The Blue Barbakan — Restaurant in England

Blue Barbakan is, without question, the most interesting place to eat in York.

It's situated on the former site of the Blue Bicycle on Fossgate Bridge.

So, from the very outset, this venue was always going to be iconic.

It's quirky blue doors and window panes have a continental vibe to them.

Walking past, I can't help feeling as though I'm wandering the streets of an old world capital in continental Europe.

It reminds me very much of the buildings in Brugge, from when I recently visited.

However, it's not Belgian food that's served from Blue Barbakan, but Polish.

I never paid much thought to Polish cuisine before visiting Blue Barbakan.

But now, I feel that it's one of the most underrated cuisines in Europe.

It's hearty, rich, and hits an intriguing balance of sweet and savoury.

When I visited, I tried the Bigos, which is a traditional hunter's stew.

The stew itself was teeming with vegetables, sausage, and even raisins.

It was accompanied by a rich plum sauce and was served out of a cob loaf.

I can certainly see how it would be too much food for most people.

But, as someone with an enormous appetite, I found that it hit the spot perfectly.

And whilst the Bigos was exceptional, the real star of the show was the Pierogi.

Pierogi are fried Polish dumplings containing a variety of different fillings.

At Blue Barbakan, I tried three:

One contained spinach, giving it a vivid green colour and a chewy texture.

Another contained red lentils and tomato, giving it a warm but light taste.

The final one contained potato and cheese. This was easily my favourite.

The interior of Blue Barbakan matches the quirkiness of the exterior.

There's a large round table next to a set of doors, which are opened to look out over the River Foss in summer.

Downstairs, there are tables built into small alcoves, like little booths.

And the service is very warm and friendly.

So, the next time you find yourself wandering along Fossgate, I urge you to visit Blue Barbakan.

And make sure you order...

A truly HORRIFIC experience with a rude owner and inedible food!

I’m very honest with all of my reviews and I’ve eaten authentic Polish food in Poland, so I do know that culturally their food can be super tasty. However, this food was quite literally offensive to my taste buds and it is one of the first times I’ve been unable to eat less than 10% of any meals I’ve been served in ANY restaurant and on any of my travels. I’m also a very adventurous eater and there’s very little that I won’t manage to get down, even if it doesn’t quite hit the spot, so this was a pretty big deal for me. - The icing on the cake is the utterly revolting owner who showed zero compassion or empathy towards our dissatisfaction and became aggressive and rude to the point I asked her to call the police when she refused to discount our bill at all. Now look, please understand that this wasn’t a bah humbug attempt at some free food… after all we ate less than 10% of it!!!! I even offered her £40 when she became unwilling to even listen to me and tried to hold my wife hostage in her restaurant. At this point there was simply no reasoning with her and she just kept referring to her excellent online reviews, so we were left with no other option but to stand our ground and leave on a matter of principle. Oh dear, our romantic evening in York will be remembered for all the wrong reasons as she shouted foul language down the street at us in public 🤦‍♂️. Honestly, I despair when business owners don’t have common sense and try to defuse situations.

I had the Polish perogies and an attempt at eating the stew which I failed miserably at because the 4 perogies were served in a litre of revolting acrid battery acid and the stew was bone dry and couldn’t be eaten as it contained so much salt. I have no idea how this place has such good reviews based on our experience…. it truly, truly baffles me. AVOID is my...

Nestled in the heart of the city, The Blue Barbakan offers a delightful culinary journey through the rich flavors and traditions of Polish cuisine. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with warm hospitality and an inviting ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

The menu is a testament to the diverse and hearty offerings of Polish gastronomy, featuring classic dishes like pierogi, golabki, and hearty soups like żurek. Each dish is crafted with care, using authentic recipes and the finest ingredients, ensuring an explosion of flavors with every bite.

For starters, I highly recommend trying the platter of assorted pierogi, filled with a variety of savory fillings that showcase the versatility of this beloved Polish dish. The crispy golden-brown exterior gives way to a tender, flavorful filling that leaves you craving more.

For the main course, the golabki steals the show with its tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a delicious mixture of seasoned meat and rice, topped with a tangy tomato sauce. It's comfort food at its finest, guaranteed to leave you feeling satisfied and content.

Don't forget to save room for dessert, as the selection of traditional Polish sweets is not to be missed. Indulge in a slice of sernik, a creamy and decadent cheesecake that perfectly rounds off your dining experience.

The attentive staff adds to the charm of the restaurant, providing prompt and friendly service that enhances the overall dining experience. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur of Polish cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore new flavors, Taste of Poland is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you...