Warsaw, According to the Production Code
Anastasiia Bukovska is a director, producer, and co-founder of Family Production, a leading production service company in Europe, working with global brands across advertising, film, and music videos.
The company continues to expand internationally: as well as its original office in Kyiv, Family Production is now permanently set up in Warsaw and Lisbon, with pop-up productions across Eastern Europe. Recent projects include a shoot in Moldova for a music video by Swedish rapper Yung Lean, through Frenzy Paris.
Sometimes my schedule has zero breathing room and I bite off so much more than I can chew, call times can be crazy. But I find that the rhythm of the city matters to me. From living in Warsaw, I’ve learned to build my days as if they are shoot days, planning each activity as though they were different scenes and with intention.
Here is a glimpse of my regular and favourite city haunts: from caffeinated bliss, to dinner recommendations and where to go for much-needed full-body recovery. Every stop I’ve personally sourced and can recommend.
Every time we’re running a project in Warsaw, we go with this hotel – it’s a no-brainer.
Puro provides all the necessary delights and luxuries. From morning coffee in the lobby, cleverly-designed bedrooms and energising interiors, it’s the perfect pitstops for clients and crews. In fact, I’ve shared this gem of a recommendation for years! They’ve been consistent with their commitment to comfort, innate style, and always feel like home.
Treat yourself to their renowned crispy pickled cucumbers. Trust me on that one.
This is Puro’s more soulful cousin. A restaurant that draws you in, with its fusion of delicious flavours, excellent lighting and cosy corners for discreet conversations. It’s a space you’ll want to stay longer in. It’s the perfect backdrop for entertaining guests, hosting a production dinner, or just people-watching through the window and watching the world go by, as you collect your thoughts.
Joel
This is another cherished dinner spot of mine. The vibe is very much demure and grown-up, while the cuisine is memorably impressive. You’ll remember everything that comes out of those kitchen doors – their pastas, tartares, meats. It’s totally worth it.
Milk Bar
This is a wonderful brunch spot. With its guaranteed aromas of fresh-baked goods, signature cottage cheesecakes, and all the sweet treats, I always make sure to pop in. Whether you’re popping in for something on-the-go or you have some time to sit and savour, the breakfast options will set you up for the day.
The display cases at this cosy bakery are thirst traps — and you’ll struggle to walk past them without heading in.
I always stop in for ‘happy hours’ treats – it’s become a Family Production ritual to collect the goods from Bulka to stock us up on our breaks. We call it necessary crew bonding.
Warsaw’s French Quarter is a whole mood and Francuska is unmissable.
Colourful, charming, complete wine list, creative cocktails, and a calming kind off energy.
This is our pre-production spot – where we refuel, refocus, and reattune to the right frequency.
It’s a perfect escape from the city’s madness, even though it’s right across the road from the stadium.
I cannot go to Warsaw without a visit to this wellness centre. It melts away all my fatigue and always brings me back to life.
And the staff are professional but considerate, they know exactly what you need.
Dasha Katsurina Studio + Showroom Kyiv
If I need to buy something special, I always head to Dasha – not just for souvenirs, but it’s also excellent for browsing. Everything is so exquisite. The fabric, the cut, the style, the attention to detail – everything is so full of character. I rarely leave empty-handed.
We always hold our wrap parties at KiKi.
The shawarma is tasty, and the bartenders are lively and no planning is required. It’s effortless, loud, messy… which is just how we like it.
