Pszczyna Earns First Michelin Star with Steampunk Restaurant

Pszczyna, a town of approximately 25,000 residents, is now home to a culinary beacon: Steampunk, the first restaurant in the Silesia region to be awarded a Michelin star. This prestigious recognition not only elevates Pszczyna's gastronomic profile but also signifies a broader shift in Poland's culinary landscape, demonstrating that excellence is flourishing beyond the country's largest metropolises.

The awarded restaurant, Steampunk, is uniquely situated within Pszczyna's historic water tower. It is part of a revitalized complex that also includes the boutique aparthotel 4 Strony, a spa, and a bistro named Tickets. The Michelin inspectors' decision to honor Steampunk underscores a growing appreciation for innovative and high-quality dining experiences in historically significant locations.

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I always had dreams of a star in the back of my mind, but for years I focused all my attention on what I was doing here and now.

Head Chef Ziemowit Owczarz, a graduate of the Gastronomic School Complex in Bielsko-Biała, has long harbored aspirations for a Michelin star. "I always had dreams of a star in the back of my mind, but for years I focused all my attention on what I was doing here and now," Owczarz stated. This philosophy of present-moment dedication continues to guide him as he leads the Steampunk kitchen.

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Products and dishes travel between the storage and ingredient preparation area on the ground floor and the restaurant and kitchen on the seventh and eighth floors. This requires careful preparation of ingredients and cooking. In any restaurant, logistics are the most difficult, but also the most important matter, from sending orders to suppliers to managing the team.

Owczarz acknowledges the unique challenges of operating in an eight-story water tower, where logistics play a crucial role. "Products and dishes travel between the storage and ingredient preparation area on the ground floor and the restaurant and kitchen on the seventh and eighth floors," he explained. "This requires careful preparation of ingredients and cooking. In any restaurant, logistics are the most difficult, but also the most important matter, from sending orders to suppliers to managing the team."

His culinary journey includes five years honing his skills at the renowned Studio Qlinary in Krakow, a now-closed establishment known for its innovative concepts. There, he worked alongside world-renowned chef and restaurateur Paolo Airaudo, who currently manages five Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe and Asia. Owczarz credits his time at Studio Qlinary for instilling a high standard of work, which led to numerous awards and recognitions.

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The owner of Studio Qlinarny set the bar very high for us, but thanks to that, we received many awards and recognitions.