Join us as we drive through Poland and explore five standout cafés showcasing the country’s vibrant specialty-coffee culture.
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Photos by Vasileia Fanarioti
As a self-proclaimed specialty-coffee enthusiast, there’s nothing I enjoy more than hitting the road in search of specialty coffee. Recently, I embarked on a road trip across Poland, determined to uncover the hidden gems nestled in the country’s lively café culture.
Every stop along the way was carefully selected, ensuring I experienced not only the rich flavors of expertly brewed coffee but also the unique atmospheres of each café. Here’s a recap of five standout spots I discovered on my journey.
Kawa
My first stop on my journey was Kawa, a charming café just a mere two-minute drive from Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory Museum in the Zablocie area. The moment I walked in, I was captivated by Kawa’s Japanese-inspired design, which provided a tranquil atmosphere perfect for savoring a great cup of coffee.
The friendly baristas were incredibly knowledgeable and suggested a memorable Ethiopian brew. Kawa also boasts an impressive selection of specialty coffee from renowned roasters around the world, along with an array of Taiwanese teas to explore.
But the experience didn’t stop with just the drinks: I was pleasantly surprised by the unique Japanese sandstone drinkware used to serve the coffee, adding an artistic touch to the flavorful brews.
Megiddo
Next on my adventure was Megiddo, a specialty café and kosher bakery nestled in the heart of Kazimierz. The interior was stylish and exuded a cozy vibe. When ordering, I opted for a Flat Brûlée, a fantastic combination of espresso, vanilla-infused cream, and caramelized powdered sugar: a rich and indulgent treat.
My friend tried the Rimonim Mokka, a drink featuring espresso combined with chocolate pomegranate ganache and freeze-dried raspberries, bringing a unique fruity twist to the classic mocha. The friendly staff made the experience all the more enjoyable as they guided me through the interesting menu, ensuring I didn’t miss out on the café’s standout offerings.
I also couldn’t resist picking up a bag of coffee to take home, which was recommended by the barista as her personal favorite.
Zaczyn
My next destination was Zaczyn, a Krakow-based bakery and breakfast haven dedicated to quality sourdough and plant-based dishes. Upon entering, I was struck by the commitment to freshness; everything is prepared on-site using wholemeal flours milled from grains sourced from small farms. The offerings at Zaczyn include freshly baked baguettes and sweet rolls, all crafted with seasonal ingredients.
I decided to try their raspberry and almond danish along with a flat white brewed with espresso from local roastery HAYB Coffee. The coffee was superb, with rich, balanced flavors and a smooth finish. The lively buzz from the shop’s kitchen added to the inviting atmosphere, and I felt right at home among the café’s earthy tones and friendly staff. Although I didn’t sample their savory dishes, the vibrant presentations of the meals surrounding me promised they would be worth another visit.
Proper
I continued my coffee expedition at Proper, a cozy café in Katowice, brought to life by Polish roasters by the same name from Bielsko-Biala. Located on Staromiejska, this small yet stylish venue offered a unique selection of beans roasted at their facility. As soon as I walked in, the plethora of potted monstera and strelitzia plants made it feel like a lush oasis and set the stage for an enjoyable coffee experience.
I settled on their filter Colombia from the Los Nogales farm, a unique coffee processed using a combination of yeast fermentation and thermal shock, which I was trying for the first time. It was a delightful surprise to stumble upon this coffee, especially since I had met the producer a few months prior. This brew was truly one of the most unique and memorable coffees I’ve ever experienced.
Kafej
My journey through Poland also took me to Kafej, a vibrant café located in the heart of Katowice, right next to iconic landmarks like Spodek and Superjednostka. With its colorful neon sign advertising Chemex brewing, the coffee shop was hard to miss. The café’s layout, featuring both cozy seating arrangements and a charming upstairs area, gave it a lively yet relaxed ambiance—a perfect spot for enjoying a casual coffee with friends or a leisurely breakfast.
In addition to the exceptional coffee drinks made with their pastel pink Victoria Arduino Black Eagle espresso machine, I was intrigued by Kafej’s menu, which included delicious homemade sweets and innovative cocktails. I started my visit with a double espresso, but couldn’t resist trying their Lumberjack bagel as well, a mouthwatering combination of smashed beef, deep-fried edam cheese, Kafej’s homemade sauce, crispy fried onion, and Romaine lettuce.
Other Worthy Mentions
In closing, I want to highlight two more shops that enrich Poland’s vibrant coffee culture: La Mano and Serwis Cafe & Pub. La Mano in Zakopane stands out as the first specialty-coffee shop in the area, providing a cozy atmosphere where patrons can enjoy expertly brewed coffee, a selection of teas, and delightful sweets, all served by friendly baristas.
Meanwhile, Serwis Cafe & Pub in Katowice offers a unique experience with its specialty coffee, Neapolitan pizza, and an impressive array of local craft beers, making it a standout venue in the city. As my road trip across Poland came to an end, I couldn’t help but reflect on the vibrant specialty-coffee culture that permeates the country. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, there’s never been a better time to immerse yourself in Poland’s ever-evolving café landscape.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior online correspondent for Barista Magazine and a freelance copywriter and editor with a primary focus on the coffee niche. She has also been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, providing content to help educate people about baristas and their work.
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