From morning till night, an extraordinary feast unfolds. Flavors familiar to our earliest ancestors reappear in dishes infused with the creative energy of the chef. The interior decor of the restaurant reflects this spirit – the NOKE Architects team has revitalized this tradition with spectacular results, all while respecting nature for the benefit of future generations.

Centuries ago, Polish cuisine was far richer and more diverse than it is often perceived today, boasting a bold and astonishing range of flavors and aromas. Dawid Zimnowodzki, the visionary owner and creator of Wyraj restaurant in Browary Warszawskie, aims to revive this culinary heritage. Together with the chef, they creatively draw on recipes dating back several hundred years, and even older traditions from the time of Slavic tribes, bringing these ancient flavors back to life in a modern and innovative way.

The name of the restaurant, "Wyraj," means paradise in ancient Slavic religion. Our ancestors believed that those who left this world would enter a sacred forest, where an eternal feast would take place under the shade of revered oak trees. The menu is divided into two sections: Day Feast and Night Feast, featuring the foods that sustained the Slavs for centuries: grain dishes, milk, cheeses, freshwater and sea fish, game, poultry, and a variety of seasonal vegetables, fruits, herbs, mushrooms, and honey. From early morning breakfasts to evening dinners, the menu offers exceptional options, including desserts and traditional beverages and spirits deeply rooted in the Slavic heritage.

A culinary journey into Slavic culture required the appropriate setting. The interiors, like the menu, needed to combine ancient, forgotten traditions with a modern perspective. The designers at NOKE Architects drew inspiration from our heritage and artistically reinterpreted these motifs. The space they created transports guests to a distant, perhaps even fairytale reality, that feels both familiar and intimate. This enchanting experience captivates guests both day and night.

Living heritage

The project embraces fine, natural, and durable materials. Bright stone floors set the stage for the warm tones of oak, a wood revered in Slavic traditions. Oak beams are the main feature, with knotty oak accents (such as the server station by the door) and darker smoked oak (used for table bases and vertical bar partitions).

Modern elements complement the wood, such as dark, oxidized steel in the bases of glass tables and high tables in the windows. For a touch of timeless modernity, recycled aluminum lamps from the Polish brand Lexavala adorn a tiled wall. "This is just one of many examples of national design and primarily local, artisanal production," highlights Piotr Maciaszek, who worked on the project with Karol Pasternak and Maciej Jasina.

Oven, basket, boat

At the heart of the restaurant are two distinctive counters. The first, a ceramic counter, is reminiscent of traditional bread ovens and serves as a station for presenting dishes. The adjacent counter features a massive marble top on a wooden base, uniquely designed to evoke basket weaving traditions, with a strip of curved plywood woven between black columns. "The weaving motif, inspired by archaeological finds, appears throughout the décor. It can be seen in the zigzag design of the long glass lamp above the bar and in the decorations on the small square tables in the breakfast area," explains Karol Pasternak.

These are not the only elements that pay homage to the Slavic heritage. "The polygonal dark yellow glass tabletops are designed to evoke the structure of honeycombs. The boat-shaped table in the intimate corner is a direct reference to canoes and the world of fishermen. In addition, the sturdy bases of the small high tables feature figures inspired by the dance procession on the Światowid statue from Zbrucz, one of the most treasured artifacts of Slavic culture," describes Maciej Jasina. These motifs, identified on the surface of the 11th-century statue, were proposed by Ola Niepsuj, an award-winning illustrator often invited by NOKE Architects to collaborate.

Interwoven threads

Ola Niepsuj's most important creation in this space is a unique, vibrant tapestry that covers the walls of the restaurant. This large-scale artwork evokes the grandeur of the Wawel tapestries and reminds us that tapestries, kilims, and wall hangings were significant elements in Polish homes just a few decades ago. Most importantly, it transports guests to a mythical realm, immersing them in a Slavic feast under ancient oaks.

The tapestry at Wyraj is exceptional not only for its aesthetic beauty but also for its ecological significance. Made from recycled polyester, it demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. "We emphasize this aspect because eco-friendly practices are often associated with dull, recycled materials rather than vibrant, colorful designs. But even a stunning piece like Ola Niepsuj's tapestry can be an example of practical ecological thinking," notes Piotr Maciaszek.

For future generations

The environmental dimension of the project, however, has a much broader scope. Wyraj is located in the heart of Browary Warszawskie, on the ground floor of the copper-clad "Apartamenty przy Warzelni" building, and in a space previously used by a luxury seafood restaurant. While the investor was prepared to overhaul the entire interior, the designers at NOKE Architects opted for a more sustainable approach. They began by analyzing which existing elements could be seamlessly integrated into the new design.

They preserved the overall layout of the space, as well as all the major installations, including the ventilation and air conditioning systems. The kitchen area, complete with back rooms and storage, remained unchanged. In the dining area, they were able to retain some of the original finishes, such as the wall tiles and, most notably, the beautiful marble tile floor. Large sections of the walls were left intact and painted with eco-friendly mineral paint in a shade of gray, allowing glimpses of the location's history beneath the vibrant tapestry. The authenticity of the space is further enhanced by the use of refurbished Bruno Rey chairs, which maintain their vintage charm.

Dawn or dusk

At Wyraj, the feast lasts from morning till night, with the lamps mirroring the sun's journey across the sky. The restaurant's RGBW LED lighting system effortlessly creates different lighting scenes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening gatherings or concerts, where enchanting colors transport guests to a magical realm. "The round lamps above the bar transform into stars or planets, and the table seems to glide like a boat over blue waters. Overhead, a canopy of green trees appears," explains Karol Pasternak.

Another unique experience awaits in the bathroom. The space is bathed in the color of wine – a symbol of feasting and a motif from religious rituals. Water flows from a cascading faucet like a natural spring. A glowing circle invites guests to take a selfie, while an asymmetrical cabinet playfully challenges one to consider how many glasses have already been enjoyed.

These are just a few of the details that make a visit to Wyraj an extraordinary experience. Each element, meticulously chosen by the designers or the restaurant owner, tells a story. It’s worth immersing yourself in this narrative while savoring the rich flavors of Slavic cuisine.

NOKE Architects design team: Piotr Maciaszek, Karol Pasternak, Maciej Jasina

Tapestry designs: Ola Niepsuj