Authentic Polish Restaurant in Greenpoint, Brooklyn – Since 1997

The Soul of Greenpoint
and the Philosophy of Patience

At Restaurant Relax, food is not just something we serve. It is something we cherish.

For years, Relax has been a cornerstone of Greenpoint. What started as a local hub for the Polish community has evolved into a destination for food lovers from across the bridge and around the globe. Today, we bridge the gap between Old World recipes and the vibrant energy of modern New York. We are the place where Brooklyn hipsters and Polish grandmothers finally agree on something.

OUR STORY

Our story began far from New York, in a small Polish village, in a kitchen where the day started at 4 am. I still remember the sound of my grandmother’s wooden rolling pin moving slowly across the dough. She used to say: “Everything must be done with patience, or it is not worth doing at all.”

That philosophy became Relax. Since 1997, we have been cooking the food we grew up with. Honest Polish home cooking, made from scratch, the way it has been done for generations.

THE CRAFT OF COMFORT

At Relax, handmade is not a marketing buzzword. It is our standard. Every pierogi is hand folded with precision, and every pot of bigos is slow simmered because time is one of our ingredients. We serve the classics you crave, from our signature schnitzel and traditional kielbasa to our stuffed cabbage and crispy potato pancakes. This same dedication goes into our soups, which are prepared daily from scratch, slow cooked to capture the deep and comforting flavors that only time can create.

BEYOND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

What started as a local secret in Greenpoint (some call it The Jewel on Newel) has become a destination for global travelers. We regularly welcome travelers from across the oceans who are staying in fancy Manhattan hotels… but still hop on the subway and cross the river just for a seat at our table. Apparently, our pierogi are worth the subway fare.

With a 4.9 star rating from over 400 reviews, we remain committed to the same simple promise we made decades ago: fresh ingredients, traditional methods, and the patience to do it right.

Welcome to our table.
Experience the history of flavor…
at the only speed that actually tastes good.
(Pro tip: Hurry Slowly)