Although the guestrooms of the Hotel Forum may have gone ‘back to nature,’ 2024 saw the reopening of the famous hotel penthouse as a fine restaurant and cocktail bar. Certainly the best part of the building, take an external glass elevator up to this unique space that feels completely apart from the rest of Forum, or even the rest of the city. The atmosphere is elegant and professional, but also surprisingly welcoming and relaxed, and even a bit nostalgic. The rather narrow space offers views from the windows - which can be opened up onto the balconies - on both sides, though you may want to make a reservation to ensure you get one of the better tables. If you are stuck with a table in the middle on a busy night, you can still walk out onto the balconies to take in the great views of Wawel and the city centre.
 

Forum Panorama’s menu is an interesting mix of Polish and Mediterranean influences, including fresh oysters and wild boar stew in goulash, and the presentation makes it profile as even more upmarket than it actually is. Ideal for special occasions, this is also a surprisingly low-key place to meet for fancy drinks with friends; choose from a wide selection of spirits, champagnes, wines and cocktails. There’s even a small cigar lounge, though we’re not sure why you’d sequester yourself inside with views like these.
 

Open early for breakfast (served 09:00-13:30 every day), the morning menu is quite innovative and certainly better than anything you’ll find at ground level. In fact, mornings might just be the best time to enjoy the sunny balconies and unique location. Overall, Forum Panorama feels like a welcome escape from the maddening crowds and a refreshing opportunity to ‘get above it all.’