happa to mame — Restaurant in Warsaw

I wanted to like this place, but honestly the experience was frustrating.

First off, the line. I waited over 30 minutes outside, which felt unnecessary, it really seems like the queue is there to create hype rather than being practical. The owner has replied to reviews saying the outside queue is necessary because otherwise staff don’t have enough space to deliver drinks safely, even mentioning that servers have tripped before when the line was inside. But honestly, to me that just highlights how poorly the layout is designed and lack of planning on their part. Customers could still queue inside in a way that doesn’t block staff it just seems like something that could be fixed with better planning rather than forcing people to wait half an hour outside.

I had originally gone for the strawberry matcha, but it turned out to be discounted because it’s a seasonal drink, fair enough, but I wish they’d make this clear somewhere. After waiting that long, I didn’t want to leave empty-handed, so I went with something else which ended up being sold out so I ordered another drink. It would help a lot if they at least had a menu stand outside so customers know what’s available before spending an extended period of time in line. The owner insists the menu is always up-to-date on Instagram and that they share sold out items however this wasn’t the case.

As for the drinks, the matcha I did get was fine but honestly nothing special, not bad but nothing I’d come back for.

The interior design was also something to note, I can see they were going for a traditional Japanese-inspired look, but it just comes across as dark, barren, and unfinished. I can see the appeal but not really my taste.

Service in-store was okay, not great but what really leaves a bad impression is how the owner responds to criticism online. The replies to negative reviews are defensive and sometimes downright rude (I added pictures so you can judge for yourself). For me, that’s the biggest red flag.

All in all: long wait, underwhelming drinks, and a poor attitude towards customers. With so many great matcha spots around I can’t...

Stepping into Happa to Mame feels like entering a peaceful Japanese corner in the heart of Warsaw. The minimalist, tasteful interior design creates a calm and welcoming atmosphere — a perfect backdrop to an exceptional culinary experience.

The matcha here is, without exaggeration, one of the best I’ve ever had — rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced. We also tried the hojicha, and it was equally impressive: deep, aromatic, and expertly prepared.

The mochis were a highlight — incredibly fresh, with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. We sampled all the current flavors. While the strawberry mochi was visually appealing, the fruit lacked the sweet aroma and flavor one might expect — likely due to the quality of local produce. Still, all in all, the mochis are highly recommended.

Another delightful surprise was the pancake served with matcha ice cream and red bean paste — a comforting and beautifully plated dessert that brought together sweet, earthy, and creamy notes in perfect harmony.

Overall, Happa to Mame is a place of quiet elegance, thoughtful detail, and superb quality. A must-visit for lovers of authentic Japanese...

I had a great experience at the Poznań location and was excited for the Warsaw location to open. I have now visited it four times, but have had to wait in line for 20-30 minutes on average during my visits.

The matcha latte is decent, but the matcha flavor is not very prominent and it tastes mostly like milk. I would prefer a stronger matcha taste, but I can understand that a milder flavor may appeal to a wider audience.

The ceremonial matcha was good. The food is delicious when it is available. My favorite items on the menu are the pear mochi and the ginger space latte.

The interior design of the location is unique, with a look that reminds me of a prison or an unfinished house, which I find intriguing. I would appreciate more seating options.

However, the long wait times and what seems like a lack of willingness to improve and a negative attitude towards reviewers have led me to give this location two stars. If these issues were addressed, I would gladly update my review and give it a...