For months, my husband has been telling me that two of his friends were opening a pancake restaurant in Poznan. My first thought was something like an IHOP, but that’s not it. I’ve come across two kinds of pancakes in Poland, potato pancakes and giant crepes (with sweet or savory fillings) – both delisious, but nothing that resembles the familiar stack of flapjacks.
The location, not far from the old square, required some serious renovation, and that has kept the managers busy. I’m happy to say it’s finally here! Manekin, located at Kwiatowa 3, was worth the wait. The first Manekin restaurant is in Turin. I believe the Poznan location is the fourth in Poland.
We had dinner there Saturday night, and it was fantastic! If you’re really hungry, I recommend the mushroom soup, the #10 pancake from the meat section of the menu, and apple pie to finish it off. The restaurant is spacious (includes a playroom for children), with clean white decor. I would describe it as shabby-chic (which is so popular here) with an industrial edge. English speakers who have tried sounding out the restaurant name may realize that it’s mannequin. There are several mannequins adding interest and a feel of authenticity to the decor.
The portions are generous, and the prices are very affordable. Manekin has even changed my mind about drinking wine in Poland. After being charged 45 PLN (more than $15) for a glass of wine at a hotel in Warszawa, I had sworn off wine in Poland – deciding that I would stick to vodka and beer, the traditional local drinks. I broke my own rule Saturday night, and I’m happy to say that the 5,5 PLN glass of wine was every bit as good as the expensive one in Warszawa.
An accountant by trade and a food blogger since 2009, Lois Britton fell in love with Polish cuisine during the years she lived in Poznań, Poland. As the creator of PolishHousewife.com, she loves connecting readers with traditional Polish recipes. Lois has a graduate certificate in Food Writing and Photography from the University of South Florida. She is the author of The Polish Housewife Cookbook, available on Amazon and on her website.
Ola
nicely served!
I wonder where you exactly paid this PLN 45 for a glass of wine? It must be one of the *****:)
Hania
There has been Manekin restaurant in Bydgoszcz for a good few years. I love it there and it's so convenient when you want to go for lunch with your friends because everyone can afford it and everyone loves pancakes. 🙂
Although I can only manage one course. The pancakes are massive and with very generous fillings. One of my favourites is "kebab pancake". 🙂 Mmm… Wish I
Lois B
Ola – your guess is correct. It was in the sport bar at the Intercontinental two summers ago. We were watching football; the World Cup was on. I was trying to decide what I wanted to drink, and the waiter suggested wine. So I hadn't seen the price on the menu, and it was a shock when the bill arrived. I felt like I'd been swindled.
Hania – you're right. One course