Inside Warsaw’s prettiest pierogi bistro.

A modern take on an old-school dumpling.

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Hi design junkies,

It's time to visit a location that combines history, mermaids, and jazz. We know it's difficult to believe, but the designers of this new location have managed to create something stunning.

Meet Syrena Irena, designed by Projekt Praga and Mamastudio. A Polish bistro in the heart of Warsaw where you can eat handmade dumplings while appreciating the building's historical features, and if you stay until the sun goes down, you'll be treated to 60s jazz music that will transport you back in time.

This modern pierogi bistro is now open in Krakowskie Przedmieście, an area significant for Warsaw’s history and surprisingly lacking a casual place to eat Polish food. Syrena Irena filled that void by combining handmade pierogi with a feisty design.

Photography: PION Studio

The creators chose the symbol of Warsaw known as the Coat of Arms and a mermaid (syrena in Polish) who they named Irena, as the face of the new place.

“We were influenced by the aesthetics of jazzy Warsaw of the ’60s, when this part of town was a vibrant destination for night owls and barflies. - Mamastudio

The large “Ulysses and the Sirens,” oil painting by Herbert James Draper is represented as the wallpaper covering two walls, to express the mermaid theme behind the name Syrena Irena.

Photography: PION Studio

In the bistro, you will find powder-coated bar counters in bold colours that complement the original wall mouldings and arches.

Also to show the aquatic nature of the mermaid, you will see vivid colours of blue with a touch of pink, peach, and coral tones.

Projekt Praga chose details, shapes, and materials which are still similar to the design of the communist era in Poland. The Terrazzo-like tabletops with simple black bases were custom-made, as well as most of the metal objects.