World's best-designed restaurants: Three Polish venues make the cut

Warsaw's vibrant culinary scene is gaining international recognition, with three of its restaurants making the shortlist for the prestigious Restaurant & Bar Design Awards 2026. Warszawski Tygrys, Barbara, and the canteen within the Netflix offices in Warsaw have all been honored for their exceptional design.

These three establishments, while distinct in their style, share a common thread: a deep connection to the best traditions of Polish post-war architecture. Warszawski Tygrys, located in the iconic MDM building, blends its preserved modernist elements with Asian influences and nods to the venue's musical past. Its design by NOKE Architects has also earned it a nomination in the Living Places – Simon Architecture Prize.

Barbara, described as the "younger sister" of the popular Bibenda restaurant, and the Netflix canteen, designed by MIXD studio, are also finalists. The Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, now in its 18th edition, celebrates the architecture and interiors of gastronomic spaces globally. This year, 225 projects from 45 countries were selected across 53 categories. The winners will be revealed on October 5th, with these Warsaw eateries vying for the title of the world's best-designed restaurants.