Yo Poznan!

If you’re a foodie in this city, you already know the deal — Poznań’s café and restaurant game is on another level. The bar’s so high now that just keeping up is an achievement, let alone outdoing what’s already out there. So how do you stand out in a sea of flat whites and sourdough toasts?

Well, you either throw serious cash at the decor and build yourself a palace… or, you do what Jerzy did — flip your life upside down, follow your gut (literally), and bring something completely new to the table.

Introducing Leuca

Tucked away on Ratajczaka 20, right opposite Taczaka, Leuca isn’t trying too hard to be trendy — and that’s exactly why it works. Think: sleek, minimalist interior, a couple of neon pops here and there, and a vibe that’s more grab-and-go with class than sit-around-with-a-laptop-for-hours.

So, what’s the story?

Jerzy, ex-office guy turned full-time foodie, did what most of us dream about but never have the guts to do — he quit the 9-to-5 and opened his own café. Casual. Inspired by years of holidays in Santa Maria di Leuca, a stunning seaside spot in southern Italy, an hour’s car drive from where his aunt lives in Lecce, Jerzy decided to bring a little slice of Puglia to Poznań. And boy, did he deliver.

The Star of the Show: Pasticciotto

Say hello to the pasticciotto — your new favourite pastry you didn’t even know existed. Straight outta Salento, this little shortcrust bomb is traditionally filled with custard and baked to golden perfection. If you’re thinking Pasteis de Nata vibes, hold up. Similar, yes — but the pasticciotto has its own personality. It’s chunkier, the crust is more tender than flaky, and it legit melts in your hand. And your mouth.

Of course, we had to try the classic — a rich lemony custard that hits with just the right amount of sweetness and zing. But the Jagodowy (that’s blueberry for you non-Polish peeps) took it up a notch. Still riding the base of the custard OG, but topped with a lush blueberry layer that brings a little tart twist to the creamy chaos.

And then came the game-changer: Pasti Matcha — a trio of lemon custard, white chocolate, and matcha cream. Earthy, sweet, citrusy — it’s a whole flavour journey. Jerzy’s still experimenting with new combos to see what sticks, but from what we’ve tasted, he’s already winning.

And the Coffee? One Word: Chinospresso.

Yes, you read that right. Not even on the menu yet, but we got the inside scoop.

So here’s the breakdown: Chino is this bitter orange soda from Sanpellegrino — think grown-up Fanta, but way more moody and Mediterranean. Made from chinotto, a tiny tart citrus from southern Italy, this drink hits with notes of orange peel, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.

Now add a shot of espresso to that madness and boom: Chinospresso. Bitter, bold, fizzy, spiced — it’s like tonic espresso’s cooler Italian cousin. And it totally slaps.

And here’s another Italian-style twist that we absolutely love: the “doppio za dychę” — a double espresso for just 10 PLN, but here’s the catch (and the charm): You drink it at the bar, like the Italians do. No sitting down, no laptops — just a quick stand-up, caffeinated pit stop. You’re in, you’re out, you’re buzzing. And Jerzy knocks off 2 PLN from the standard price just for keeping it social and snappy. Pretty cool, right? We’re so into it. Let’s see who’s brave enough to copy that next.

Pair that with a pasticciotto and you’ve got a duo that makes you forget it’s raining outside (again). Total southern Italy feels, even if the sky’s more grey than Amalfi blue.

Final Word?

Leuca is that lowkey spot with high-key flavour. It’s not trying to be flashy — it’s just doing things differently. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee on the run or swinging by to get your pastry fix, this place is setting the tone for how to stand out in Poznań’s already stacked food scene.

So if you’re looking for something new, something original, and something straight-up delicious — Leuca’s got your name on it.

Leuca, Ratajczaka 20 (right across from Taczaka)
Chinospresso + pasticciotto to go, and maybe a cheeky doppio at the bar — perfect start to your day.
Ciao bella.