Some places become popular. Others become part of a city.

Ptasie Radio on T. Kościuszki 74/3, has been one of those Poznań spots for years — a place where people meet for coffee, long breakfasts, late lunches and conversations that somehow last longer than planned.

We sat down with Magda, the owner of Ptasie Radio, to talk about how a former apartment became one of Poznań’s most recognisable cafés, the story behind the name, the dishes that survived almost two decades, and why this place is still flying while trends come and go.

Magda

Magda, nice to meet you. Ptasie Radio is kind of a legend in Poznań — is it true this place used to be an apartment?

Yes, it’s true! We took over the space in 2005 and basically rebuilt everything from zero. It was a completely different place before — we had to open it up and redesign it so it could become what we imagined.

It was a big project, but we wanted something that didn’t feel like just another restaurant. We wanted a place with a soul.

What were you doing before all this?

Not many people know this, but I used to be a waitress in the UK.

I think that experience shaped a lot of how I see hospitality. You learn that it’s not only about the food — it’s about how people feel when they walk through the door.

And the name — Ptasie Radio? Where did that come from?

It comes from a children’s poem. I always loved the name and the feeling behind it. It had something warm, playful and a little magical about it.

When we were creating the place, it just felt like the right fit.

Are there any dishes that have been here since day one?

Definitely. The chocolate cake and the szarlotka are classics.

People have been coming back for them for years, so some things simply don’t need changing.

What’s your current favourite breakfast?

Right now I’d say the Dutch baby with pulled pork in Korean BBQ style, spinach and fried egg.

But I still have a soft spot for a classic English breakfast — some things never get old.

Who creates the menu today?

Chef Adam is the person behind the food, and Marta takes care of the drinks.

It’s really a team effort. Everyone brings their own ideas and personality into the place.

The interior is unforgettable. Who designed it?

That was Wijtek Napierała.

The whole idea was to create something unique — you’re basically sitting inside a birdcage concept. We wanted guests to feel like they had stepped into another little world.

You have a lot of energy and always look glamorous — what’s the secret?

laughs Good wine, good parties… and good sex.

Ptasie Radio is also more than just food, right? You host events too?

Exactly.

We never wanted it to be only a restaurant. We host concerts, workshops, bring in artists and create different reasons for people to come back.

The best way is to follow our socials because there’s always something happening.

Final question — if someone visits only once, what should they order?

The duck breast.

Mashed potatoes, roasted Hokkaido pumpkin, kale with pistachios and demi-glace.

No debate.

We tried it… and Magda was right. It really does melt. If you’re reading this — order the duck.

Final Take

After almost two decades, Ptasie Radio proves that the hardest thing in hospitality isn’t opening a place.

It’s creating somewhere people still want to return to.

Trends change. Menus change. The city changes.

But some places become part of the map.

And Ptasie Radio is one of them.