The U Ziyada Restaurant is located in an unusual place - Przegorzaly Castle, whose history is as fascinating as it is controversial. The structure was built between 1941 and 1943, at a time when Krakow was under German occupation. The construction was initiated by Otto Wächter, the governor of the Krakow district in the General Government, who wanted a residence overlooking the conquered territories. The castle, built on Przegorzaly Hill, was to serve as a luxurious residence for high-ranking Nazi officers.

After the end of World War II, the building went through turbulent times. Initially it served various institutions, eventually becoming the headquarters of a restaurant in the 1990s. It was then that Ziyad Raoof, a Kurd of Iraqi origin who has lived in Krakow since 1993, showed up. Fascinated by the history and potential of the place, he decided to create a restaurant here that would combine elements of Polish culinary tradition with international accents.

The name 'U Ziyada' comes from the owner's first name, which gives the place a personal touch. The restaurant has quickly gained a reputation as a place where history meets modernity and traditional cuisine meets innovative culinary ideas. Ziyad Raoof, being not only a restaurateur but also a representative of the Kurdish Regional Government in Poland, has made the place a kind of bridge between cultures.

Przegorzaly Castle, despite its controversial history, is today a symbol of transformation - from a place associated with the dark period of occupation, it has become a space for the celebration of life, culture and culinary arts. The building's architecture retains its original medieval character, which adds to the restaurant's unique atmosphere. Massive stone walls, narrow gun windows and a distinctive tower create an atmosphere as if time had stopped.

It is worth mentioning a local legend associated with the castle. According to stories told by locals, secret passages and chambers are hidden in the basement of the building, which were supposed to serve as shelters or escape routes for Nazi officers. Although there is no historical evidence of this, the legend adds extra mystery to the place and is readily told to restaurant guests by the staff.

It is also interesting to note that Przegorzaly Castle is located within the Bielany-Tyniec Landscape Park, which means that the restaurant is surrounded by lush, natural vegetation. In spring and summer, the surrounding woods are filled with the scent of herbs and flowers, which further enriches the dining experience at U Ziyada.

The history of the castle and the restaurant is regularly reminded to guests through a small exhibition of historical photographs, located in one of the rooms. There you can see what the castle looked like at different periods of its history and learn about the profiles of people associated with the place. This peculiar history lesson is an additional attraction for visitors, especially for lovers of history and architecture.

The U Ziyada Restaurant is famous primarily for two things: its delicious cuisine and its breathtaking view. Together, these two elements create an experience that remains in your memory long after you leave this unique place.

The panoramic view that unfolds from the restaurant's terrace is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the Cracow area. The vast Vistula River valley, meandering river and extensive floodplains create a landscape that changes with the seasons. In spring and summer, the intense green contrasts with the blue of the sky and water, in autumn the landscape sparkles with gold and red, and in winter, when the valley is covered with snow, the view takes on a fairy-tale character. Sunsets are particularly magical, when the last rays illuminate the valley, creating a unique spectacle of light and shadow.

The restaurant's summer terrace is the place that attracts the most guests. Spacious and surrounded by a stone balustrade, it allows you to enjoy an open-air meal with a view that stretches for miles. It's the perfect place for a romantic dinner, a business meeting or a family dinner. It is worth noting that due to the popularity of the terrace, especially during the summer season, booking a table in advance is almost a necessity.

As for the cuisine, U Ziyada offers a combination of traditional Polish flavors with international accents. The menu changes seasonally, allowing the chef to use the freshest local products. Among the restaurant's specialties are game dishes, which are prepared according to traditional recipes, with seasonal fruits and vegetables. Particularly recommended are the deer loin with forest fruit sauce or roast duck with apples and cranberries.

The restaurant is also famous for its excellent soups, among which sour soup on homemade sourdough, served in bread, and cream of mushroom soup harvested in the surrounding forests, are leading the way. For fish lovers, fresh trout from local farms are prepared, served with herb butter and grilled vegetables.

Worth mentioning is the wine list, which is carefully selected to match the menu. It includes Polish wines, which have been gaining increasing recognition in recent years, as well as classic items from France, Italy or Spain. The restaurant's sommelier is happy to advise on the choice of wine that best matches the dishes ordered.

The atmosphere of the restaurant is elegant, but not overwhelming. The interiors are decorated with taste, using elements that relate to the history of the place. Stone walls, wooden ceiling beams and stylish furniture create a cozy atmosphere conducive to long, leisurely meals. In the evenings, the interiors are illuminated by candles and discreet lamplight, which adds a romantic touch to the place.

Restaurant U Ziyada is a place where time passes more slowly. A meal here is not just to satisfy hunger, but a real feast for all the senses. The taste of exquisite dishes, the aroma of fresh herbs and spices, the view stretching outside the window, the sound of soft music in the background - all this adds up to an experience that is hard to compare with anything else.

Price-wise, the restaurant is in the expensive category, which is justified by both the quality of the dishes served and the unique location. However, for many guests, the expense is fully justified by the unique experience that U Ziyada offers.

The U Ziyada restaurant, although located far from the center of Krakow, is relatively easily accessible to locals and tourists alike. The Przegorzaly Castle, which houses the restaurant, is located at 13 Jodłowa Street, in the Zwierzyniec district. This location, although a bit far from the main tourist routes, is its greatest asset - it allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy peace and quiet and beautiful views.

Access to the restaurant is possible both by your own car and by public transportation. A small parking lot in front of the castle is available for motorized guests, but due to the limited number of spaces, it is worth considering alternative means of transportation during the summer season. Public transportation reaches the vicinity of the restaurant, and the last stretch of the road can be covered by a walk, which is a pleasure in itself, especially on warm, sunny days.

The area surrounding the restaurant is a real paradise for lovers of nature and active recreation. Przegorzaly Castle is located in the Bielany-Tyniec Landscape Park, which means that the restaurant is surrounded by beautiful forests and meadows. Nearby there are numerous hiking trails and bicycle paths that lead through picturesque areas along the Vistula River. It's worth planning a visit to U Ziyada as part of a longer tour of the area - for example, combine it with a visit to the nearby Camaldolese monastery in Bielany or a walk in the Wolski Forest.

As for the time of year, U Ziyada restaurant is attractive at any time, although each offers a slightly different experience. Spring and summer are the times when you can take full advantage of the summer terrace and admire the lush greenery of the Vistula Valley. Autumn delights with the fever of colors of the surrounding forests, and in winter, when the landscape is covered with snow, the view takes on a fairy-tale feel. However, it is worth remembering that the restaurant is most popular in the summer season, so booking a table in advance is almost a necessity.

Restaurant U Ziyada is a place that is perfect for various occasions. A romantic dinner for two, a family dinner, a business meeting or a family celebration - each of these events gains a special character thanks to the unique atmosphere of this place. The restaurant also offers the organization of larger parties, such as weddings or anniversaries, for which special rooms are available in the castle.

Several practical aspects of a visit to U Ziyada are worth mentioning. First, due to the historic nature of the building, access for people with limited mobility can be difficult. Narrow corridors and stairs can be a barrier for wheelchair users. Secondly, the restaurant values an elegant, yet unobtrusive dress code - although not formally required, most guests dress rather smartly.

An interesting fact is that the U Ziyada restaurant has become not only a place of culinary experience, but also a cultural center. It regularly hosts intimate concerts of classical and jazz music, exhibitions of local artists or poetry evenings. These events further enrich the restaurant's offer and attract guests seeking not only culinary, but also cultural experiences.

All in all, U Ziyada restaurant is a place that combines many assets - fascinating history, unique location, breathtaking views and delicious cuisine. It's the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, celebrate special moments or simply enjoy good food in an extraordinary setting. A visit to U Ziyada is not just a meal - it's an experience that stays in your memory for a long time.