We were really excited to try some authentic Polish food at a local spot that isn’t overly touristy, and Google led us to Bar Turystyczny—thankfully, it didn’t disappoint! This place is known as a no-frills, cafeteria-style restaurant where locals go for affordable, home-cooked meals, and that’s exactly what we found.
The food was absolutely delicious. We ordered two bowls of borscht, two servings of breaded chicken, and a plate of pierogis. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and comforting—just what we were hoping for when looking for a traditional Polish experience. The borscht had a beautiful balance of sweet and earthy flavors, the breaded chicken was crispy and tender, and the pierogis were soft, filled generously, and tasted homemade.
The only downside to our visit was the language barrier. None of the staff spoke English, which made ordering a bit tricky. We had to point to the dishes we wanted, and unfortunately, there was a misunderstanding at the register. We were accidentally overcharged and ended up paying 255 złoty (around $100 CAD) for three people, which is quite a bit more than expected for a budget-friendly spot like this.
Even with that hiccup, I’d still recommend Bar Turystyczny to anyone wanting a genuine taste of Polish cuisine. Just be prepared for a bit of a challenge if you don’t speak the language, and double-check your total before paying. The food makes it worth it—it's hearty, traditional, and clearly...
Read moreAn Authentic Taste of Poland – Worth the Wait! If you're looking for an authentic Polish dining experience that truly feels like you're eating among the locals, look no further than this fantastic spot. From the moment you arrive, you'll likely notice a line, and let me tell you, the wait is absolutely worth it. The food here is simply excellent, delivering on all fronts of traditional Polish cuisine. Every dish I tried was prepared with care and packed with flavor, making for a truly memorable meal. The price-to-quality ratio is superb, offering incredible value for such high-caliber, homemade-style food. You'll leave feeling satisfied without breaking the bank. My only minor quibble came at the very end of the meal. While I was still finishing up, the woman collecting payments took my plate, and seemed to give me some stern looks for not leaving quickly. It was a bit of an abrupt end to an otherwise wonderful experience, and it would be great if guests were given a bit more time to truly savor their last bites. Despite that small point, the incredible food, local atmosphere, and excellent value make this a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Polish fare. Just be prepared to finish up promptly when...
Read moreOk, this is yet ONE MORE place I've passed by many times, thought nothing of before, and finally been in. It has taken me, I think, ten years (!?) to actually get though the door, but today was the day.
Ohh! I have just found my new favourite eatery in Gdańsk city centre.
Sorry to my previous favourite, but you raised your prices too much, and now you've been knocked off my top spot!
Welcome to you, Bar Turystyczny! Enjoy your reign as my new "Food King" of Gdańsk city centre!
If you've never been to a "bar mleczny" (milk bar) before in Poland, then they are a dying breed. This one is a rather nice modern version of the old "classic". It has all the classic Polish dishes that you'd expect at very reasonable prices considering its location and prominence. It isn't a back street place either, and there is even an upstairs part.
Forget the other overpriced tourist rubbish along the main street of Gdańsk. Come here and get fed! BIG portions too! You won't go...
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