Mikolajki is a hidden gem of a town in Poland’s northeastern lake district, offering breathtaking views of nature and wildlife, historical buildings and five-star dining at an affordable price at the Yachtova Restaurant.
About a half-hour drive from the Bemowo Piskie Training Area, where U.S. troops lead a NATO battle group, the Yachtova is part of the Hotel Mikolajki, which sits on one of the lakes that the town is famous for, at least in Poland.
Diners have the option of sitting inside, in the modern dining area, which offers a panoramic view of Mikolajskie Lake through the many windows, or outside on the terrace, which offers the same calming views. Weather permitting, I’d recommend sitting outside, but Polish weather isn’t always conducive to outdoor dining.
The menu features an array of Polish dishes for breakfast and dinner and a limited number of seasonal dishes. A set menu or a la carte dining are available, and if you’re flummoxed by the names of typical Polish foods, like pierogi or bigos, the staff are happy to offer recommendations for what to eat, and what beverage would go well with the meal.
I ate at the restaurant a few times on a recent trip to Poland. For appetizers, there was the traditional Polish beef tartare, which was light and had a colorful, visually appealing presentation. The fish soup with sour cream captured different flavors in a spoon.
One main course dish that stood out to me was the chicken served on a bed of mashed potatoes surrounded by vegetables and drizzled with gravy. It was a simple dish, but I’d give it nearly five stars. The only reason it lost half a point in my rating was that the peas and carrots were a bit salty for my taste.
A local brew called Zywiec married perfectly with the meal, and an Irish coffee wrapped up the experience. Zywiec was the only Polish beer the restaurant had on tap, but the Yachtova also offers bottled beers, cocktails and soft drinks.
In addition to serving great food at an affordable price, the Yachtova takes the fight against the coronavirus seriously. The socially distanced tables are thoroughly disinfected between customers, and there is hand sanitizer just outside the restaurant. The staff wear face masks at all times, and diners are required to wear them when walking around, but can remove them when seated at a table. The face mask rules apply to all guests, whether dining indoors or on the outdoor terrace.
Johnson.Immanuel@stripes.com Twitter: Manny_Stripes
Address: Aleja Spacerowa 11, 11-730 Mikołajki, Poland
Hours: Monday-Sunday, breakfast 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m., dinner 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Times are subject to change. A la carte menu available until 10 p.m.
Prices: Between $5 and $24.99
Menu: English, Polish
Phone: +48 87 420 60 00