Breakfast and brunch in Lodz: a local's top 4
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for me, and in recent years, Lodz has become a true culinary hub. As a permanent resident, I have tested dozens of places, but I only return regularly to a few of them.
In this roundup, you won't find random places from tourist brochures. This is my subjective, honest list of restaurants that guarantee quality, great coffee, and atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a quick coffee at 8:00 AM or a lazy brunch in post-industrial interiors - you will find the answer here.
Quick cheat sheet: which spot for what?
In a rush and want a quick recommendation? Here's what each spot does best (tap a name to jump to the details):
| Best for | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Everyday classic and great coffee | Caffe Przy Ulicy |
| The most beautiful location (Instagram-perfect) | Bułkę przez Bibułkę (Fuzja) |
| The best bread in the city | Montag Bistro |
| An elegant brunch and local zalewajka | Mono Cafe |
Detailed reviews and opinions
Caffe Przy Ulicy - a classic that never fails
This is a place where I am a regular. Caffe Przy Ulicy wins primarily with its variety and consistent form - regardless of the day of the week, the food is fresh, and the service is smiling. It's a safe bet if you are going with a larger group and everyone is in the mood for something different.
What to eat: Their menu is wide, but they are famous for excellent breakfast sets. I love their cakes, especially the spelt apple pie and the Ferrero cake. When those options run out, I order the tarts.
Coffee: A big plus for the coffee - including the decaf, which tastes like real Arabica, which is still not the standard in Lodz.
Pros and cons
- Huge selection (sweet, savory, vegan options)
- Possibility to order Prosecco with breakfast
- Located in the center, but on a quieter street
- Crowds on weekends and public holidays; they don't always accept reservations at all locations
Bułkę przez Bibułkę (Fuzja) - breakfast in the heart of history
Although this is a chain originating from Warsaw, the venue in Lodz's Fuzja has a completely unique vibe. It is located on the grounds of Karol Scheibler's former power plant. The combination of red brick, high windows, and modern decor makes the coffee simply taste better here.
What to eat: This is food that you "eat with your eyes". I always order the Turkish breakfast because they make it unique and with the perfect amount of garlic that still allows for conversation with companions.
Atmosphere: This is the ideal starting point for exploring Księży Młyn. After breakfast, you are in the very heart of revitalized Lodz.
Pros and cons
- Top location in the historic Fuzja (perfect for photos)
- Very aesthetic plating
- Fast and efficient service
- On Sunday mornings, the wait time to get inside is very long
Montag Bistro & Deli - a paradise for bread lovers
If your benchmark for a good breakfast is the quality of the bread, Montag on Piotrkowska Street has no equal. They bake bread and rolls on-site, and the smell of fresh pastries welcomes you right from the doorstep.
What to eat: The menu changes seasonally, which guarantees fresh ingredients. For me, the classics are the croissant sandwiches because they manage not to crush the delicate pastry while stuffing it with ingredients.
Good to know: Make sure to buy some bread to take home - it's one of the best baked goods in Lodz.
Pros and cons
- On-site craft bakery
- Window tables are perfect for people watching on Piotrkowska Street
- Seasonal, high-quality ingredients
- You have to arm yourself with patience while waiting for the food
Mono Cafe & Bistro - the taste of Lodz in Monopolis
Mono Cafe is located in Monopolis - a former vodka factory that has won prestigious architectural awards. This place combines elegance with history.
Unique asset: This is one of the few breakfast spots where you can eat traditional zalewajka. If you want to experience the true, local taste of Lodz (rye sour soup with potatoes and sausage), you must try it right here.
Surroundings: After breakfast, it's worth taking a walk through the Monopolis passage - art exhibitions are often held here.
Pros and cons
- Availability of regional dishes (Lodz zalewajka)
- Spectacular interiors and surroundings (Monopolis)
- Easy parking
- Parking is paid, so going out for breakfast comes out a bit more expensive than the Lodz average
Practical tips: how to avoid queues?
The places on this list are very popular. On weekends between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, you have to expect a queue in most of them.
Reservations: If you are planning an outing on the weekend, call a day in advance (especially for Caffe Przy Ulicy and Mono).
Alternative: If you prefer to eat breakfast in your pajamas, remember that staying at Yoga Zen, you have a fully equipped kitchen at your disposal. Sometimes the best brunch is the one eaten on our terrace overlooking the park, with fresh bread bought at a nearby bakery!
