Hewelke Restauracja i Piekarnia — Restaurant in Gdansk

This was our third visit (10 August) to the restaurant. The first visit impressed us particularly and the ‘bib gourmand’ award by Michelin was well deserved. Our second visit was spoiled by poor service. So we booked and went a third time to find out which Hewelka was the real one.

On arrival we were told that the starter (we ordered soup and duck carpaccio) would take up to 30 minutes. OK and we added drinks including water. Then, nothing happened.

After 40 minutes we had to seek out one of the waiting staff just to bring us the water. This then arrived reasonably promptly but with no apology. Further requests had to be made for the rest of our drinks (a beer and a cocktail). It must have been clear to the restaurant that our actions came out of frustration but no one even acknowledged this.

After nearly an hour, the starters arrived. Again with no apology for the delay.

We prepared ourselves for a further wait for the main dishes and a further cocktail was ordered, the Jupiter. It arrived - again reasonably promptly- but bore little resemblance to the picture in the restaurant guide. It tasted nice but, the culinary experience also comprises presentation and service both of which were lacking.

The main dishes were a take on pekin duck. Whilst the duck was tasty, the accompanying pancakes had clearly waited too long for service and were dry and virtually inedible. This was pointed out and received by staff in silence.

By this time we had been served by four different members of the waiting staff, making it impossible to build any sort of rapport with the restaurant.

We declined dessert.

Are we picky? Are we unreasonable? An award from Michelin brings expectations. The restaurant didn’t look busy (about a third full?) but of course we do not know the capabilities of the kitchen. However, the Michelin Guide puts it like this:

‘Good restaurants know that being busy is no excuse for poor service. Actually, we as inspectors tend to have our best meals and the best service when restaurants are busy because then the restaurant has a certain energy and everyone only has time to focus on their immediate job.’

That didn’t happen.

Finally, when we left, all the waiting staff appeared to be standing by the bar with their backs turned to the customers. Another reference to the Michelin Guide sums up our feelings:

‘A good restaurant understands that there’s nothing more dispiriting than a customer paying their bill and then walking the length of the restaurant on their way out without a single member of staff acknowledging that they’re leaving and have just parted with a fair slice of their hard-earned lolly (money ). We all liked to be thanked for our custom; to feel that the establishment or business is grateful that we chose them over one of their...

If you're looking for a restaurant that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you with an unforgettable dining experience, look no further than Hewelke in Gdańsk! This restaurant is truly a gem that stands out from the crowd with its exceptional food and top-notch service.

From the moment you walk through the door, you'll be greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The decor is stylish and elegant, and the staff are friendly and attentive. They truly go above and beyond to make sure you have a wonderful dining experience.

Now let's talk about the food - it's simply divine! The menu features a variety of dishes that showcase the best of Polish cuisine, with a modern twist. Each dish is expertly prepared and beautifully presented. The flavors are bold and delicious, with just the right balance of seasoning and spice. The ingredients are fresh and locally sourced, which makes a noticeable difference in the taste and quality of the dishes.

The wine selection is also impressive, with a wide range of options to complement your meal. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or simply enjoy a good glass with your dinner, you won't be disappointed.

Overall, I highly recommend Hewelke restaurant in Gdańsk. It's the perfect spot for a romantic dinner, a family celebration, or a night out with friends. The food, atmosphere, and service are all top-notch, and you'll leave feeling satisfied and happy. Don't miss out on this amazing dining experience! Thanks so much Hewelke I really enjoyed our last meal...

Absolutely brilliant! The whole experience of visiting Hewelke was amazing! The restaurant itself looks great, the interior is very pleasant for the eye. The staff members are polite and know what they are serving - so you can trust their advice. :)

And the food is maaagic!

I absolutely LOVED the tomato tartare- it’s a culinary masterpiece with a lot going on - and this “a lot” goes together so well! The flavours, aromas and textures are brilliant - no wonder, Hewelke’s chefs are really top-notch.

I am normally not mad about ratatouille- yet again, the way it was prepared and seasoned - wow! :) And the cocktails they serve are fantastic! :)

My friend ordered bao buns and chips and she was also very pleased. The sauces with the chips looked simple, but the chefs, again, went extra mile to make them stand out and when it comes to details, they tasted very good - I believe the chefs sprinkled some magic into these dips! :)

Big thank you for Michał, whose service was fantastic, and the rest of the crew! :) I really enjoyed this visit and I can HIGHLY recommend Hewelke for both meat eaters and vegans. It’s a very good...