GRANO DURO — Restaurant in Warsaw

If you think you’ve tasted great Italian pasta in Rome, think again—because Grano Duro in Warsaw redefines what handmade pasta can be. Tucked away in the charming Powiśle district, this intimate four-table restaurant is a sanctuary for true lovers of Italian cuisine. It’s not just a meal—it’s a culinary ritual. From the moment you walk in, the warm ambiance and minimalist decor set the tone for a refined yet cozy experience. The menu changes weekly, reflecting the chef’s commitment to seasonal ingredients and creative expression. But the real magic lies in the pasta: made fresh daily, each dish is a testament to the slow food philosophy. The carbonara, featuring crispy guanciale and a perfectly creamy sauce, is a masterclass in balance and depth. Their ravioli, often filled with unexpected combinations like roasted pumpkin and sage or smoked ricotta and lemon zest, are delicate, aromatic, and unforgettable. What sets Grano Duro apart is its fearless innovation. These are flavors and textures you won’t find in Rome’s traditional trattorias—this is Warsaw’s own interpretation of Italian soul food, elevated and reimagined. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options that pair beautifully with the dishes. Desserts? Divine. Save room for the cannoli or the silky panna cotta with seasonal fruit compote. Service is personal and attentive, making you feel like a guest in someone’s home rather than a customer. Grano Duro is not just one of the best Italian restaurants in Warsaw—it’s one of the most original. If you’re seeking handmade pasta that surprises and delights, this is your...

Easily the best Italian restaurant in Warsaw (perhaps even in the whole Central Eastern Europe) and hands down number one pasta place in the city - simply impeccable, if you’re looking for authentic Italian taste, products and a legitimate passion for slow food, there’s no place like Grano Duro. Pasta is spectacular and on par with the best restaurants in Italy - hand made, fresh, always cooked to perfection. Service is exquisite too, Daniele loves to serve highest quality food and is a charming owner, chats with him only add to an experience. Great selection of wines too, desserts are to die for. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find a table - just book in advance and don’t act like a spoiled child (I’ve seen it too many times) when you don’t get to seat - this is a slow food restaurant so please respect they don’t try to flip 30 tables at once, but rather 3. Mesmerizing restaurant and again arguably the best pasta offer in Poland. Appreciate such places, there’s very...

GD has been on our list for a while, and tonight we finally made it happen.

The good: Service was excellent—our server was pleasant, kind, and attentive.

The not-so-great: The asparagus pasta featured perfectly cooked, homemade noodles, but the asparagus itself was a letdown—watery, slimy, and reminiscent of something canned. It lacked brightness and flavor. The asparagus bruschetta appetizer was fine, but far from memorable. The bread was over-toasted and lacked any presentation value. And like the asparagus pasta, it took what — especially at this time of year — should be a bright, crisp and vibrant vegetable and turned it into a slimy, flavorless, and dull topping. The pasta carbonara was very good, but again, not particularly special or standout.

In a city with a plethora of fantastic restaurants, GD needs to elevate their game if they want to...