Carpaccio

One of the most famous and elegant streets in Warsaw is Ulica Nowy Swiat, or New World Street, a broad boulevard lined with shops, cafés and restaurants that forms part of the historic Royal Route. It's one of the must-see sights, and a leisurely stroll along it reveals a beautifully restored glimpse of the Warsaw such as Chopin would have known.

Italian food is enormously popular in Warsaw, and there are many Italian restaurants. Few, however, are actually run by Italians, so the opportunity to take a break for lunch or dinner along Nowy Swiat in a genuine Italian trattoria is not one to pass up. Aside from the prime location, a useful clue is the number of Italian-speaking customers.

The smart interior enjoys large windows that give a fine view of the street outside, and a traditional wood-fired pizza oven adds authenticity as well as irresistible aromas. The menu is strictly classical Italian, with great pride taken in the quality of the fresh fish, seafood and juicy steaks. Needless to say, carpaccio also features. In the summer, the broad pavement permits chic outdoor dining and an opportunity to eyeball the city's more glamorous inhabitants.

Popular with celebrities and expats, as well as with locals generally, Carpaccio has quickly found a niche for itself as one of the better eateries on Nowy Swiat. Typical Italian hospitality coupled with delicious food makes it one of those places that visitors are only too keen to keep coming back to. And after you've eaten, you can happily return to your sightseeing.