Halka

The story

Halka Restaurant in Zakopane: Modern Polish Cuisine and Gault&Millau Recognition

Atmosphere and Setting

Halka in Zakopane offers a distinct take on modern Polish cuisine within the Hotel Aries on a quiet side street off Krupówki. The dining room embraces a regional aesthetic defined by bright spaces, carved wooden decorations, and soft highlander music. White tablecloths and moody lighting create a backdrop that feels both welcoming and composed. This environment has earned a Gault&Millau score of 14, reflecting the restaurant's ability to balance regional character with polished service.

Creative Kitchen and Standout Dishes

The kitchen applies a creative mindset to Polish cooking, lifting local ingredients through precise techniques. Moskol appears dressed with truffle butter and smoked butter, while a bear garlic cream soup incorporates pickled wild garlic for depth. Other highlights include duck served with knödel and plum, and cod tenderloin matched with morels and zabaiione. A seven-course tasting menu presents these variations, and the sweet finish is handled by a pastry chef named as the Polish Champion in his field.

Wine Selection and Lava Steaks

A professional sommelier navigates an extensive wine list tailored to the diverse menu offerings. Guests choosing the tasting menu can pair their meal with either an international or a Polish wine package. The kitchen also features steaks cooked on hot lava stones, including Wagyu Class 5+ beef and lamb leg served with standard accompaniments. These bold presentations stand alongside refined starters like Iberico ham with hazelnut and a Kwaśnica enriched with a lamb rib.