Looking for the best restaurant in Krakow to try traditional Polish cuisine? Well, you’re in the right place. Krakow is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Poland and the city is filled with great places to try Polish food.
Traditional Polish Food You’ll Love
Polish potato pancakes with sour cream, Gulasz stew (the Polish version of this Hungarian favourite), classic broth, sour rye soup, Gołabki ‘little pigeons’ (cabbage stuffed with meat), and of course, pierogi dumplings – are just some of the famous options that are cooked up in Polish homes and the ones you should try in Poland!
These are just the basics but there is plenty more that you really shouldn’t miss. Not to mention the famous Polish vodka!
To learn what Polish cuisine is really about we recommend you join the Full Polish Food & Drink Tour! Dine in some fine traditional, family-run restaurants, and learn all you need to know about Polish food and the many delicious flavours of vodka!
For now, here are some suggestions for some of the best restaurants in Krakow… bon appetit!
What food is Krakow famous for?
Did you know bagels were invented in Krakow (probably)?
Krakow’s very old and popular street food, the Obwarzanek, is a circular piece of bread with white poppy seeds and a hole in the middle, that has been sold on the streets of Krakow for 700 years. More than that, these are thought to have been the inspiration for bagels, which were likely created by Jews in Krakow’s Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz.
To learn more great food facts like this, book your place on the Full Polish Food & Drink Tour!
Best Restaurants in Krakow for Traditional Polish Food
Photo by Szara Ges Facebook
Looking for a restaurant in Krakow with the best traditional, Polish food? Well, you’re in the right place. Krakow is number one to try Polish specialities. Tasty soups, stew, potato pancakes, sour rye soup, pork chop and dumplings – these are the most famous dishes that you shouldn’t miss!
There are just the basics but there is plenty more that you really shouldn’t miss. Not to mention the famous Polish vodka!
To learn what Polish cuisine is really about we recommend you join the Full Polish Food & Drink Tour
Dine in some fine traditional, family-run restaurants, and learn all you need to know about Polish food.
For now, here are our suggestions for some of the best restaurants in Krakow… bon appetit!
Szara Ges
address: Rynek Glowny 17
Photo by szarages.com
Szara Ges which translates to Grey Goose is a fine dining restaurant serving delicious Polish cuisine. Located in one of the most beautiful tenement houses in Krakow Main Square.
The restaurant attracts guests from all over the world with excellent customer service, seasonal products from regional suppliers, and unique combinations of flavours. The menu is simple, but fantastic and dishes change according to the season.
Here you will enjoy delicious goose meat, roasted duck and excellent beef tenderloin inside the elegant interior. Their iconic desserts include an egg made of white chocolate with mango filling, which tastes like drops of heaven.
Zalipianki
address: Szewska 24
Photo by Zalipianki Facebook
Zalipianki is a restaurant situated next to Krakow’s Planty Park. A place created out of the love of cooking by Ewa Wachowicz, ex-runner up of Miss World.
There is a heated, covered terrace and a lovely interior with hand-painted walls. The menu is based only on local products and traditional recipes. Beef tartare, roasted ribs, lamb stew, duck dumplings or apple pie with ice cream – these are just some of their most popular dishes. Yum!
Stodola 47
Florianska 47
Tucked away down a little alley off Florianska in Krakow Old Town, is this delightful traditional Polish restaurant that looks as if you’ve suddenly been transported to the Polish mountains. With a themed interior that resembles the wooden houses and thatched roofs of the houses in the Tatra mountains.
From the kitchen, they serve tasty Polish favourite dishes like pierogi dumplings. The Szarlotka apple crumble dessert is one of the best in Krakow. We also recommend the Gulasz meat stew and potato pancakes which are to die for.
Did you know?
Gulasz in Poland is closer to the original recipe than what you can find in Hungary? This is because modern Hungarian Gulasz is flavoured with spices like Paprika, which didn’t arrive into Hungary until the mid-19th century.
Learn more interesting food facts like this on our Full Polish Food and Vodka tour
Cechowa
Jagiellońska 11, 31-010 Kraków
One of our favourite places for delicious Polish food in Krakow Old Town. Hidden just off Krakow Main square, this local, family-run restaurant serves (what we think) are the best pierogi in Krakow.
This charming restaurant has a beautiful interior that transports you back to a time gone by. The service is always brilliant and there is even a secret garden where you can dine outside away from the crowds in summer. Perfect.
Kuchnia u Doroty
address: Augustianska 4
Photo by Kuchnia u Doroty Facebook
A great restaurant with authentic Polish meals. Potato pancakes with pork goulash, meat dumplings, grilled sausage with spicy mustard, and beetroot soup come highly recommended. And if you’re looking for food that makes you feel at home, this is the place.
The eatery is situated in the old Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz, so if you are nearby join us on the Jewish Quarter Free Tour.
W Starej Kuchni
address: Tomasza 8
Photo by Restauracja W Starej Kuchni
This great Krakow Old Town restaurant is located in a historic building about 3 minutes walk from the Main Market Square. A cosy place uniquely decorated with a rustic vibe, and copper pots and jars adorning the walls. The restaurant welcomes guests with fresh homemade bread with lard (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!).
They also serve up handmade dumplings, marinated ribs, traditional Polish pork chops, and traditional Polish stew. They also have a great lunch deal at a good price that includes soup, main course and homemade fruit compote juice.
Goscinna Chata
address: Slawkowska 10
Photo by Goscinna Chata Facebook
A place where you’ll experience an enchanting folklore and cultural variety of the Lesser Poland region. You will be welcomed by a pleasant ambience, atmospheric decor and traditional highland music.
Their menu offers the best local products and all of their dishes are prepared on the basis of natural spices and herbs. They use traditional cooking methods and old culinary books of the region.
Photo by Goscinna Chata Facebook
Other popular Polish restaurants in Krakow worthy of a mention:
Starka – A unique, and very popular restaurant in Krakow’s Jewish Quarter
Morskie Oko – A themed Krakow restaurant that transports you to the Polish mountains
The Black Duck – A beautiful traditional restaurant with courtyard seating and fine dining
Padre – Overlooking Krakow’s Planty Park, Padre is one of the city’s best-kept secrets when it comes to great food in Krakow
Pod Aniołami – Tucked away in the cellars beneath Krakow’s busy Grodzka street, is this charming restaurant
Miod i Malina – Directly opposite Pod Aniołami you will find another of Krakow’s best restaurants for fine dining
Kogel Mogel – An always popular Krakow fine-dining restaurant with a beautiful setting and delicious cuisine.
However, there are far too many to mention. Krakow has much to offer to those who look for unique culinary experiences.
There are also many charming cafes to enjoy your afternoon coffee. It would be a pity not to try local specialities during your stay in Poland.
Book your place on the Full Polish Food & Drink Tour!
