Where to Eat Near The Palace at Osowa Sien
We’re a private residence known for our fulfilling breakfasts, Polish wine selection, and craft beer offering; but we don’t have a restaurant onsite. For booked-in-advance special occasions and events, catering and tasting menus are available, but if you’re hungry now - where should you go?
Good question!
Here are our top picks when hunger strikes. All are nearby and reachable in 5-20 minutes by car. Should you be here without a vehicle, let us know and we’ll be sure to arrange a taxi for you.
Let’s take a look at the closest option first…
3 km from the Palace
Szarlotka
4,7 on Google
This little cafe works in partnership with the famed local Hoffmann family bakery. Known for honouring tradition through their variety of classic baked goods, visitor’s will easily find something to suit their tastes (try the rum balls, they’re Jamie’s favorite).
Although it’s hard to pass up their fruit-flans (a bit of a local specialty given all the fruit farms around here), their chocolate cakes are to die for (literally, we’re hooked). The artisanal ice cream is also worth a try, and though salted caramel is a favourite - but we must admit that it is hard to sample just one flavour. If it’s your first time in Poland, then you must have a slice of “Szarlotka” itself, Poland’s famous country-style apple pie with an irresistible crumbly topping.
Adress: Bohaterów Westerplatte 15, 67-400 Wschowa, Polska
Telephone:+48 667 747 633
Hours: 09:00 - 18:00
Knajpka U Lipowego
4.5/5 on Google, 4.9/5 on Facebook
Every now a then a restaurant, cafe, or public house will become a staple in one’s repertoire of simple eats. Knajpka U Lipowego is one such place within my roll-o-dex of burger joints.
It’s not our usual type of burger, either. We’re talking double-patties and no cheese whereas, Jamie is usually a single patty ooey-gooey cheesy-b type of gal.
But it’s so gob-smacking good that our mutual three-decades-in-the-making preferences are no longer relevant when we are at Knajpka U Lipowego.
The patties are fresh, and dare I say, even light to the taste - not greasy like burgers have the potential to be. So the extra patty is purely extra goodness and just the right amount of it too.
When you’re opting for the burger when here, you need to choose your sides additionally. They offer a variety - though the “steak” fries are by far the best. These potatoes taste like they just came from the farm down the road (and the probably did, this is the Polish countryside after all). If they do not have steak fries - you may be best opting for coleslaw instead of the typical shoestring fries which are also on offer, but not made in-house.
Address: ul. Wolsztyńska 29, Wschowa
Tel. 697 077 712
Hours: 12:00 - 21:00 (Monday-Thursday and Sunday), 12:00 - 22:00 (Friday and Saturdays)
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7 km from the Palace
Pierogarnia Stara Kuźnia
4.6/5 on Google, 4.9/5 on Facebook
Touted on Trip Advisor as having “the best “pierogi” in the area” (by a Polish reviewer none-the-less), it’s safe to say that this charming little restaurant has become a local sensation.
We’ve eaten more pierogi than we can count from Pierogarnia Stara Kuznia. Our favourite?
Well, it’s tough to pick just one. We typically order several varieties, and then share them. But, if you’re looking for an insider foodie tip, try their specialty pierogi filled with ground meat, onion, peppers and pickled cucumber. If you want something vegetarian-friendly, the classic Russian-style pierogi with cheese and potato is delicious. For the latter, be sure to order a side of “Cebulka Podsmażana” (fried onions).
And no matter which style you get, let them know how you want it cooked (boiled, fried, baked, etc) - and get a topping of cream of garlic sauce (“smietana” or “czosnikowy” respectively).
Another favorite dish for sharing (or hogging for yourself) is their “Placki Ziemniaczane”. These are traditional Polish potatoe pancakes, and they hit the spot every time.
If you’re looking for a particularly hearty fall or winter meal - this is the one!
There are several varieties of it too, though the “Placki po Cygansku” is one we can’t get enough of…fighting over the last piece each time; the tomato-red-pepper-and-onion sauce is delicious.
We don’t waste any of it.
Our guests seem to have something similar to say to.
Address: ul. Kurpińskiego 14, Włoszakowice
Tel. 607 279 060
Hours: 12:00 - 21:00 daily
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16 km from the castle
Cooperativa
4.9/5 on Google, 5/5 on Facebook
A cosy and authentically Spanish cafe in the heart of Leszno’s old town.
Known for the undeniable sense of community and a very dedicated (and talented) team behind it; visit a couple times and you’ll soon be a part of the family. Here you can expect to find an ideal place to grab a bite to eat at lunch, or an excellent nook to read a book (they have a great selection of foodie magazines and coffee table reads). The coffee and cocktails are made with love, and the pastries are absolutely delicious. Our favourite is the quiche.
Address: Bracka 14, Leszno, Leszno, Poland 64-100
Tel. 511 286 302
Hours: 10:00 - 20:00 daily
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Zielona Antresola
4.7/5 on Google, 4.7/5 on Facebook
This is one of our personal favourite stops for lunch. The passion of the husband-and-wife restauranteurs behind Zielona Antresola is immediately noticed in every details from the seasonal decor to the Italian-Polish fusions of delectables. In this way, call ahead to make sure there are seats available.
Wait a minute - Italian-Polish fusion?
Yes - you read that correctly - who would have thought that this could be a thing? After working our way through the menu season after season, Bute after bite, we can tell you that it is in fact a match made in heaven! The Polish penchant for “pierogi” (a stuffed dumpling-package of goodness not too dissimilar from ravioli), “kopytka” ( easily reminds one of gnocchi), and “nalesniki” (a thin crepe like sheet of deliciousness which can rival lasagne strips) is paired with ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, ricotta, cream and basil.
Too many tastes to pick just one favourite. After your meal though, be sure to enquire after the cabinet of homemade “nalewkas” (schnapps).
Address: ul.Zielona 14, Leszno, Leszno, Poland
Tel. 65 520 37 85
Hours: 11:00 - 23:00 daily
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Wieniawa
4.6/5 on Google, 4.5/5 on Facebook
We love Wieniawa during the late spring and summer season when the outdoor terrace is open to guests who want to dine in the heart of Leszno’s historic city centre. With immediate views to the painstakingly restored Prussian-style town hall in cream and ivory, the chimes of its clock tower add to the overall atmosphere of this contemporary restaurant.
Though the menu for the outdoor patio is streamlined (verses the indoor dining room), it is chalked full of comfort foods including several salads like Cesar and Greek salads, tantilizing starters, burgers, and pasta. Our favourite is the Manhattan Burger with cheese, and we often ask to swop the fries for roasted potatoes.
This terrace is also very sizeable, ideal for groups who don’t mind being seated across numerous lounge-style and dining tables, dining under the tented roof embraced by Leszno’s undeniable charm for a night on the town.
Address: Rynek 28, 64-100 Leszno
Tel. 65 528 50 50
Hours: 09:00 - 22:00 daily, except Sunday which may close after slightly earlier
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20 km from the castle, surrounded by the forest and lakes of Brenno
Bar Nemo
4.6/5 on Google, 5/5 on Facebook
This is one of Jamie’s favorite places…why? Because they serve up comfort food with consistent quality. If you love a great burger, perfectly fried lake trout, or slow-roasted pork sholder on a bun - this is the place for you too. And, it is surrounded by the beauty of the lake-and-forest district. Of all the lakes around here, Brenno is one of the best as the views are unobstructed and natural and the vibe is really calm. On top of all that - the board walks here are new constructions that allow you to laze the day away without being over-run by tourist, as is the case in Boszkowo - for example,
https://www.facebook.com/brennoostrow
Address: Plażowa 23, 64-150 Brenno
Tel. 607 865 268
Hours: Open only on weekends now - Friday 1800–2400 / Saturday 1200 –2400 / Sunday 1200 – 2000
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26 km from the castle - in Glogow. (with easy train access from our Wschowa Station - 3 km away)
Tutti Santi
4.6/5 on Google, 4.4/5 on Facebook
If you appreciate modern and witty aestheticism, a bustling vibe with a hint of Manhattan’s current-day Little Italy, and a hot out-of-the-wood-oven pizza pie (without charring) - then this is the place for you tonight.
The menus are available in Polish and English and present an extensive variety of premium pizzas with vegetarian and vegan options clearly marked. Service is exceptionally efficient though we recommend making this a full experience. Don’t just go for a pizza - go to eat and to savour. Tutti Santi is the brainchild of Valerie Vale and his team behind the Saints Group of restaurants. This Glogow location is the one nearest to the castle and is a recent instalment for the group- who has been perfecting their authentic pizzas via their dozen or so restaurants across the country.
While here, and in addition to the feature dish, the menu offers handful of starters, salads, pastas, and desserts.
Our recommendations? Start with a charcuterie board or the in-house marinated olive trio which is sensational. Move onto a classic such as their margarita premium stye - with aromatic leaves of fresh basil (specific premium - they offer two types). Finish with a pannacotta or tiramisu - both are delicate and surprisingly light. The quality of ingredients shines through.
Address: Franciszkańska 22, Głogow, Poland
Tel. 510 010 310
Hours: 12:00 - 22:00 daily, Friday’s ad Saturday’s until 23.00
In the countryside and surrounding small towns, villages, and cities - anything is possible. Please call ahead before visiting the above restaurants to ensure they are open that day - especially as seasonality and private events can affect their posted hours.
So, what which of the above are you going to try ? If you’ve visited these restaurants or recommend others nearby, tell us (and your fellow guests to The Palace at Osowa Sien) in the comments below.