Portuguese Pastry Meets Polish Surf in Vibrant Warsaw Fitout

In Warsaw’s Solec neighbourhood, a compact pâtisserie is making waves — quite literally.

Designed by Polish architecture studio Znamy się, Pastelowe takes just 63 square metres and transforms it into a sensory journey inspired by the Portuguese coast, complete with surf culture, golden light, and the scent of warm custard.

GALLERY

Dedicated to the beloved pastéis de nata, the interior design concept is anything but quaint.

At the heart of the project is the anatomy of the surf: from beach break to point break and reef break, each typology is reinterpreted through sculptural gestures, textures and flowing forms. A dramatic undulating counter echoes the bold contours of reef surf, while curved benches and rounded mirrors soften the space with beach break ease. Floating wall shelves align with the rhythmic swell of point-break waves, introducing a visual cadence to the otherwise organic setting.

Materiality plays an equally central role. Warm oak plywood evokes sun-bleached sand, and metallic finishes offer the shimmer of wet rocks and rolling waves. The standout feature is the ceiling — sprayed entirely in irregular yellow foam. Tactile and glowing, it conjures seafoam and morning sun, saturating the bakery with a light-hearted vibrancy that bridges ocean and sky.

A tunnel-like display counter, backed by deep marine blue branding, houses the gleaming pastries, creating a sense of anticipation and flow. Despite its small footprint, Pastelowe delivers a big experience. Through a clever mix of texture, colour and sculptural detail, the design transports visitors from inner-city Warsaw to the Atlantic edge of Portugal.

Compact, playful and rich in narrative, Pastelowe is a masterclass in how spatial storytelling can enhance not only brand identity, but everyday rituals. It’s a little taste of sunshine, no passport or wetsuit required.

Images by Migdał Studio via Designboom