The Main Market Square is the heart of Krakow — beautiful townhouses, the Cloth Hall and visitors from around the world. Sadly, restaurants directly on the square often charge higher prices and run “tourist menus.” Fortunately, just a few steps from the central plaza you can eat well and cheaply if you know where to look. This guide shows reliable places in the immediate vicinity of the Square, explains how to avoid price traps and what to order so you don’t overpay. Be ready for short walks down side streets, visits to milk bars, small bistros and market halls — these are often where you’ll find the best value for money.
If you’re short on time and sticking to a budget: look for daily set menus, pay-by-weight buffets or small eateries hidden in courtyards. Locals, students and office workers usually know the “charming but cheap” spots — don’t hesitate to ask them.
Chimera (ul. Świętej Anny) — the well-known salad-bar/buffet in a historic courtyard. The “portions from the buffet” system lets you build a cheap meal, and you can eat in a pleasant courtyard. It’s a great option when you want something quick, affordable and tasty.
Jadłodajnia U Stasi (near the Small Market / ul. Mikołajska) — a classic homestyle canteen tucked away in a cozy courtyard. Hearty, homemade dishes at reasonable prices; perfect for lovers of traditional Polish cuisine.
Bar Uniwersytecki and Bar Mleczny Miła (around ul. Czysta and nearby) — very budget-friendly places serving daily sets and classic Polish dishes. Good when you want a big, ordinary meal for little money.
Pizzatopia and other small pizzerias near the Square — good-quality pizza by the slice or whole at friendly prices; a quick and satisfying option for groups or families.
Vegab (vegan kebab) and small kebab or falafel stalls — quick, inexpensive and often highly rated by locals; a great choice for a meal on the go.
Food trucks and stalls on the squares (for example Plac Nowy, around Kazimierz) and the Market Hall — if you have a moment, step a little away from the Square; there you’ll find a variety of world cuisines at fair prices.
Obwarzanki and local bakery goods — quick snacks for a few zloty. They’re a Krakow symbol and an easy, cheap bite between sights.
Daily sets and lunches — many places offer a “dish of the day” at a good price; usually a full meal with soup and a main course.
Buffets and salad bars — pay-by-weight options or fixed-price combinations often offer the best volume-for-price ratio.
Milk bars and canteens — classic, homestyle flavors without frills and at sensible prices.
Small courtyard venues — avoid main thoroughfares (Floriańska, Grodzka) if you want to save money; similar or even better food is often found in the side streets.
Student-favored places — spots near universities often keep prices low and portions generous.
Check the menu before you go in — don’t be shy about looking at the price list or asking about prices. Many restaurants post menus and promotions on social media.
Watch out for so-called “tourist menus” — these sometimes appear in places without a visible regular menu; they may include higher-priced dishes or smaller portions.
Ask about lunch hours and daily sets — the best deals are usually between 12:00 and 15:00.
Cash vs card — some cheap bars may prefer cash; carry a few banknotes, especially in smaller canteens.
Avoid tables with a “view surcharge” — some places add higher prices for seats on main routes or terraces with a view.
In milk bars check the daily set or dish of the day — it’s often the best value. Soups and pierogi are also reliable picks at reasonable prices.
At buffet-style places like Chimera choose 4–6 small portions from different sections; you can try a few flavors without a large bill.
In pizzerias order classic pizzas or weekday promotions like “two for the price of one” — these are often available during the week.
For a quick snack pick an obwarzanek or a pastry from a local bakery instead of a sandwich in an expensive restaurant on the Square.
The Market Hall and its stalls are a good place for a cheap, fresh meal and to discover local products — especially outside peak tourist hours.
Food trucks around Kazimierz and the streets near the Square often offer seasonal deals and fast options at fair prices.
Apps like Too Good To Go, Pyszne.pl and delivery services with daily promotions can lower the bill — it’s worth checking daily offers, especially if you’re staying nearby.
Ask official guides and museum staff — they often know trusted local recommendations and can point you to inexpensive spots, especially if you plan to be in the city longer.
Entering the first restaurant you see on the Square without checking prices. Fix: look down the side streets, check the menu and reviews before you sit.
Falling for a “tourist menu” or paying for tables with a view — often more expensive. Fix: sit away from the most obvious viewpoints or order takeaway and eat while strolling.
Not asking about portion size — you may end up paying a lot for a small plate. Fix: ask the server or check reviews in apps beforehand.
Not carrying cash — some cheap bars and stalls still accept only cash. Fix: keep small change handy, especially for obwarzanki, stalls and small canteens.
Can you eat cheaply on the Square? Yes, but you’ll most likely need to take a short walk off the Square itself or use small venues in side streets and courtyards.
How much will a “cheap but decent” lunch cost? It depends on the place and your choice: in a milk bar or canteen you can find very affordable meals, considerably cheaper than restaurants directly on the Square.
Are milk bars safe for tourists? Yes — they’re authentic places serving traditional, homemade food; just mind opening hours and preferred payment methods.
Is it worth using apps like Too Good To Go? Yes — if you want to taste local food at a fraction of the price and can pick up meals at the specified time.
Obwarzanki are more than a snack — they’re a Krakow symbol available on many corners. They’re ideal as a cheap on-the-go meal and a quick taste of local flavor.
Many small venues have a regular local clientele — if you see a queue of residents, it’s usually a good sign of quality and fair prices.
Some of the best inexpensive spots are hidden inside tenement courtyards and entered through gates — don’t be put off; genuine culinary gems often await inside.
Morning: coffee at a small café on Floriańska or Świętego Tomasza and an obwarzanek for a quick breakfast. Late morning: visit the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Church. Lunch: Chimera or a courtyard canteen (daily set). Afternoon: walk to Kazimierz, enjoy ice cream or coffee at Plac Nowy. Evening: pizza or kebab at one of the well-rated, inexpensive pizzerias or stalls.
This plan lets you combine sightseeing with saving money while trying a variety of local flavors.
If you want your sightseeing and eating in Krakow to be comfortable and planned to avoid crowds and the worst price traps — you can get help from a local guide. Małgorzata Kasprowicz (zwiedzaniekrakowa.com) can tailor an itinerary, recommend the best tried-and-true places to eat and coordinate reservations for accommodation, restaurants and museum tickets. Małgorzata also offers help with logistics and transport to make your stay smooth and enjoyable.
If this article was helpful — please share it with friends or on social media. And when you plan a visit to Krakow and want to be sure you’ll eat well and affordably, contact Małgorzata — she can plan every detail of your city visit!
