Szczecin, a city with a fascinating history dating back to medieval times, where Polish, German and Scandinavian influences intersected, today offers a culinary scene that is a living testament to this multicultural legacy. The best example of a restaurant that celebrates Polish culinary heritage is Karczma Polska, located in the heart of the city at Lotników Square. This restaurant, decorated in the style of a traditional Polish inn, with wooden beams, folk decorations and a cozy interior, takes guests on a journey back in time.

Karczma Polska is famous for its authentic Polish cuisine, prepared according to traditional recipes handed down from generation to generation. The restaurant's specialty is pierogi with a variety of fillings - from classic Russian dumplings to seasonal ones with berries or forest mushrooms. It is also worth trying sour soup served in bread, pork knuckle roasted in beer or pork tenderloin in chanterelle sauce. Interestingly, the restaurant refers to the history of Szczecin through special dishes inspired by the cuisine of Western Pomerania, using local products and spices.

Interestingly, the building that houses Karczma Polska survived bombings during World War II and witnesses the city's turbulent history. According to local legend, valuable works of art were hidden in the building's basement during the war and have never been found. Today, sitting at a wooden table and enjoying traditional dishes, you can almost hear the echoes of the past.

Slightly different in character, though equally rooted in Polish culinary tradition, is the Spiżarnia Szczecińska Restaurant. Located on Hołdu Pruskiego Square, in a historic site commemorating the homage paid by the Elector of Brandenburg Frederick William to King Jan Kazimierz of Poland in 1658, this restaurant combines tradition with modernity. The interior of Spiżarnia Szczecińska has been decorated with attention to detail - wooden furniture, stylish lamps and elements referring to the history of the region create a unique atmosphere.

The menu of Spiżarnia Szczecińska is a true journey through the regional flavors of Poland, with a special emphasis on Pomeranian cuisine. The flagship dish is paprykarz szczecinski served in a modern version - a nod to the famous product that was created in Szczecin's fish factories in the 1960s. The history of paprykarz is fascinating - it was developed as a preserve for sailors and deep-sea fishermen, and was inspired by a Hungarian delicacy. Today, Spiżarnia Szczecińska is bringing this iconic product back to tables in an elegant form.

The restaurant also offers such specialties as pike-perch from Lake Dabie (one of the largest lakes in Poland), venison from the surrounding forests or seasonal dishes made from mushrooms harvested in Wkrzanska Forest. All dishes are prepared with products from local suppliers, highlighting the chefs' philosophy of focusing on freshness and authenticity. Prices at Spiżarnia Szczecińska are at an average level, which, combined with the high quality of the dishes, makes this place attractive to locals and tourists alike.

Szczecin, as a port city with rich trading traditions, has always been open to influences from different parts of the world. This international atmosphere is reflected in the culinary diversity that modern Szczecin offers. One of the most fascinating examples is Rosso Fuoco, an authentic Italian restaurant located on Wielka Odrzanska Street, in the historic part of the city near the Oder River.

Rosso Fuoco is a true piece of Tuscany brought to Szczecin. The restaurant is located in a restored 18th century building, which adds to its unique character. The interior is decorated in a Mediterranean style - warm wall colors, wooden furniture and Italian decorative accents create an atmosphere that immediately transports guests to the Apennine Peninsula. The name 'Rosso Fuoco', meaning 'red fire', refers to the centerpiece of the restaurant - the traditional wood-fired oven where authentic Italian pizzas are baked.

The chef, who gained experience in northern Italian restaurants, serves dishes prepared according to original recipes using ingredients imported directly from Italy. The restaurant's specialty is Neapolitan pizza with a thin, fluffy edge and minimal toppings to bring out the pure flavor of the ingredients. Homemade pastas such as pappardelle with venison ragu or ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach are also worth trying. The restaurant is also famous for its excellent tiramisu, prepared according to the chef's family recipe.

Interestingly, Rosso Fuoco organizes regular Italian evenings with live music and wine tasting from different regions of Italy. This is not only an opportunity to taste delicious food, but also to learn about Italian culture and traditions. Prices at Rosso Fuoco are on the medium to high end, but the quality of the dishes and the authentic experience fully compensate for this.

A completely different culinary journey is offered by Brasileirinho Brazilian Cuisine & Bar, a one-of-a-kind restaurant in Szczecin serving authentic Brazilian cuisine. Located on Sienna Street, in the modern part of the city, this restaurant brings an exotic touch to Szczecin's gastronomic scene. The interior of Brasileirinho is decorated with vivid colors, Brazilian flags and elements referring to the culture of this South American country.

The restaurant's menu is a real feast for meat lovers - traditional churrasco is served here, i.e. meats grilled on special grates, served with a variety of sauces and accompaniments. The flagship dish is rodízio, a form of serving in which waiters circulate between tables with different types of meat impaled on skewers and cut portions directly onto guests' plates. It's not just a meal, but a true culinary show!

In addition to meats, the menu includes traditional Brazilian appetizers such as pão de queijo (cheese rolls) and coxinha (chicken croquettes), as well as feijoada, Brazil's national dish based on black beans and various meats. To accompany your meal, order a caipirinha, a traditional Brazilian cocktail based on cachaça, cane sugar and lime.

Brasileirinho regularly hosts evenings with Brazilian music and samba shows, adding to the experience of a culinary trip to Brazil. Prices are mid-range and portions are generous, making the restaurant very popular with bristling locals and tourists looking for new flavors.

For lovers of Italian cuisine, but with a slightly different twist than Rosso Fuoco, Radecki's is the perfect place. This restaurant, located on Tkacka Street, in the historic part of the city, specializes in Northern Italian cuisine with Alpine influences. The restaurant's name refers to Karol Radecki, an Austrian field marshal of Polish descent, highlighting the fusion of different cultures characteristic of Szczecin.

Szczecin, although not as widely known as a breakfast destination as Warsaw or Krakow, offers several unique places where you can start your day with a delicious meal. The undisputed leader in this category is De Novo, a charming café and breakfast restaurant located on St. Adalbert Street, in a quiet part of the city near Zeromski Park.

De Novo, which means 'from scratch' in Latin, perfectly reflects the philosophy of the place - every day it offers fresh dishes prepared from scratch using seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is decorated in a Scandinavian style - a bright interior, minimalist furniture and plenty of natural light create a space in which it is pleasant to start the day. Large windows overlooking the street allow you to observe the city waking up, which makes your morning meal even more enjoyable.

De Novo's breakfast menu is a true feast for the palate and the eyes. The restaurant's specialty is eggs prepared in a variety of ways - from the classic egg benedict with ham or salmon, through scrambled eggs with seasonal vegetables, to shakshuka inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine. All dishes are served on elegant plates and beautifully decorated with herbs and edible flowers, making them as appealing to the eye as they are to the palate.

For lovers of sweet breakfasts, De Novo offers homemade granola with yogurt and fresh fruit, French toast with maple syrup and forest fruits, or a fluffy omelet with ricotta and rose petal jam. Excellent coffee from a local roaster and freshly squeezed juices are served with breakfast.

It is interesting to note that De Novo is housed in a building that before the war was the home of a printing house that published a local newspaper. During the renovation, original elements of the printing house's furnishings were discovered and integrated into the premises' decor, creating a unique atmosphere that combines history with modernity. Prices at De Novo are at an average level, which, combined with the high quality of the food and pleasant atmosphere, makes this place popular with locals and tourists alike.

Returning to Radecki, it is worth mentioning its unique offerings that combine the culinary traditions of northern Italy and the Alpine regions. The restaurant is housed in a restored building from the early 20th century, and its interior combines industrial elements with alpine cozy style - wooden tables, soft cushions and warm lighting create the atmosphere of a mountain chalet.

Radecki's specialties include polenta dishes, risotto with forest mushrooms, and a variety of gnocchi and ravioli stuffed with seasonal ingredients. The menu also includes Alpine specialties such as cheese fondue and rösti, a Swiss potato pancake served with various toppings. For dessert, try apple strudel with vanilla ice cream or panna cotta with forest fruit sauce.

The restaurant has an impressive wine list, with an emphasis on Italian and Austrian vineyards, and the sommelier will be happy to advise which wine pairs best with the chosen dish. Prices at Radecki are on the medium to high end, but the quality of the food and the unique atmosphere fully justify the price.

To sum up the culinary journey in Szczecin, it is worth noting how diverse the city's gastronomic offerings are. From traditional Polish cuisine at Karczma Polska and Spiżarnia Szczecińska, to Italian flavors at Rosso Fuoco and Radecki, exotic sensations at Brasileirinho, to delicious breakfasts at De Novo - each of these restaurants offers not only excellent food, but also a unique atmosphere and a piece of the city's history.

As a port city with a rich history and multicultural influences, Szczecin perfectly reflects these qualities in its culinary offerings. Each of the restaurants described has its own unique identity, but they all share a passion for good food and hospitality characteristic of this region of Poland. Whether you are a lover of traditional Polish cuisine, Italian delicacies, exotic flavors of Brazil or simply looking for a place to have a great breakfast, Szczecin is sure to satisfy your culinary expectations.