The Lowdown
Polwiejska Street just got a serious caffeine kick with the opening of Tetno, a coffee shop that’s as cool as its name suggests. Tetno, meaning ‘Pulse’ in Polish, perfectly captures the vibe of this spot, brought to life by three friends—Maksim, Artur, and Aleksander—who all share a deep love for coffee. The trio met while working in Poznań, building up the popular Bike Cafe, those mobile coffee stalls you’ve probably seen around town, especially at Plac Wolności. Now, they’ve taken their passion for coffee to a whole new level with Tetno, and it’s quickly making waves on Polwiejska.
The Pulse
The moment you walk into Tetno, you’ll notice the split personality of the place. To the right, the “chill zone” beckons with comfy sofas and chairs, perfect for lounging with a book or catching up with friends. The vibe is relaxed, with pastel pinks and aqua greens creating a soothing atmosphere. On the left, it’s all about that high-energy pulse. Here, the seating is more upright, designed for those quick coffee breaks or a speedy bite to eat. The interior, built entirely by the owners with a little help from Maksim’s dad (who clearly has a knack for this stuff), is both impressive and inviting.
The Chow
We couldn’t resist popping in to see what the buzz was all about. First off, the team is super friendly, and their mascot dog, Kanye, gives every guest a warm welcome. The menu is short and sweet, with a few carefully curated options divided into “salty” and “sweet.”
Our Top Pick
The Sweet
On the sweet side, we tried the Syrniki—three cottage cheese pancakes served with a luxurious caramel cream, delicate mascarpone, and a tangy raspberry sauce. For just 25 PLN, it’s a steal, and the flavors were out of this world, balancing richness with a hint of tartness.
The Salty
For something savory, we went with the Pulled Pork Brioche for 29 PLN. It was a flavor explosion—juicy pulled pork, fresh tomatoes, onions, all drizzled with a creamy cheddar sauce. The combination worked beautifully, and it’s definitely a must-try for anyone passing through.
The Liquid
Of course, we had to sample what they specialize in—coffee. We kept it simple but satisfying with their Cold Brew, but added a twist by topping it with cold foam. The result? A refreshing, textured drink that’s perfect for a hot day. The cold brew was 15 PLN, with an additional 5 PLN for the foam.
We also couldn’t resist trying their still-trendy Matcha Tea, opting for the Mango Matcha. Stirred with an eco-friendly metal straw, this drink was both refreshing and vibrant, and it comes highly recommended by my daughter, a matcha connoisseur.
The Scoop
Tetno is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a testament to the growing wave of Ukrainian and Belarusian entrepreneurs who are bringing fresh ideas and high standards to Poland’s dining scene. The three musketeers—Maksim, Artur, and Aleksander—along with Maksim’s girlfriend, are proof that competition raises the bar, and they’ve set a new standard for coffee shops on Polwiejska Street, if not the entire area. Our office is just around the corner, so you can bet we’ll be back regularly.
The heads up…
One last thing—Tetno opens at 7:00 AM every day for the early birds. So why not start your day with their omelette brioche and let us know how it went? Otherwise, we stand by our recommendations, no question. Say hi to the team from us when you’re there, and don’t forget to give Kanye a pet!