If you work in the capital's Wola district, this is the lunch place you never knew you always wanted. The newly opened Ogrodowa Cafe, hidden in a courtyard on its namesake street between Żelazna and Wronia streets, takes inspiration for its soups, salads and sandwiches from what is on offer at Hala Mirowska a few blocks away, and the result is more light and flavorful than the typical Polish lunch. Finally, there is an alternative to sandwiches for nearby Warsaw Trade Tower's weary workers.

Start off with the mackerel and hardboiled egg sandwich (zl.11), served with a seasonal salad and chips, like all Ogrodowa sandwiches. It is a little piece of heaven. Personally, what will keep me coming back is the pan-seared cauliflower salad with red onions, celery, croutons, and raisins in honey vinaigrette. The secret to the place is the chef's mastery of sauces, the ingredients of which also include mustard, horseradish, and yogurt. Try the tasty potato, sautéed leeks and bacon salad as an example of the yogurt-mustard dressing.

The owners bake delicious, American-style muffins and cookies fresh every morning, but if you must limit yourself to one dessert, I would recommend the Greek yogurt with fruits, nuts, and organic Mazurian honey.

The menu is friendly to both vegetarians and New Year's resolution makers and with no individual item over zl.15, easy on your wallet as well. Make sure to stop by the cash machine though, because the cafe does not accept credit cards.

M.K.

51 Ogrodowa St., tel. 798-846-966
cafe@ogrodowacafe.com
www.ogrodowacafe.com
Open Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.