The 10 Best Restaurants of Krakow

Krakow is a city in Poland known for its rich history and beautiful architecture. But aside from its beautiful landmarks and tourist attractions, Krakow also offers a vibrant nightlife scene with tons of great food options.

Krakow has a long-standing tradition of culinary excellence, with a vast array of traditional and international cuisines available throughout the city. With hundreds of restaurants, cafes, and bars available, it can be challenging to know where to start, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.

Here are our picks for the top 10 best restaurants in Krakow:

1. Starka

Located in the heart of the Old Town, Starka is a traditional Polish restaurant that specializes in serving authentic Polish cuisine. The restaurant’s interior is beautifully decorated with dark, wooden furnishings that provide a warm and cozy atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy dishes like pierogi, bigos, and other traditional Polish delicacies.

2. Trzy Rybki

Trzy Rybki is a must-stop destination for seafood lovers. The restaurant is located in the historic Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz, and it serves a variety of fresh seafood dishes. The menu is highly seasonal and changes regularly to ensure the freshest ingredients are employed.

3. Wierzynek

Wierzynek is one of the oldest and most famous restaurants in Krakow. Established in 1364, it has been serving excellent food to customers for over 650 years. Today, Wierzynek is renowned for its exquisite Polish cuisine and beautiful, historical interior.

4. Cyrano de Bergerac

Cyrano de Bergerac is a charming French restaurant located in the Old Town of Krakow. The restaurant is famous for its authentic atmosphere, which includes live music and candlelit tables. The menu features a wide range of traditional French dishes, including escargots, beef tartare, and coq au vin.

5. Chłopskie Jadło

Chłopskie Jadło is a chain of traditional Polish restaurants that serve hearty, rustic cuisine. The menu features a selection of traditional dishes, including bigos, kielbasa, and hearty stews. The restaurant’s interior is designed to replicate a traditional Polish farmhouse, providing guests with an authentic experience.

6. Pod Aniolami

Pod Aniolami is one of Krakow’s top restaurants, earning numerous awards for its outstanding food and service. The menu features innovative twists on traditional Polish cuisine, creating a unique dining experience. The restaurant’s interior is modern and sophisticated, with an elegant atmosphere.

7. Miod Malina

Miod Malina is a chic, modern restaurant located in the heart of the Old Town. The menu features a variety of traditional Polish dishes, as well as international cuisine with exciting flavors. The restaurant’s cozy interior, complete with a fireplace, provides the perfect ambiance for a romantic evening.

8. Chimera

Chimera is a trendy, vegetarian and vegan restaurant located in the Kazimierz district. The menu features dishes influenced by Eastern Europe and Asia, all made using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The interior is modern, colorful, and inviting, making it an ideal location for a relaxed meal with friends.

9. Szara

Szara is a modern bistro located in the heart of the Old Town. The menu features a variety of international dishes, including tapas, sushi, and steak. The restaurant’s sleek and modern interior provides a chic and sophisticated atmosphere for an evening out.

10. Milkbar Tomasza

Milkbar Tomasza is a traditional Polish ‘milk bar’ located in the heart of the Old Town. It serves affordable and delicious, home-style Polish dishes, such as pierogi, borscht, and potato pancakes. Here, you can try a traditional, inexpensive meal that locals have enjoyed for generations.

In summary, Krakow is a city that offers a rich culinary heritage and innovative, modern twists on local cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Polish cooking or international fare, Krakow has something for everyone. These ten restaurants represent the perfect starting point for exploring the city’s culinary scene.

Insider’s Guide to Krakow: Beyond the Tourist Spots

Krakow, the historic city in southern Poland, has been attracting tourists for years with its beautiful architecture, rich culture, and delicious food. But beyond the popular attractions, Krakow has many hidden gems that only locals know about. In this insider’s guide, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the city’s best-kept secrets.

Uncovering Hidden Gems: Explore the Local Attractions

Most tourists visiting Krakow head straight to the famous Wawel Castle or the Main Market Square. But did you know that there’s a beautiful park located on a hill overlooking the city? The Krakus Mound, a prehistoric site, offers panoramic views of Krakow and the surrounding areas.

Another hidden gem is the Nowa Huta district, a planned socialist city built in the 1950s. It’s a fascinating place to explore and learn about Poland’s communist past. The district has a unique architecture, featuring grand squares, wide boulevards, and monumental buildings.

Savoring Local Cuisine: Discover the Best Dining Spots

Krakow’s culinary scene revolves around hearty and delicious traditional dishes, like pierogies, zapiekanka (a street food dish), and oscypek (smoked sheep cheese). To have an authentic food experience, head to one of the city’s milk bars, communist-era canteens that still serve traditional food at affordable prices.

For a more upscale dining experience, visit one of the city’s best restaurants, like Pod Aniolami or Wierzynek. These places offer a mix of traditional and modern cuisine, often with a creative twist.

Immersing in the Local Culture: Experience Unique Traditions

Krakow is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and there are many unique experiences to be had. For example, Krakow is known for its Christmas traditions, which include nativity scenes crafted by local artists and a large market in the Main Market Square.

If you’re interested in music, Krakow is home to one of the most prestigious classical music festivals in Europe, the Krakow Festival. The festival takes place every summer and features performances by world-renowned artists.

Unveiling the City’s History: Engage with Fascinating Stories

Krakow has a long and complex history, and there are many captivating stories to be told. One of them is the story of Oscar Schindler, the German industrialist who saved over 1,000 Jewish lives during the Holocaust. You can visit the iconic Schindler’s Factory Museum to learn more about his incredible story.

Another place worth visiting is the Wawel Cathedral, the final resting place of Polish kings and queens. The cathedral’s crypt is also the site of an enigmatic legend about the famous dragon of Krakow.

Unforgettable Experiences: Explore the City’s Hidden Gems

If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, Krakow won’t disappoint. For example, take a hot air balloon ride over the city to see its beauty from above. Or, visit the Nowa Huta district at night to experience the socialist-era atmosphere in a new light.

Another off-the-beaten-path suggestion is to take a day trip to the Ojcowski National Park, a beautiful natural reserve located just outside of Krakow. There, you can hike along picturesque trails, visit numerous caves, and experience the untouched beauty of the Polish countryside.

Final Thoughts

Krakow is a city full of surprises, with a history, culture, and culinary scene, unlike any other place in the world. We hope this insider’s guide has inspired you to explore the city’s hidden gems and discover its most authentic and fascinating experiences.