dobro & Dobro and Vita Cafe serves up some incredible coffee (with delicate sandwiches and sweets, while Deseo Patisserie & Chocolaterie, and the excellent Bakery Browary Warszawskie offer artisanal bread and amazing pastries (that’s a ‘proper meal’ to us). Don’t skip on incredible fresh bread from BAKEN either!
Perhaps the coolest thing about Browary’s bounty of gastronomy points is not just their relative proximity to each other, but the way they often work as a cooperative. Since the complex first opened, gastro tenants here have regularly participated in special projects and promotions ranging from themed menus and culinary competitions to food festivals and other collective events that bring them together in the neighborhood’s shared spaces!
A Beautiful, Artistic Space
Of course, the food is bound to impress. But there are other elements to this space that will also surprise and delight – and make you glad to have a phone camera on hand. Namely, we’re talking about the atmosphere of the space itself. With tons of little courtyards and public spaces throughout the brick-lined space, Browary Warszawskie effortlessly blends the contemporary architecture on the interior with a fresh and vibrant exterior.
One of the shining lights of the exterior space is easily the 17-meter-high stairs that lead down to one of Browary’s courtyards – Leżakownia Square. The steps are bright and colorful—painted with a lively mural that serves as the perfect photo backdrop at any time of year. In the summer, find flower garlands and lush green plants all throughout the space. Take note (and a photo) of the stylish neon sign that welcomes visitors to the Browary Warszawskie grounds.
While the blend of modernity, nature and historic architecture is sure to impress (and definitely sure to provide incredible photo ops), it’s also highly functional. Over the restaurants, bars and courtyards sit ample office and residential space, meaning that local residents and office workers can mingle with visitors as they travel, eat and explore through Browary Warszawskie. It’s the epitome of what a public urban space should be: bringing people from all over the city together.
Constant Fun at Browary!
The one-off gastro events and informal dining space that is shared is just the tip of the iceberg, as Browary is continuing to keep things super cool with attractions and activities for kids, teens, parents, and seniors, all seven days of the week. In the summer, of course you’ll find tons of options from live food to interactive events, DJs, comedy sets and more.
But Browary is one of those unique places that doesn’t just stop with summer happenings. In fact, they have year-round activities and things to do beyond their excellent food and drink options. That includes a fitness club, hair salon and shops!
In the winter months, when it’s a little chilly to sit outside, you can still check out the beautiful winter decorations, which make the whole space even more atmospheric. It's perfect for a winter holiday walk, and excellent as a backdrop for some holiday photos.
For sports fans, Nines has you covered with a major super bowl party every year featuring tons of screens to watch the game, cold drinks and lip-smacking snacks! A true super bowl party for the ages.
There are plenty more things to check out this season on their website and Facebook page – and keep them in mind for the warmer months, too, as you’ll find all kinds of live outdoor events hosted here.
A Breath of New Life
As you meander through Browary and check out the food, architecture, and events that we’ve already mentioned, it’s also fun to reflect on the history of the space. Formerly the site of the Haberbusch & Schiele Brewery, Browary Warszawskie spent years as a neglected industrial site. The former brewery itself was established in 1846 as the largest brewery in Poland and one of the most prominent around Europe. But after World War II devastated the city – and the brewery with it – the owners turned to producing Coca-cola instead. But don’t worry – the brewery eventually returned in full force in the 21st century. Now they still brew some of the best beer in the city, maintaining their brewery roots!
However after decades of communism in the 20th century, the space fell into neglect. That is until 2017 when Echo Investment, with a team of architects, looked at ways to revitalize the space. Over the course of seven years they turned it into a bustling hub within the capital city – albeit without losing its history. Today parts of the former brewery – the Malthouse Lab and the 170-year-old cellars – still exist here, giving it both a modern and vintage charm.
The space is heralded as one of the best examples of urban revitalization in the city (and beyond). In recent years, the Echo Investment Group has received, among others, the title of best urban revitalization in the world at the MAPIC Awards 2022; the GRAND PRIX and the title of best public space as part of the Architectural Award of the Mayor of Warsaw (2022). Among other awards, they’ve also received a nomination for the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Awards 2024
Browary Warszawskie is more than just the beating heart of Wola – it’s one of Warsaw’s best hubs for food, entertainment, architecture and things to do. Seriously this one is a do-not-miss!
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