Our home is more than just walls—it is a manifesto of modernity from over a century ago. The Count Edward Raczyński Building, erected just before the outbreak of World War I, was the pinnacle of luxury at the time. Some called it “Warsaw’s Manhattan.” Why? Because architect Jan Heurich (the Younger) utilized a pioneering reinforced concrete structure.

It is precisely thanks to this engineering courage that the building survived the fires of war in surprisingly good condition. Today, at InFormal Kitchen, we can enjoy the massive glass storefronts. They let in natural light and open our restaurant to the city, making the boundary between the interior and the square almost vanish.

Fun fact: The Raczyński Tenement was one of the first buildings in Warsaw with such a large glass surface area, which in those days sparked as much admiration as today’s skyscrapers.

The Unique Triangle: Art, Faith, and Architecture

Plac Małachowskiego is a unique location on a European scale. Sitting by our window, you are facing a unique “triangle of identity” that has shaped the atmosphere of this part of the city for decades.

Zachęta – National Gallery of Art Our closest neighbor. The Zachęta building is not only a witness to turbulent history but, above all, the heart of Polish contemporary art. The gallery’s presence ensures you will always meet open-minded people on the square—artists, connoisseurs, and tourists seeking inspiration. It is thanks to Zachęta that this area has that elusive, artistic flair.

Holy Trinity Evangelical-Augsburg Church This monumental rotunda with its massive dome is a masterpiece of Neoclassicism. Did you know its acoustics are legendary? It was here, as a teenager, that Fryderyk Chopin himself performed. The view of this structure in the evening, when it is softly illuminated, is one of the most beautiful sights you can enjoy while sipping coffee at our place.

Czapski Palace Just around the corner lies the Academy of Fine Arts. This completes the artistic spirit of the neighborhood. Students, professors, and artisans create a community here that rejects haste and prioritizes quality—exactly like we do in our kitchen.

“New City Center” – Elegance Without the Suit

For years, Warsaw’s center was associated with the concrete hustle and bustle around the Rotunda. However, over the last decade, the weight of “urban lifestyle” has shifted toward Plac Małachowskiego and Traugutta Street. This is where the “New City Center” was born.

What sets it apart?

• Piazza vibe: Plac Małachowskiego is one of the few places in the center that has maintained the intimate, European feel of a square (piazza). There is no noise from major arteries; instead, there is room to breathe and talk.
• Smart Casual: It is elegance that doesn’t require a suit. It is a place for people who value quality but seek authenticity. Here, a morning business lunch flows seamlessly into an afternoon post-exhibition coffee, turning into a vibrant bar vibe by evening.

InFormal Kitchen: Why Do We Fit In Here?

Our InFormal concept was inspired by this specific location. The address at Plac Małachowskiego 2 sets high standards—it must be high-quality, professional, and aesthetic. But the spirit of the neighborhood tells us: be yourself.

At InFormal Kitchen, we make the most of what this address offers:

• Openness: Our kitchen is just as transparent as the glass windows of the Raczyński Tenement. You can watch the chefs at work, just as we watch the life of the square.
• Contrast: We serve premium dishes but in an atmosphere that allows you to loosen your tie. We combine the gravity of historic walls with the lightness of a modern plate.
• Local and Global: We are proud of our Warsaw address, but in our flavors, you will taste the travels we take to constantly surprise you.

Summary: A Square You Have to Feel

Plac Małachowskiego 2 is more than just a point on a map. It is an invitation to a world where quality speaks for itself, and the atmosphere makes you want to stay for dessert, even if you only planned a quick lunch. It is a place for those who expect something more from Warsaw than just a rush.

Drop by, take your favorite seat by the window, and feel history becoming a modern taste right before your eyes.

You can find more stories from behind the scenes of our kitchen and neighborhood in future entries in our Journal. Stay with us!>