In the fourth entry of
Travel
Hot Takes
, Patrycja Zaras contends that the
Polish
the city where she was born places
Venice
takes the local cuisine entirely out of the running.
Is there anything more universally adored than Italian food? It’s akin to receiving a warm embrace from an old acquaintance: cozy, reassuring, and crafted with affection.
I was let down, therefore, to discover nothing akin to it in Venice.
Italy
It’s an airborne metropolis and one of its most sought-after vacation spots.
Certainly not for your typical everyday person. I’m positive the
Angelina Jolies
and
George Clooneys
People around the globe would have differing opinions when they arrive in town.
annual Film Festival
Venice has 62 restaurants with Michelin stars.
However, as a budget traveler such as myself, who has visited the City of Masks numerous times, the cuisine has consistently failed to leave a favorable impression.
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.
I’ve
travelled to Italy
Many times over recent years, and now I anticipate dishes that always make you realize, no matter how often you attempt to replicate them at home, they will never be quite the same.
However, ranging from pasta to tiramisu, and even the most exquisite of all Italian treats, arancini, Venice continues to disappoint me.
More than once, when I was served pizza that was thin, dull, and lacking flavor, I have to confess, I grabbed for the salt.
In Venice, waiters have brought me meals as dreary as damp paper towels, dismal dishes that I would readily take even from 24-hour kebab shops. Yet at moderately priced eateries charging premium costs?
Per favore, Venezia
.
And that’s without even mentioning complaints about
coperto
, the infamous cover charge that could see €20 or more added to your bill just for the privilege of sitting in places like St Mark’s Square.
I’m certain secret treasures lie around here—after all, we’re talking about Italy—but these little wonders seem to be experts at staying out of sight.
This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t visit Venice – it’s a magnificent city and a true architectural masterpiece.
On TikTok, dozens of videos are devoted to helping visitors avoid tourist traps. There are tips for under-the-radar gelato shops, and hole-in-the-wall cannoli spots that won’t require you to remortgage your flat.
However, the options remain limited. Still, don’t anticipate exceptional cuisine when traveling with a tight budget.
If that’s what you’re looking for, then consider this suggestion which could be unexpected:
Warsaw
the location where I came into this world.
As subdued and modest as large cities can be, Warsaw, the Polish capital, has been gradually ascending the culinary ladder over the last ten years.
Not long ago, planning a culinary journey to Poland might have elicited puzzled looks. However, nowadays, it’s being hailed as one of Eastern Europe’s most dynamic gastronomic destinations by respected critics.
The FT
,
Forbes
, and
The Guardian
.
I can attest after living there for 19 years that Warsaw’s food scene offers a plethora of unexpected delights, ranging from Japanese cuisine to Middle Eastern dishes and innovative vegan options.
Don’t fancy much meat? The city frequently shows up in worldwide lists of places welcoming to vegans. In my opinion, one of the best spots for an affordable vegetarian meal is Peaches, which is quite fashionable.
Their menu varies frequently, however, one constant offering is the grilled oyster mushrooms coated with muscovado sugar. This dish is luxuriously rich, distinctly smoky, and perfectly caramelized, making it hands down the finest vegan meal I have ever tasted throughout my extensive dining experiences.
Yet another must-visit spot is Joel. Each dish, whether it’s their light-as-air hummus, perfectly roasted cauliflower, tender slow-cooked lamb, or velvety labneh, is prepared and served with impeccable attention to detail.
The entire experience takes place in a candlelit, atmospheric setting that sets the stage for an unforgettable dinner. Here are some additional ‘for locals only’ suggestions below:
Where can one dine in Warsaw?
Joel Sharing Concept
— this place keeps drawing me back. At Joel, they put a contemporary spin on Middle Eastern dishes, served up with a stylish shared-meal approach. This restaurant was conceived as their dream venture, and each plate clearly reflects the founders’ dedication. No matter whether you opt for vegetarian options or choose something with meat, these flavors will linger in your memory for days.
Peaches
— They refer to themselves as ‘the best vegan cuisine in Warsaw’ for good reason. A single visit will make you question all your previous assumptions about vegan cooking. The most adamant skeptic will be convinced. Their approach to fruits and vegetables seems almost enchanting.
Vegan Ramen Shop
— a legendary spot on Warsaw’s culinary scene. If you ask someone under 30 in Poland about dining options in the capital, this establishment will probably be their top recommendation. Its reputation is nearly mythical for good reason.
Eden Bistro
– ever wanted to dine in an enchanted garden? This is your chance. Tucked away in the posh Saska Kępa district, Eden is part garden, part 1928 modernist villa. Once an artists’ residence, now a place for slow lunches and long dinners. Ask for a table in the greenhouse and thank me later.
Happa to mame
– a Japanese café that invites you to slow down. It’s the kind of space that wraps around you with its dark interior, low tables, a quiet calm that feels like a perfect escape from the city’s chaos. Their matcha is among the best you’ll find in Warsaw.
Not convinced about Poland? Check out these Italian options as an alternative instead.
If you’re similar to Kerri Kenney-Silver’s character in
The Four Seasons
And if you’re not keen on visiting Poland, there’s an alternative choice available:
Puglia
.
This underexplored part of Italy provides much superior cuisine at significantly lower costs.
Its biggest city, Bari, is both charming and full of fantastic restaurants – and flights from the UK start from just £48 return.
An alternative choice merely an hour away from Venice is also available.
Bassano del Grappa
, which maintains all the appeal without the crowds and inflated prices.
Clarissa Cappelletti, international country manager at
WeRoad
, says it’s an excellent choice for travellers looking for something beyond Italy’s mainstream tourist hubs.
‘Bassano del Grappa is a charming and underrated destination,’ she tells
. ‘It’s particularly appealing for those on a road trip, as it sits conveniently between major cities like Venice and Padua while offering a quieter, more authentic experience.’
So how about we give Venice a break and let it breathe a bit? Even its mayor is asking us to.
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