Kuchnia i Wino

Kuchnia i Wino (literally, 'kitchen and wine') is one of those places that doesn't need to shout, simply because its customers do it for them already. Situated at 13 Jozefa Street, a step away from Plac Nowy in the Jewish district, Kuchnia i Wino's recipe for success comes down to two simple ingredients: good food and good wine; although you could probably add friendly, informal and unobtrusive service into the mix as well.

Generally Mediterranean in flavour, the menu shows a light and sure touch. A house speciality is homemade ravioli, available filled with either spinach or forest mushrooms. From Wednesday through to Saturday they serve fresh fish and seafood. Main dishes include pork tenderloin with truffle sauce, lamb sirloin with fresh mint and duck breast in cranberry sauce. A selection of salads and pastas round off a tasty but not over-long menu, and the wine list is well chosen to complement the variety of dishes on offer.

Many places like to claim a special advantage when it comes to the quality of their kitchen, but Kuchnia i Wino has a bona fide credential in its award of the 2003 prizes from the Polish edition of Newsweek magazine for 'Best service' and 'Best kitchen'.

The compact restaurant has an appealing Tuscan-style décor, with a sky-blue ceiling giving a light, summery feel. Service is laidback and unpretentious - no uniforms for the staff here - and the restaurant is deservedly popular. For this reason it is probably well worth making a reservation if you wish to dine there at typically busy times.