Charlotte - Warsaw

Charlotte is a great place, and something Warsaw's been crying out for. Essentially a French-style bakery and patisserie, they take particular care over the preparation of their dough, baking several times daily. Centrally located, on the massively trendy Plac Zbawiciela, the relaxed and chic interior along with the great breads and croissants has made it hugely popular.

For breakfast (served until 11 p.m.) you can enjoy fresh bread, butter, jam and chocolate, or perhaps with an egg. If you like you can add a glass of sparkling wine. Also available are various tartines, quiches and soup, while the choice of warm or cold sandwich fillings includes roast beef, ham, smoked salmon, goats cheese and mozzarella. Other options are cheese, ham or foie gras 'plates', salads and olives.

The prices are very reasonable, even before you consider the quality and freshness, with most choices around the 8 to 12 zloty mark. Its popularity inevitably makes it rather busy at times, and in the warmer months chairs and tables on the colonnade outside are a good idea if you want to combine a leisurely and tasty bite with the chance to watch fashionable Varsavians looking effortlessly cool. Wifi - of course - means you can take your laptop and even try and work at the same time.

If you're looking for a slice of Parisian style in downtown Warsaw, then Charlotte has by far the most authentic experience in this part of Europe. Their baguettes, brioches and croissants are universally acknowledged as the best in Poland. And now visitors to Krakow can also enjoy Charlotte at the newly opened branch on Plac Szczepanski.