When traveling through Silesia, a region with a rich culinary history and mining traditions, one will come across inns that are true treasure troves of regional flavors and history.

Zajazd W Lesie, located in Mysłowice on Imielinska Street, is a place that, as the name suggests, is surrounded by greenery, which creates a unique atmosphere of rest from the hustle and bustle of the city. The history of the place dates back to the 1970s, when it was originally a forester's lodge. It wasn't until the 1990s that it was transformed into an inn, but retaining the original wooden character of the building. The inn is famous for its traditional Silesian cuisine, where rolls, Silesian noodles and modra cabbage reign supreme. Particularly worth trying is the 'Miner's Michy' - a set of dishes inspired by the meals miners used to take with them on their shift. Interestingly, the inn houses a collection of miner's lamps and tools, which create a unique decor alluding to the industrial history of the region.

Not far away, in the village of Romanow on the DK1 road, is Zajazd Rybka. This is a place with more than 25 years of tradition, which was initially a small fish bar, and over time has grown into a full-scale inn. As the name indicates, the specialty of the establishment is fish dishes, especially carp prepared according to a traditional recipe from the Pszczyna region, where carp farming has a centuries-old tradition. It is worth knowing that the Pszczyna area was famous for carp farming as early as the 13th century, and the tradition was started by the Cistercians. The Rybka Inn continues these traditions, offering not only fresh fish from local ponds, but also organizing the 'Carp Feast' every September - a culinary festival that attracts gourmets from all over the region. Interestingly, the inn also features a collection of old fishing gear and photographs documenting the history of fishing in the region.

Comparing the two inns, Zajazd W Lesie offers a more intimate experience in a natural setting, with prices at an average level, while Zajazd Rybka, located on a busy road, is a bit cheaper and more geared toward quick service for travelers. Zajazd W Lesie stands out for its more extensive Silesian menu, while Zajazd Rybka specializes in fish dishes. What both places have in common, however, is attention to the quality of the food and a commitment to regional culinary traditions.

It is also worth mentioning a local legend associated with the vicinity of Zajazd W Lesie. According to legends, the spirit of a miner who died in one of the mines was said to live in the surrounding woods. It is said that on moonless nights the tapping of his pickaxe can be heard, and those who hear it can count on good luck in business. This legend is often told to guests of the inn by older residents of Myslowice, adding a mysterious touch to the place.

Further west in Poland, we arrive in Opole, a city with rich cultural and culinary traditions, where Zajazd U Dziadka is located on Strzelecka Street. It's a place that was established in the 1980s, but its history goes deeper. The building that houses the inn was formerly part of a manor owned by the princes of Opole. During World War II it served as quarters for German officers, and after the war it briefly housed a school. It was not until the 1980s that it was converted into an inn, which still retains its historic character.

Zajazd U Dziadka is famous for its Silesian-Polish cuisine, which combines Polish, German and Czech influences. The restaurant's specialty is 'Półmisek Dziadka' (Grandfather's Platter) - a set of meats prepared according to traditional recipes, including the famous Opole roulade with noodles and red cabbage. Also worth trying is 'Grandfather's Soup' - a thick sour soup on smoked meat served in bread. An interesting fact is that the recipes for many of the dishes come from the grandfather of the current owner, who was a cook at the court of the last German owner of the manor.

In the inn you can admire a collection of old photographs of Opole and agricultural tools used on the surrounding farms. Every year in June, Zajazd U Dziadka organizes 'Biesiada Opolska' - an event where you can taste traditional dishes and listen to local folk bands. A legend associated with the place tells of a treasure buried by fleeing German officers in a nearby forest. A map leading to the treasure is said to have been hidden somewhere within the walls of the inn, but despite many searches, no one has yet found it.

Moving east, towards Malopolska, we come across the Polesie Inn in Januszowice. This is the only facility in our list that functions not only as a restaurant, but also as an inn (an inn with accommodations). The history of the place is equally fascinating - the building was constructed in the 1930s as a hunting manor owned by a Krakow industrialist. During the war it was used as a hideout for partisans, and after the war it was nationalized and turned into a resort for employees of nearby industrial plants. In the 1990s it returned to private hands and was restored, preserving its original architectural style.

Zajazd Polesie offers traditional Małopolska cuisine with elements of hunting cuisine. The restaurant's specialty is the 'Forester's Game' - a set of game dishes prepared according to recipes passed down in the owners' family for generations. It is also worth trying 'Karp po Januszowicku' - a local specialty prepared according to a recipe developed by the court cook before the war. The inn is surrounded by a picturesque garden, where barbecues and open-air feasts are organized in the summer.

An interesting fact about the Polesie Inn is that its cellars contain one of the oldest wine cellars in the region, where liquors from various corners of Europe are stored. Every year in October, the inn holds a 'Wine and Honey Festival' - an event that attracts lovers of these beverages from all over Poland. A legend associated with the place tells of the ghost of the manor's former owner, who is said to appear on moonless nights and stroll through the garden, ensuring that the plants lack nothing.

Comparing the two inns, Zajazd U Dziadka offers more traditional Silesian cuisine at mid-range prices, while Zajazd Polesie, as an accommodation facility, is slightly more expensive, but offers more comprehensive service. Zajazd U Dziadka stands out for its rich history associated with the Opole region, while Zajazd Polesie boasts a picturesque location and overnight accommodations. What both places have in common, however, is a commitment to regional culinary traditions and an attention to preserving their historic character.

Our culinary journey through Poland ends in the east of the country, where the Jagiellonian Inn is located in Sucha on Radomska Street. This place with a unique history and atmosphere is the perfect culmination of our trip through Polish inns.

Zajazd Jagielloński, as the name suggests, refers to the time of the Jagiellonian dynasty, which played a key role in the history of Poland and Lithuania. However, the inn building itself was built much later, in the 1920s, as a roadside inn on the trade route connecting Radom and Kielce. During World War II, the inn served as a meeting place for a local resistance cell, and after the war it was taken over by the state and turned into a restaurant for the Powszechna Spółdzielnia Spożywców 'Społem'. It was only in the 1990s, after privatization, that it regained its original character of an inn and was given its current name, referring to the royal dynasty.

Zajazd Jagielloński is famous for its cuisine combining Polish, Lithuanian and Ruthenian traditions, which is a culinary tribute to the multicultural legacy of the Jagiellons. The restaurant's specialty is 'Królewskie Pierogi' - a set of different types of pierogi, from classic Russian, through pierogi with buckwheat and mushrooms, to sweet pierogi with berries. Also worth trying is the 'Jagiellonian Platter' - a set of meats prepared according to old Polish recipes, including venison marinated in mead.

An interesting fact about the Jagiellonian Inn is that inside it is a small memorial chamber dedicated to the Jagiellonian dynasty, where you can see reproductions of royal portraits and maps of the old Republic. Every year in August, the inn organizes 'Jagiellonian Feasts' - an event combining the tasting of traditional dishes with historical demonstrations and concerts of early music.

The Jagiellonian Inn is also associated with a local legend about a treasure hidden by one of King Wladyslaw Jagiello's knights on his way back from Grunwald. According to legends, the knight hid the spoils of war somewhere in the vicinity of today's Sucha village, and clues to the location of the treasure were supposed to have been passed down from generation to generation by the inn's owners. Although this is only a legend, it adds to the inn's mysterious character and makes for an interesting topic of conversation at the lavishly set table.

Comparing the Jagiellonian Inn with the previously described establishments, it stands out for its special emphasis on historical context and references to the Jagiellonian heritage. Price-wise, it ranks at the middle level, similar to Zajazd U Dziadka, but offers a more varied menu inspired by the cuisine of the eastern regions of the former Republic. Unlike Zajazd Polesie, it does not offer accommodation, focusing solely on the culinary experience.

Also worth mentioning is a lesser-known but equally interesting aspect of the Jagiellonian Inn - its role in cultivating local craft traditions. On weekends, small fairs are held on the inn's grounds, during which local artisans showcase their wares, from pottery and wicker products to traditional delicacies such as cheeses, honeys and liquors. This is an excellent opportunity not only to taste regional specialties, but also to purchase unique souvenirs from your trip.

To sum up our journey through Polish inns, it is clear that each has its own unique history, atmosphere and culinary specialties that reflect the richness and diversity of Polish regional traditions. From Silesian specialties at Zajazd W Lesie and fish at Zajazd Rybka, to Silesian-Polish delicacies at Zajazd U Dziadka and Malopolska dishes at Zajazd Polesie, to the multicultural menu of Zajazd Jagielloński, each of these places offers travelers not only a meal, but also the opportunity to experience authentic Polish hospitality and immerse themselves in local history and tradition.