Bajs, located in Warsaw’s Hala Koszyki, stands out for its cuisine, which treats Polish classics with care, and its interior, designed to create an intimate space amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a restaurant that proves that everyday life can taste exceptional – without pretension, but with great attention to detail (in both décor and flavours!). The name itself, meaning ‘bite’ in Polish dialects, perfectly captures the character of the place: here, what counts is flavour, warmth and simplicity served in a refined form.
The menu is based on dishes that many of us remember from our family homes. Slow-cooked chicken broth, herring, hand-made Silesian dumplings and creamy tomato soup form the foundation that we’re happy to return to. Alongside these are dishes that reinterpret tradition with a touch of lightness and daring – dumplings with crayfish and zander, grey noodles with smoked quark, or classics served with a modern twist. The kitchen uses produce from trusted suppliers, and at lunchtime offers a short, changing menu based on seasonal ingredients. It’s a quick lunch that maintains quality and allows for a moment’s respite in a cosy atmosphere. The experience is complemented by a selection of Polish wines and liqueurs, chosen to harmonise with the dishes and highlight their character.
History preserved in the materials
The interior design is the work of the CUDO: studio, which has created a space that is, on the one hand, calm and minimalist, and on the other, warm and cosy. The combination of concrete, ornamental glass, wood, plywood and stone creates an atmosphere of intimacy and authenticity. Ornamental glass, familiar from older flats, appears in the form of screens and bar decorations, giving them a new context. Transparent, greenish fabrics subtly delineate zones, providing a sense of privacy without closing off the space. The strongest feature is the bar finished with wooden shingles, a material usually used on roofs and façades, which takes on a completely new meaning at Bajsa.
The interior has been designed to appeal to the emotions. Warm lighting, the textures of the materials, soft transitions between zones and the absence of harsh contrasts make the restaurant a place where it is easy to linger. The original wall structure, left exposed with visible brickwork and traces of history, lends the space authenticity and emphasises its honest character. This is an interior that is neither smoothed over nor overstyled. It is well thought-out, consistent and full of personality. Examples include the bespoke furniture and chairs from a Polish manufacturer. The interior is complemented by accessories such as the lighting, which combines crystal wall sconces evoking memories of home porches and Art Deco-inspired lamps. Here, the lighting sets the mood, highlighting the textures of the materials and creating an intimacy one wouldn’t expect in a bustling, lively food hall.
Created from A to Z
An important element of the experience is also the visual identity created by HART Studio. Subtle, modern and based on simple forms, it emphasises the character of the restaurant without dominating the interior. It is a design that organises communication and gives the space a sense of cohesion – from the menu to the details present in the space.
The restaurant covers over 100 square metres and is situated right by the entrance in the central part of the square, on the Koszykowa side. The division into two rooms – the front room and a more intimate one – means you can find a spot here for a quick lunch, a quiet dinner or a birthday celebration with your loved ones. Bajs is open until late at night. Another of its attractions is the spacious outdoor seating area located on the square. It’s a great place to discover Polish flavours on warm days.
Bajs combines memory, flavour and hospitality. Both the dishes on offer and the décor show that tradition can be contemporary, light and elegant. If you’re looking for a restaurant that can surprise you whilst still feeling like home, Bajs is definitely worth a visit. It’s worth a visit – even if just for a single ‘bajs’, which will quickly leave you wanting more.
More information on the website: https://bajs.com.pl.
design: CUDO:
photos: Maciej Stacherski (whiteMAD)
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