In the very center of Poznań, by the Old Market Square, there are restaurants that have been popular with beef tartar lovers for years. One such place is Wiejskie Jadło, a restaurant located at 77 Stary Rynek, which specializes in traditional Polish cuisine. This restaurant is famous for its authentic flavors and homey atmosphere, and their beef tartare is prepared according to a recipe passed down from generation to generation.

The history of tartare in Polish cuisine dates back to medieval times, when Tartar warriors had the custom of placing raw meat under the saddles of their horses during long expeditions. The heat of the horse's back and the pressure of the saddle made the meat tender and ready to eat. At the Village Eatery, you can enjoy tartare prepared from the highest quality beef tenderloin, chopped by hand to preserve the meat's texture. The dish is served with traditional accompaniments: raw egg yolk, onion, pickled cucumber, marinated mushrooms and spices.

Nearby, at Old Market Square 82, is Pyšna Chałupa, a restaurant that combines the traditions of Polish and Czech cuisine. The restaurant is distinguished by its rustic decor, which takes guests into the atmosphere of a country cottage. Beef tartar at Pyšna Chałupa is a real feast for the palate - the meat comes from local suppliers who specialize in breeding beef cattle. The chef prepares the tartare in front of the guests' eyes, which is an additional attraction and allows you to adjust the intensity of the seasoning to individual preferences.

Interestingly, at the 2019 local culinary festival, the tartare from Pyšna Chałupa won the jury's recognition for its innovative approach to a traditional dish - the chef adds a touch of smoked paprika, which gives the dish a mildly smoky flavor. The restaurant also offers a variant of tartare with regional cheeses, which is an interesting combination of flavors.

Both restaurants serve tartare at affordable prices, making them accessible to a wide range of lovers of the dish. Wiejskie Jadło stands out for its more traditional approach to Polish cuisine, while Pyšna Chałupa offers slightly more modern interpretations of classic dishes. The common denominator of both places is attention to the quality of ingredients and a commitment to traditional methods of preparing food.

Poznan is not only about tradition, but also about culinary innovation, of which Whiskey in the Jar - a steakhouse located at 100 Old Market Square - is a perfect example. This restaurant, part of a popular chain, is primarily famous for its delicious steaks, but their beef tartare also deserves special attention. The restaurant is distinguished by its industrial decor and rock atmosphere, which creates a unique atmosphere for tasting meat delicacies.

At Whiskey in the Jar, the tartare is prepared with the highest quality aged beef, which gives it a unique, intense flavor. The chefs have introduced several variations of this dish to the menu, including tartare with truffles, which is very popular with guests. An interesting fact is that the restaurant organizes cyclical 'Tartar Night' events, during which you can taste limited editions of tartar, prepared according to original recipes.

Few people know that Whiskey in the Jar cultivates the tradition of tartar dating back to the time when Polish noblemen added drops of alcohol to raw meat to improve flavor and preservation. In keeping with this tradition, the chefs add a dash of whiskey to some variants of tartar, which gives the dish a unique character. The restaurant also offers the option of ordering a 'Tartar Experience' - a set of different types of tartare in smaller portions, allowing you to compare different flavors and textures.

In the center of Poznań, at 2a Kolegiacki Square, is the Republic of Roses by Andrzej Golabek - a restaurant run by an acclaimed chef who has gained experience in the best restaurants in Poland and abroad. The restaurant is distinguished by its elegant decor and intimate atmosphere, and beef tartare is one of the flagship dishes on the menu.

Andrzej Golabek, the owner and chef, approaches the preparation of tartare with true passion and precision. The meat comes only from reliable suppliers, and the entire process of preparing the dish is done with the utmost care. At the Republic of Roses, the tartar is served in a modern form - the meat is arranged in the shape of a rosette, and the side dishes are presented separately, allowing guests to compose the flavor themselves.

It is worth mentioning a local legend associated with tartar in Poznan. Apparently, in the 1960s, one of Poznań's restaurateurs prepared tartar for a Soviet delegation that visited the city. The dish so delighted the guests that the recipe made its way to Moscow, where it became an inspiration for chefs there. The story, though difficult to verify, is often cited by the city's elderly as evidence of Poznan's culinary traditions.

Both Whiskey in the Jar and Republic of Roses offer tartare in the higher price range, which is justified by the quality of the ingredients used and the craftsmanship of the preparation. Whiskey in the Jar attracts a younger clientele who appreciate a modern take on classic dishes and an energetic atmosphere, while Republic of Roses is the place to go for those seeking a more refined culinary experience in an elegant setting.

Beyond the main tourist routes, at 27 Ratajczaka Street, is a real gem for lovers of refined flavors - Fromażeria. This small, intimate establishment originally specialized in cheese, but over time has expanded its offer to include carefully selected dishes, among which beef tartare holds a special place.

Fromażeria is a place with soul, run by enthusiasts of good food. Their tartare is prepared from meat sourced from local cattle breeders who use traditional, organic farming methods. Fromażeria's chef has introduced a unique version of tartare to the menu with the addition of aged cheeses, which creates a fascinating combination of flavors and textures. The restaurant is also renowned for its excellent selection of wines, which pair perfectly with the dishes served.

A little-known fact about Fromażeria is the history of its creation. The owners, fascinated by the culinary culture of France, decided to create a place that would combine French cheesemaking traditions with Polish meat specialties. The result of this fusion is, among other things, beef tartare with Roquefort cheese, which has become the hallmark of the establishment. Fromażeria regularly organizes intimate tastings, during which guests can learn about the history of individual dishes and products.

It is worth mentioning an interesting custom cultivated at Fromażeria - every year, on the anniversary of the opening of the restaurant, the chef prepares a special edition of tartare, inspired by the cuisine of different regions of the world. So far, guests have had the opportunity to taste tartare in the Japanese style (with wasabi and soy sauce), Mexican (with guacamole and chili) or Scandinavian (with marinated herring and dill).

Poznań can boast a rich history associated with beef tartare. In the interwar years, the city was famous for its elegant restaurants, which served this dish as a symbol of luxury and sophistication. This tradition was interrupted by World War II, but was revived in the 1960s, when tartare became a popular dish in hotel restaurants and upscale dining establishments.

In 2023, the 'Taste of Tartar' competition was held in Poznań, organized as part of the 'Food/Product of the Month' campaign by the Chest Institute, under the honorary patronage of the Poznań starost. Fifteen restaurants from Poznan and the surrounding area took part in the competition, presenting their original interpretations of this classic dish. The event helped promote local restaurants and the region's culinary traditions.

Fromażeria, although not as well-known as the restaurants in the Old Market, offers a unique culinary experience at an affordable price. The restaurant mainly attracts connoisseurs of good food, looking for new and interesting flavors. Unlike larger restaurants, Fromażeria relies on an intimate atmosphere and a personal approach to guests, making a visit here not just an opportunity to enjoy a meal, but a true culinary experience.

All in all, Poznań offers a wide choice of places where you can enjoy a delicious beef tartare - from traditional restaurants in the Old Market, through modern steakhouses, to intimate establishments for true connoisseurs. Each of these places has its own unique history and approach to the preparation of this classic dish, making the exploration of Poznan restaurants a fascinating culinary adventure.