Established in 1973 in Berkeley, California by Chef / Founder Elina O’Lague, our restaurant (previously called Warszawa ) relocated here to Santa Monica in 1978. As a Polish immigrant, Elina was influenced by the Farm To Table Movement by her friend and colleague Alice Waters and other innovative chefs in California during this time. Quickly becoming a community hub for home-cooked Polish meals, this legacy restaurant still has the near original menu and is serving the same dishes almost 50 years later.
We are dedicated to preserving our family traditions while introducing modern touches such as plant based Polish cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients. In 2016 Elina’s daughter took the helm, and introduced the name Solidarity to honor both Poland's independence movement as well as Santa Monica’s commitment to harmony and peace. Come join us for good company, authentic polish food and a taste of Polish hospitality!
OUR HISTORY
Exterior View of the original Solidarity Restaurant Building. The building was a private residence until 1974
Elina and her daughter Natasha in the Solidarity kitchen.
The residents that lived here when it was a single family home. Photo was taken in the back patio, Stairs and windows still intact to this day.
Interior of the dining room when the restaurant was private residence. Original molding is still in the dining room today.
The family that lived at the restuarant when it was a private residence
Solidarity founder Elina O' Lague with Ruth Seymour and Tom Hayden
Solidarity Feijoa Tree
Yes, we love our backyard, especially the feijoa tree, standing as a living testament to unity and perseverance. This ancient tree has witnessed generations of change, embodying resilience and continuity. Its enduring presence amidst the modern trappings of the restaurant symbolizes the deep-rooted connection to community and history that Solidarity cherishes. Just as the feijoa tree offers its fruits generously, the restaurant aims to nourish and bring together people from all walks of life, celebrating the spirit of togetherness and mutual support, much like the solidarity that the Polish community has historically embraced.
Solidarity, derives its name from the famous Solidarity movement (Solidarność) that played a crucial role in Poland's fight for independence from communist rule in the 1980s. The restaurant's logo, featuring a siren, is deeply symbolic: the siren, or "Syrenka," is a legendary creature and the emblem of Warsaw, representing resilience and strength. This connection underscores the restaurant's tribute to Poland's enduring spirit and its struggle for freedom, embodying the nation's cultural heritage and the solidarity that united its people during pivotal moments in history.
