In the heart of Krakow, right by the Cloth Hall, there is a unique place whose tradition dates back to the 19th century. Hawełka Restaurant is not only an elegant culinary space - it is also a story about old Kraków, about culture, art and meetings that co-created the identity of the city. For decades it has hosted artists, politicians, scientists, and today - anyone who wants a taste of history and authentic cuisine.

Origins of the legend

The restaurant's founder, Antoni Hawełka, opened a delicatessen store "Under the Palm" in the Spiski Palace as early as 1876, which quickly gained a reputation for its access to colonial specialties such as coffee, spices, liqueurs and cigars. The store's clientele included members of the aristocracy and Krakow's elite. However, they quickly saw the potential in developing a catering offer, resulting in the establishment of a breakfast place and then a full-scale restaurant. Thanks to the excellent service and quality of the products, Antoni Hawełka was recognized as an Imperial and Royal Court Supplier in Vienna.

Havelka as the living room of Krakow

By the end of the 19th century, the Hawełka restaurant had become a social and artistic meeting place. Henryk Sienkiewicz, Stanisław Wyspiański, Lucjan Rydel and Teofil Lenartowicz frequented the place. It was not just a space for eating - it was in Hawełka that ideas for plays, literary texts and social initiatives were born. Satirical performances and literary meetings were also held in the restaurant's rooms.

Delightful interiors

The Havel is located in the historic Spis Palace, a building with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. The spacious halls, including the representative Tetmajer Room, delight with their historical decor: wooden ceilings, coffered ceilings, classical chandeliers and paintings alluding to Cracovian legends. Guests have the impression that they are participating in a feast not only culinary, but also aesthetic. This is one of the few restaurants in Krakow that has preserved the original atmosphere of the late 19th century.

Flavors that have survived the centuries

Hawełka Restaurant is famous for its dishes based on classic recipes of Galician and Old Polish cuisine. The menu is dominated by dishes prepared with the highest quality ingredients. Particularly popular are sour rye soup in bread, broth with homemade noodles, dumplings with a variety of stuffing, traditional duck with apples, as well as matzanka krakowska - an aromatic dish that has gained the status of a local legend. Hawełka also offers regional desserts, such as krakowski cheesecake, apple pie and chocolate fondant.

Havel today

Today Hawelka combines tradition with modern service. It is the perfect place for a family dinner, a romantic dinner or a corporate meeting. The restaurant also organizes wedding receptions, banquets and conferences. In summer it attracts with a garden overlooking the Market Square and Cloth Hall. Despite modern technical solutions, the establishment does not lose its character and elegance. It is a place that invariably remains a living part of Krakow's identity.

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Sources

• www.hawelka.pl

• Art Trails

• VisitMalopolska

• Wikipedia