J.Patterson
Just 20 minutes from the castle, Leszno is a charming, walkable town where you can quite literally eat your way through.
J.Patterson
Just 20 minutes from the castle, Leszno is a charming, walkable town where you can quite literally eat your way through.
A hop, skip, and a jump from The Palace at Osowa Sien, the old noble town of Leszno and its defining market square in the Starówka offer a walkable terrain and plenty of charming cafés, proper food joints, and patios—the latter in season (May–September).
On the Rynek (town square), cafés Delicje, Lulu, and Lukier sit in a row, each offering artisanal ice cream in season and cakes and sweet treats year-round.
Picking a favorite is a bit political among locals. For what it’s worth: Delicje, a long-standing institution on the square for decades, is undergoing a revamp and will reopen in spring 2025. Lulu currently has the most substantial seating (it's a bit 40s glam too), while Lukier, just a few years old and already refreshed, now boasts a boho-chic atmosphere—perfect for sipping and snacking.
The Rynek offers more than just cafés, but there’s plenty to discover beyond it as well.
We could go on about the Rynek—the library café, a spot for a good pint—but perhaps we’ll save that for another time. After all, Leszno’s local hot spots extend far beyond the square, and some of the best finds are just a few steps away…
Zielona Antresola offers an intimate setting where cottage-core charm meets greenhouse vibes, featuring a seasonal, lush garden terrace framed by aged brick and a cozy covered sunroom bathed in sunlight year-round. In cooler months, guests can retreat to the two-story, rustic terracotta-tiled interior, where the restaurant’s original dining space exudes warmth and character.
Moonstone, a favorite local bistro and gathering spot, serves up a mix of contemporary European and Eastern-inspired dishes, with owner Andy eagerly championing the new menu that debuted this season. He says there's been a buzz about an owsianka that’s inexplicably addictive, and we can already vouch for a few enduring favorites—like their take on babaganoush and Tom Yum Gai soup. Pair it with a well-crafted libation, a homemade cake (the Basque-style cheesecake isn’t just a passing trend here—it’s downright delicious), and the kitchen’s latest offerings for a meal worth trying.
Oh, and the coffee? Really good—possibly the best brew in the city.
Over at the Stara Pumpa (old pump works), you’ll find Nowaczyński. They started as a bakery back in the day and opened this signature café just over a year ago. Now offering all-day breakfast, there’s something for both sweet and savory lovers from open 'til close. The bread and sweets are all made in-house, and the menu constantly evolves. We’re fans of the savory open-faced toasts and sandwiches, especially the open-faced Caesar sandwich on homemade focaccia, the chicken teriyaki toast (perfect if you like a touch of sweet with your savory), and the open-faced oyster mushroom sammy with your choice of a poached egg or burrata.
If you’re craving some good ol’ fashioned American-style BBQ, a brisk 10-minute jaunt from the Stara Pumpa at the corner of Prochownia and Dąbrowskiego will land you at Pastrami Summer 2.0—a smokehouse born from the literal ashes of an award-winning food truck operation. With seating for a couple hundred guests in peak season, spread across two floors and a sprawling terrace, it’s a favorite haunt.
Here, everything is done low and slow, from their signature pastrami (naturally) to burgers, ribs, and pulled pork. The meat is fall-apart tender, the flavors rich and smoky—and if we’re honest, it’s hard to stray from the classics. But their Street Food Menu tempts us too with options like the Beef Ribs on a Bun, or even the Hot Dog: a homemade sausage with cheddar and jalapeño, smoked over applewood, then piled high with coleslaw on a corn bun.
If it’s pizza you’re after, you’re in luck—Poles love their pizza pies, and there’s no shortage of spots to grab one. But if you’re looking for a solid bet, Przystanek Neapol in the Leszczynko residential area is worth a visit. They do Neapolitan-style pizza right, with fermented dough, DOP ingredients, and olive oil infused with garlic and chili. Their 32 cm (12”) pizzas are fired in a wood oven and can easily be shared as a light meal or ordered individually for something more substantial.
Exploring Leszno isn’t just a great way to spend the day—it’s an invitation to indulge in a variety of food spots where local flavors meet international comfort food favorites. Whether it’s a strong coffee and artisanal ice cream on the Rynek, a plate of pierogi in a cozy greenhouse-meets-garden setting, a modern European-meets-Near East bistro experience, or good old-fashioned American-style BBQ with locally sourced meat, there’s something for every craving. So, take the afternoon, soak in the sights, and let your taste buds lead the way.
