We finally have a new restaurant in the heart of Gdańsk that is worthy of M. Here, food is combined with art. An intimate space, carefully thought out in every detail, with a view of the Motława River, Fangor on the wall and art on the plate. If you expect something more from a restaurant, you will be delighted!

MDWA – a name that intrigues

Let’s start with the name, which may arouse curiosity. What does the abbreviation MDWA mean? It is not read literally, but as “Em two” (“Em dwa” in polish), which opens up further possibilities for interpretation. M1 can be understood as a reference to the Mercato restaurant, its older and well-known fine dining sister, located literally behind the wall. The second ‘M’ is a nod to the painter Wojciech Fangor, whose most characteristic works are signed with the letter “M”, meaning ‘painting’ (“malarstwo” in polish). The intriguing name is just the beginning of the adventure.

MDWA is a space filled with art…

…and on the plates, the work of culinary masters led by Dominik Karpik…

…and the creator of this place, Filip Wójcikiewicz.

‘In our restaurant, you will experience the concept of the visual arts blending with haute cuisine on your plate, surrounded by the beauty of Gdańsk,’ said Filip Wójcikiewicz, creator of the MDWA restaurant and owner of the Hilton hotel in Gdańsk, during the opening.

Gdańsk’s DNA, Fangor’s personality, usefulness for guests

The walls of the restaurant are decorated with works by world-renowned Polish artist Wojciech Fangor (‘M 73’, ‘M 76’ and ‘SU 33’) from the hotel owner’s private collection. The artist’s pulsating, multidimensional avant-garde style became the main inspiration for the restaurant, its graphic identity and name. The interiors were designed by Juliusz Knieć, a student at the Warsaw University of Technology. Simplicity, minimalism, energetic pulsation and references to St. Mary’s Basilica in Gdańsk… This is how we can briefly describe our impressions after experiencing this space. You feel good here, but not at home. More like in a prestigious art gallery, where you eagerly await the next work to be served to your table.

The food here…

…is a culinary adventure…

…full of surprising twists and turns.

A menu that invites you on a journey…

At MDWA, every dish is a work of art. From the presentation, which constantly elicits a quiet ‘wow!’ from us, to the flavours that tell a story, to the intriguing accents of the interior design and thoughtful solutions that make life easier for guests.

The head chef at MDWA is Dominik Karpik, well known in the industry, who for many years has been at the helm of the Michelin-starred Mercato restaurant at the Hilton Hotel.

‘Our menu is an adventure full of textures, colours and flavours. We have an advantage over painters in that our art can be eaten – and that’s the best thing about it,’ says Dominik Karpik, head chef at MDWA.

The prices have been cleverly concealed; you will only see them when illuminated with a UV torch.

When you turn on the lamp on the table, you give a clear signal to the staff – please do not disturb.

Thanks to the open kitchen, we can see the culinary spectacle with our own eyes.

The tasting menu is the result of several months of work, perfecting each dish and paying attention to every detail. Imagine a variation on jellyfish that isn’t jellyfish, but tastes like the salty waters of the Mediterranean. Or a pear dessert, which you get in the form of a white canvas with edible ‘paints’ that you can spread on your plate and… eat. Even the brush is edible!

Dishes can be ordered solo, paired with the best wines, or accompanied by beautiful, dry and perfectly matched non-alcoholic cocktails. We chose the latter option and must emphasise that trying these cocktails was just as fascinating an adventure as trying the menu itself. You simply have to try it!

Tasting menu…

…stole our hearts.

We’ll be back!

Dlaczego warto odwiedzić MDWA?

MDWA is a place where fine dining meets contemporary art – paintings by Wojciech Fangor are an integral part of the experience. Every detail, from the flavours to the interior design, has been crafted with the senses and reflection in mind. The menu, created by Dominik Karpik, a chef recognised by the MICHELIN guide, is a combination of perfect technique and the story of the region. MDWA draws on Gdańsk’s tradition, presenting it in a modern way. The whole concept was born out of a passion and family mission to create places that sensitise guests to beauty and a new quality of hospitality. We highly recommend it!

All photos used in this article are by Jacek Koślicki.