5 Must-Visit Specialty Coffee Shops in Wrocław, Poland
Some like to say that Wrocław is the best city in Poland, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s the 2016 European Capital of Culture, the 2016 World Book Capital, and the host to both the 2016 European Film Awards and Theatre Olympics. It has a great history, stunning architecture, and friendly inhabitants. In short, this city is an amazing place to visit or live in.
But it’s not only its impressive culture and sightseeing spots that make it worth holidaying in – it’s also its dynamic and developing coffee scene. It has a bunch of excellent cafés as well as some first-rate baristas. The 2015 National AeroPress Champion, along with the first runner up, call Wroclaw their home – as do the first runners up in both the National Brewers Cup and Cup Tasters competitions. What’s more, Wroclaw just so happens to also be the city of Czarny Deszcz, a well-known Polish coffee brand.
So I’d fully encourage you to make Wroclaw your next coffee tourism spot. And to help, I’ve created a list of five unmissable cafés for you to drop by.
SEE ALSO: Between Kraków and Warsaw: 3 Specialty Shops in Poznan, Poland
Why These Five?
It’s impossible to pick the five best cafés in any one city, especially when the specialty coffee scene is constantly developing. Yet these five are some of my favorites.
Although it was hard to select just five, I made sure that every coffee house on this list serves excellent coffee, that their baristas exhibit that characteristic Polish friendliness, and that they will allow you to try Polish roasts and blends.
Treat this, not as a definitive list of the best coffee houses, but as a good introduction to the vibrant coffee culture of Wroclaw.
1. GNIAZDO
Gniazado is the youngest café on the list, but it’s already one of the best in the city. This city centre espresso and brew bar has a strong team of talented baristas, all passionate about specialty. Stop by for a drink, enjoy some food from its open kitchen, or even pick up a bag of coffee beans to brew at home – you won’t be disappointed.
Come in and have delicious coffee and cake!
| Where | Świdnicka 36, Wrocław |
| Style | Relaxed, perfect for lazy weekends |
| Espresso Machine | La Marzocco Linea PB |
| Grinder | Mahlkonig Kenia, Eureka Olympus |
| Coffee Offerings | Coffees from top European roasters (Coffee Proficiency, Audun Coffee, JB, etc.), either as an espresso or brewed in a V60, AeroPress, or Chemex |
| Food | Lunch and brunch menu, salads, sandwiches, and house-made cakes |
| Retail Offerings | Bags of coffee for €10-12 |
Lots of tables for cozy afternoon hangouts.
2. CAFÉ TARGOWA
If you’re all about honest hospitality and great coffee, Café Targowa is the place for you. This tiny café can be found between the fruit, vegetable, and meat stands in a gorgeous old trade hall. You’ll find it packed with friendly people and a great atmosphere.
Look at all of this coffee, waiting to be brewed.
| Where | Hala Targowa, Wrocław |
| Style | Lively and friendly |
| Espresso Machine | Nuova Simonelli Aurelia |
| Grinder | Mazzer SJ, Casadio, Mahlkonig Kenia |
| Coffee Offerings | Mainly Polish coffees (Czarny Deszcz, Coffee Proficiency, etc.), available as espresso-based drinks or from the brew bar |
| Food | Fresh sandwiches and great brownies (seriously, try the brownies) |
| Retail Offerings | Bags of coffee for €10 |
Beautiful lattes and coffee from Polish roasters waiting for you.
3. BEMA CAFÉ
A cozy place to relax, have a bite of cake, or grab a beer, Bema Café’s modern style doesn’t stop it from being warm and welcoming. There are two Bema’s in Wrocław right now but, whichever one you go to, it’s a great place to invite your mom or a friend to gossip the day away.
Bema’s comfortable interior inviting you for a cup of coffee.
| Where | Drobnera 38 or Legnicka 56, Wrocław |
| Style | Modern but homely |
| Espresso Machine | Nuova Simonelli Aurelia II |
| Grinder | NS Mythos One |
| Coffee Offerings | Mostly espresso-based coffees from Polish roasteries (Coffee Proficiency, Kofi Brand), but also some rotating beans available for V60, AeroPress, and Chemex |
| Food & Other Drinks | Sandwiches, salads, toast, cakes, omelets, and smoothies |
So stylish, you’ll never want to leave.
4. CAFÉ ROZRUSZNIK
Once you start frequenting Café Rozrusznik, you become a part of the family. It’s in an old neighbourhood and attracts a group of friendly regulars. The warm and laidback atmosphere is just one of the reasons to visit, along with its collection of vinyl music and choice of specialty coffee.
Cozy, coffee, and collections of vinyls. Do you need more reasons to visit?
| Where | Cybulskiego 15, Wrocław |
| Style | Homely and relaxed – a good spot to spend lazy mornings in |
| Espresso Machine | Astoria CMA |
| Grinder | Brasilia RR45 |
| Coffee Offerings | Mostly espresso-based drinks from Czarny Deszcz, but the brew bar also serves some single origin Arabicas |
| Food | Toast, fresh sandwiches, and cakes |
| Retail Offerings | Bags of coffee for €10 |
5. KAWALERKA CAFÉ
A colorful, retro coffee house full of warmth, smiling staff, and specialty coffees from undiscovered roasters – Kawalerka Café is some people’s idea of perfection. Marlena, the Head Barista, won’t just brew you a coffee; she’ll be so friendly and welcoming that your visits will slowly become longer and longer. This coffee house is an excellent reason to leave the city center.
Behind this facade hides a cozy coffee heaven.
| Where | Benedykta Polaka 12, Wrocław |
| Style | Vintage and friendly – perfect for dates and afternoon chill-outs |
| Espresso Machine | Faema E91 SE |
| Grinder | Mahlkonig K30 |
| Coffee Offerings | Local espresso blend; variety of different coffees available from the brew bar, including Czarny Deszcz |
| Food | Quiches, soups, sandwiches, toast, and cakes |
This coffee spot will become your new living room.
So there you have it: five unmissable specialty coffee houses in Wroclaw. They’re sure to make your visit memorable. But if you have some extra time in this city of culture, I encourage you to explore more of our café scene. There’s so much more to Poland than just these five cafés, and your curiosity is sure to be rewarded.
Edited by T. Newton.
Perfect Daily Grind.
Maciej is a contributor based in Poland
