The prelude to the selection of the best restaurants was selection of the cities to be scouted; ultimately, Kraków, Poznań and Warsaw were chosen. Then, as per the agreement between the Michelin Guide and the Polish Tourist Organization, inspectors went into the field, giving the entire gastronomic industry in Poland’s largest cities a chance to serve up their best and be included in the elite group of restaurants judged to provide the highest culinary experience. The final stage is the summary of findings and bestowing of awards – Michelin Stars and Bib Gourmand designations – to the country’s top restaurants.

“I would like to congratulate the restaurants noticed and distinguished by the Michelin Guide, which have thereby become Poland’s gastronomic ambassadors. This is a unique moment for Poland’s brand and its expansion, as well as for the development of culinary tourism on the international market. I believe that these restaurants and chefs will show guests who seek authentic and sophisticated culinary experiences the best of Polish hospitality. Their accomplishments also set the bar for the domestic gastronomic scene. It’s worth noting that, apart from Poland’s largest cities, a small town with rich culinary traditions in the Podhale region – Kościelisko – has found recognition,” said Andrzej Gut Mostowy, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Sport and Tourism and the Prime Minister’s plenipotentiary for promotion of Poland’s brand.

The Michelin Guide has been on the market since 1900 and is considered the most important culinary guide in the world. It is number one both in terms of sales, history and reputation. The latest edition of the Guide covers 62 regions and cities, 30 of which are located in Europe.

“June 19, 2023, is a momentous date for restaurateurs in three cities – Warsaw, Kraków and Poznań. It’s a breakthrough moment in the history of Polish gastronomy. The Michelin 2023 Guide has confirmed Poland's membership in the group of countries that care about the heritage of European gastronomic culture. I congratulate all the restaurateurs who were distinguished, and I would like to particularly applaud the debutants in the global Michelin family and the "stars" of Polish gastronomy. Belonging to the Michelin family entails prestige, but also the annual obligation to verify the chef's culinary excellence. It’s also a great opportunity to exchange experiences via participation in international projects addressed only to restaurants that have been distinguished,” said Maciej Dobrzyniecki, president of the Polish Academy of Gastronomy and the Michelin Guide’s exclusive partner in Poland.

The Red Guide is based on an extensive system of symbols describing each restaurant. Next to restaurants awarded a star(s) is an additional list of three of the establishment’s culinary specialties. Michelin uses anonymous inspections to create its guides. It does not collect a listing fee, but it claims the right to visit each listed restaurant once every 18 months on average to update its rating.

“Today we are starting a whole new chapter in Polish gastronomic tourism. The Michelin Guide brand and the recommendations it contains are an invaluable magnet attracting food lovers not only from Europe, but also from around the world. The Polish Tourist Organization’s initiation of cooperation with the Guide has hugely strengthened our promotional activities; in the field of food tourism, it’s our crowning achievement. The domestic culinary scene is one of the leitmotifs of the campaigns we have been running. The combination of unforgettable tourist and taste experiences, it’s safe to say, is a superb combination,” said Rafał Szmytke, president of the Polish Tourist Organization.

The Polish Tourist Organization’s cooperation with the Michelin Guide will yield a number of benefits. Expansion of infrastructure and transport, promotion of regional culinary traditions and the local food market, attracting investors in the hospitality industry, improving the quality of services, increasing the prestige of Polish cities around the world and the interest of foreign tourists – these are just some of the expected effects.

The inclusion of Warsaw, Kraków and Poznań in the promotion of an international publication is also an opportunity to professionally develop catering personnel, who – due to the need to stay abreast with current trends and satisfy guests and inspectors demanding superior flavor experiences – will have to constantly expand their knowledge and improve their skills.

Polish restaurants distinguished by the Michelin Guide:

Two stars: Bottiglieria 1881 (Kraków)

One star: Muga (Poznań), NUTA (Warsaw)

Bib Gourmand:

• Warsaw: alewino, Kieliszki na Próżnej, Koneser Grill, Le Braci
• Poznań: Fromażeria, TU.REStAURANT
• Kraków: MOLÁM

Recommendations:

• Warsaw: Bez Gwiazdek, Butchery & Wine, Concept 13, Dyletanci, elixir by Dom Wódki, Epoka, Europejski Grill, Fiorentina, Hub.praga, Kontakt, Muzealna, Nobu Warsaw, Nolita, NOTA_RESTO by Tomasz Leśniak, Rozbrat 20, Szóstka
• Poznań: 62 Bar & Restaurant, A nóż widelec, Delicja, NOOKS, Papavero, SPOT., The Time, Zen On
• Kraków: Albertina, Amarylis, Artesse, Copernicus, Farina, Filipa 18, Hana Sushi, Karakter, Kogel Mogel, Pod Nosem, Pod Różą, Szara, ZaKładka, Zazie
• Kościelisko: Giewont