Here, you can not only enjoy a meal, choosing from a range of wholesome, high-quality dishes representing cuisines from around the world, but also find a place to chat, socialise, or experience art together. BUWBAR is a unique gastronomic and cultural space, which was officially unveiled on 29th April at the University of Warsaw Library. A discount on lunch dishes has been arranged especially for UW students and doctoral candidates.

This is the first space of its kind at a Polish university. BUWBAR was officially unveiled on 29th April at the University of Warsaw Library (BUW).

“The University of Warsaw consistently responds to the needs of its community by creating spaces that support not only learning, but also social integration and well-being. BUWBAR is a place where we combine a high-quality offering with a comfortable environment for work and study – a space for both body and soul,” says Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, the Rector of the University of Warsaw.

 

“BUWBAR was created in response to the needs expressed by students and doctoral candidates. It is not just a dining area, but also a place for work, meetings, and relaxation, designed with the comfort of University Library users in mind. It is a place where you can enjoy a good meal at an affordable price,” says Robert Grey, Chancellor of the University of Warsaw.

The area, designed in a modern loft style, features eight street food kiosks. Each offers a menu featuring a different cuisine, including Polish, Italian, Mexican and Chinese. The selection will change on a rotating basis. With guests in mind, an automated ordering system has been implemented, and the work of the professional as well as experienced chefs and staff is supported by two robots, whose tasks include collecting dishes.

For body and soul

Meal prices are tailored primarily to the needs of students at the University of Warsaw. A nutritious lunch, prepared using the highest-quality ingredients by professional and experienced chefs, starts at 19 zł. A discount scheme is available for UW students and doctoral candidates. Customers can also make use of the hot and cold drinks stand, offering affordable, competitive prices, as well as reheat their own food. Coffee for breakfast costs 1 zł, and soup in a cup costs 5 zł.

We would also like to remind you of the university canteen on the Main Campus on Oboźna Street, which offers affordable set-menu lunches for students, doctoral candidates, employees and retirees of the UW.

Opening Week

During Opening Week, students at the University of Warsaw can enjoy additional discounts on food and drinks.

The dishes in the area are available as Grab & Go – ready to eat. BUWBAR is run by Yajia Lin-Iwanejko, a restaurateur acclaimed for her work, who in 2025 ranked 15th in the list of the 50 best restaurateurs in Poland, compiled by “Forbes & Made For Restaurant”. Her philosophy is to combine the needs of both body and spirit. In this new space, you can not only eat but also find inspiration. BUWBAR is adorned with works by Andrzej Fogtt, a Polish painter, graphic artist and sculptor. The space is also open to showcasing the cultural activities of students and doctoral candidates at the University of Warsaw.

“For me, BUWBAR is more than just a dining space. I wanted to create a place that would be a natural part of academic life – open, diverse and inspiring, where food goes hand in hand with culture and socialising,” emphasises Yajia Lin-Iwanejko.

The new zone also features a zero-waste deli, where surplus meals can be purchased at discounted prices – to prevent food waste.

Exhibitions, screenings, concerts

In the evenings, BUWBAR will host a variety of cultural events: shows, exhibitions, concerts, film screenings and panel discussions. It is a venue for showcasing the achievements of members of the University of Warsaw’s academic community. The organisation of events takes into account the nature and purpose of the library as a space, prioritising the comfort of BUW users whilst they work and study.

The interior of the entire zone has been designed in a modern style, incorporating eco-friendly solutions and a commitment to environmental sustainability. The concept was created by interior architect and award-winning restaurant designer Marta Agnieszka Lew.