ELIKSIR Restaurant & Cocktailbar Travel Guide

Eliksir represents a revolutionary approach to fine dining in Poland, built on the principle of food-cocktail pairing—an art form that combines culinary dishes with specially tailored beverages. Founded by chef Paweł Wątor and co-owner Mateusz Trzeciak, the restaurant was the first establishment in Poland to receive the Michelin Green Star, recognizing its leadership in sustainable gastronomy. The core philosophy centers on treating ingredients with respect, utilizing every component from farm to glass, and creating harmonious flavor combinations that elevate both food and drink.

The signature offering is an 11-course tasting menu paired with specially crafted cocktails, designed to take diners on a curated journey through Polish flavors with modern innovation. The seasonal menu changes every three months and showcases regional Pomeranian products including Masurian beef, local fish, game, and foraged ingredients. Dishes range from beef tartare with mustard ice cream to deer loin with salsify and juniper, Arctic charr with hazelnut and gooseberry, and creative vegetarian options like cauliflower in pepper oil. Each course is meticulously matched with cocktails created by the bar team, offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairing options. À la carte selections are also available, though the tasting menu remains the most popular format.

The bar shelves hold over 450 different spirits, making Eliksir home to one of the region's most extensive collections. Every element served at the bar—syrups, cordials, tonic, ginger beer, and bitters—is crafted in-house using 100% natural ingredients and original recipes. The cocktail menu features both classic preparations and innovative modernist creations, with options to customize drinks based on guest preferences. Beyond cocktails, the establishment offers carefully curated selections of Polish wines, craft beers from local breweries, and specialty coffee roasted specifically for the restaurant. The bar's approach mirrors the kitchen's philosophy: nothing is wasted, with fruit peels becoming aromatic garnishes and leftover ingredients transformed into infusions and powders.

As Poland's first Michelin Green Star recipient, Eliksir demonstrates unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility. Chef Wątor implements a circular ingredient strategy, examining each component to determine primary use and secondary applications. Orange peels become Old Fashioned garnishes while juice creates gravlax sauce; vegetable scraps transform into powders and fermented preparations. The restaurant prioritizes sourcing from the Pomerania region, supporting small-scale producers and organic farming methods. This holistic approach extends throughout operations, from waste reduction to energy efficiency, embodying the philosophy that small, consistent steps create meaningful environmental impact.

The restaurant combines fine dining elegance with approachable sophistication, featuring a full bar, private dining room, chef's table experiences, and a dedicated cigar room with curated selections. The space accommodates various occasions from romantic dinners to business gatherings, with wheelchair accessibility and gender-neutral restrooms. Late-night service extends to 1 AM on Friday and Saturday, making it suitable for evening celebrations. The casual dress code and welcoming service style create an environment where culinary innovation feels accessible rather than pretentious, though the caliber of execution clearly positions this among Poland's premier dining establishments.

Eliksir ranks as the #1 restaurant in Gdańsk on major review platforms and has earned numerous accolades including the Michelin Green Star (2024), recognition in the Gault & Millau guide with 2 caps and 13.5 points (placing it in the top 5 restaurants in the Tri-City region), and the prestigious Bar of the Year 2017 award. The restaurant maintains consistent 4.6-4.7 ratings across platforms, with particular praise for its innovative approach to beverage pairing, quality of ingredients, and knowledgeable, attentive service.