Yo Poznan!
The kilos are piling on, but hey — we’re prepared to suffer for our readers. Wink, wink. The food levels in Poznań right now? Absolute madness. I just came back from Barcelona and, sorry Spain, but Poznań wins in my book. Thought it had peaked, thought the tide couldn’t rise any higher… and then along sailed Czarnomorka on Stary Rynek 62.
We popped in a few days ago to scout the place out — a little pre-voyage reconnaissance. But now it’s time for the main mission: the review. And when the cargo is seafood, you know I’m steering this ship with a smile. Because let’s face it, in Poznań, proper seafood is rarer than a sober sailor on shore leave. But that might just change.
For those who don’t speak the local lingo, Czarnomorka translates to “Black Sea.” First thing you see when you drop anchor here? A shimmering bed of ice loaded with fish, staring at you like you’re late for dinner. You can buy it raw to cook at home if you’re feeling adventurous, or — much wiser — let the pros handle it. The kicker? The prices won’t sink your wallet.
Dockside Decision-Making
We moored ourselves outside because it was 27°C — Polish summer is short, and you grab it with both hands. The problem here isn’t what to order… it’s what to leave behind. The menu reads like a treasure map of temptation. And knowing the owner sometimes goes out with the fishermen to choose the catch herself? That’s next-level fresh.
We went in with a tactical plan: three crew members, a bottle of water, one starter and one main each. And the wind was in our sails immediately — between 11:00–16:00 you get a free fisherman’s soup with every order. It was 15:45. Big grins. That’s a 23 PLN saving right off the bat.
The soup? Honestly… best I’ve ever had. Golden, fragrant, tasting like Poseidon’s personal lunch. Rich stock, deep sea umami, and just enough spice to keep you warm on deck.
The Starters Set Sail
From the menu’s lighter side, we launched with Tuna Carpaccio with Anchovy and Truffle Oil Dressing (69 PLN). Paper-thin slices of tuna that practically dissolved on contact, with the anchovy’s salty punch cutting through the truffle’s earthy perfume. Balanced like a ship’s mast in calm seas.
We couldn’t resist the Fried Smelt — golden, crispy, and perfect with a squeeze of lemon and a heavy shake of salt. At 16 PLN it’s criminally cheap. Take them home raw for just 6 PLN and pretend you’re the one who caught them.
Then came the Breaded Shrimp with Aioli–Kimchi Sauce (46 PLN). Crunchy on the outside, tender inside, with the aioli giving creamy comfort and the kimchi sauce bringing the fire. If shrimp could do salsa, this would be it.
Main Courses: Full Steam Ahead
We were already full, but journalistic duty is a cruel mistress. First up, Risotto with Dor Blue Cheese and Walnuts (54 PLN) — creamy, nutty, with the blue cheese adding that stormy depth. We tossed in grilled shrimp for an extra 8 PLN, because why not? Honestly, one of the best risottos we’ve had all year.
Next came the Vannamei Shrimp Burger (66 PLN). These aren’t your regular shrimp — these guys are big, clean-tasting, and almost lobster-like. Nestled with arugula, basil sauce, and crisp fries, it’s a pricey port of call but worth every coin in the chest.
Last, the Spaghetti with Wine Sauce, Garlic, and Capers (51 PLN), with mussels for an extra 8 PLN. Briny, garlicky, and kissed by the wine — like kissing a mermaid, if mermaids were into pasta.
Oh, and one more thing before you disembark — the Oyster Shot with Vodka (25 PLN). Briny, sharp, and just the thing to fire up the evening tide.
Chef Yurii
We snagged Chef Yurii Venher from the upstairs kitchen for a lightning-fast 30 seconds — just enough time to hit him with a “Dude, this is insane” before he disappeared back into the kitchen like a ninja with a ladle. The man’s running a full-blown fish symphony back there, and judging by the flavors, every instrument’s playing in tune.
Final Docking Thoughts
Czarnomorka finally brings Poznań a real seafood stronghold, and at prices that won’t send you to Davy Jones’ locker. In the heart of the Old Market, it’s perfectly placed for both locals and visiting landlubbers. Let the tourists see that our food game is stronger than theirs — and yes, we’ll shout that over the waves.
If you love fish, get here. If you don’t love fish, get here anyway — you’ll leave converted, maybe even with a sailor’s swagger. Reserve your seat though, cos this place gets busy! Anchors away, my friends.
