in Zakopane, Poland

Marilor is located in the historic Villa Marilor on Kościuszki Street, in the heart of Zakopane. Part of the Nosalowy Park Hotel & Spa complex, the restaurant balances the heritage of one of the town’s most recognisable villas with a contemporary and elegant atmosphere. The interiors combine references to Zakopane’s artistic traditions with a more modern aesthetic, creating a setting that feels both refined and distinctly local.

Leading the kitchen is chef Mateusz Malinowski, who gained experience in some of Poland’s leading restaurants and prestigious hotel kitchens before joining Marilor. Over the course of his career, he has worked alongside respected chefs and cooked for figures from the worlds of business, politics and culture, building a reputation founded on technical expertise and broad culinary experience. His presence has helped shape Marilor’s identity within Zakopane’s dining landscape.

From the outside, the grand villa immediately creates an impression of occasion, while the interior is undeniably striking, although some guests may find it occasionally bordering on the ornate. Small details, such as the presentation of three different coloured butters alongside the bread service, add a playful touch, though we found them slightly sweeter than expected.

Our meal began with the mountain trout gravlax, a well-balanced and enjoyable dish that showcased a sense of restraint. The beef tartare delivered pleasant flavours, but its use of minced rather than hand-cut beef took away some of the texture and character that many fine dining enthusiasts look for in this classic preparation.

One of the restaurant’s signature dishes, the lamb stew with homemade bread, was satisfying and comforting. Yet it also highlighted what we felt defined the overall experience. While the cooking is accomplished and enjoyable, Marilor struck us as being closer in style to an upscale brasserie than to a true fine dining destination. The restaurant offers a polished setting, a strong sense of place and competent execution, but diners seeking the precision, creativity and ambition typically associated with the upper tier of fine dining may find the experience leaning more towards refined casual dining than gastronomic cuisine.

Chef: Mateusz Malinowski
Date of visit: July 24th 2026
Website: https://www.restauracjamarilor.pl/en
Michelin: Selected restaurant