Fregata

The view and setting are beautiful, but the restaurant experience was spoiled by the hostess/administrator’s completely unprofessional service. We and the group immediately ahead of us were told there was no table without a reservation, even though 60-70% of the tables were empty. We arrived around 13 and were told all the reservations were for 13 too 🤣 No one asked whether we wanted to wait or what we’d like to order, even though we’re usually quick to order and eat. I won’t come back, and I wouldn’t suggest anyone else visit.

We came hoping for a good dinner with a lake view at this charming restaurant and hotel. The setting looks lovely, but the kitchen service was very poor. We waited almost 1 1/2 hrs for two meals and an appetizer. After we asked the wait staff three times about the food, everything arrived together, appetizer and main courses. During that long wait, no one offered to refill our drinks or asked if we needed anything. After this experience, I wouldn’t recommend making the drive here, especially from nearby cities such as Wroclaw.

We had a very nice dinner overall, with delicious food at prices similar to other restaurants in Poland, and the lake views and unusual atmosphere are lovely. Service was slow, though. Even with a reservation, we waited about 15-20 mins for our table. The waitress seemed to have no personality and was just going through the motions. We didn’t stay in the accommodation above the restaurant, but I still recommend dining here.

The food and the lakeside setting are what stayed with me most. Restauracja Fregata looks out over Lake Bystrzyckie, with the dam across the water making the view feel almost painted. Inside, there’s a wonderfully odd collection of décor: lace doilies, distressed cupboards, a mannequin loyal to 1837 Paris, a glowing harlequin with an orb, pastel bows, and rainbow liqueurs. The tufted sofas are soft and welcoming, too. The English translations on the eclectic menu were a welcome touch. My friend picked the Old Polish sour soup with egg and white sausage for my starter. It came in a hollowed-out loaf of bread, thick and rustic, with just the right tang and plenty of hearty pieces. I can see why it’s been a bestseller for 20 years. For mains, we shared pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon with creamy boletus mushroom sauce and roasted root vegetables. The pork was tender, and the sauce was velvety. The campfire potato was crisp outside and fluffy inside, while the beetroot, carrot, and parsnip were just as good as the main parts of the plate. We also had a warm fruit infusion with oranges, lemons, apples, blueberries, red berries, cinnamon, and star anise. It was refreshing and nicely theatrical. The staff were warm and efficient, and seated us at a table by the lake-facing window. Between the view, the food, and the relaxed atmosphere, it made for a lovely meal. Restauracja Fregata is a place I’d happily recommend, especially for that soup.