Kazimierz is more than history and synagogues — it’s also a place where you can eat everything from street snacks to elegant dishes in top restaurants. If you’re planning an evening with friends hopping from one taste to the next, Kazimierz is ideal: a compact area, lively streets and a mix of traditional Polish, Middle Eastern, vegetarian and modern Polish cuisine. Plac Nowy and its central rotunda, the Okrąglak, are symbols of this part of the city — the zapiekanka from here has become an almost obligatory stop on every culinary walk.
This guide was written to help you plan a food crawl so you don’t waste time, find tried-and-true spots and discover some less obvious Kazimierz attractions. We write like local friends: practical, friendly and focused on good food. If you want, treat this description as a ready-made map for 2–4 hours of tasting.
Small area and high concentration of venues mean you can try very different cuisines in a short time without long walks. Streets such as Szeroka, Józefa, Meiselsa and Plac Nowy are packed with cafés, bars and restaurants right next to historic sites — combining food and sightseeing feels natural.
The district’s atmosphere is relaxed and social — perfect for an evening out with friends. In the evenings you’ll also find more food trucks and mobile stalls, and Plac Nowy buzzes with life. Remember that beyond classic places you’ll find excellent vegan and plant-based options, which makes planning easier for mixed groups.
An extra advantage: after your culinary route it’s easy to switch to drinks and music — Kazimierz has many small bars with good cocktails and atmospheric interiors.
Start: Plac Nowy — begin with a classic: a zapiekanka from the Okrąglak or one of the stalls around the square. It’s quick, cheap and gets you in the mood for the evening.
Step 2: Hummus or Middle Eastern mezze — Szeroka Street or nearby. A place with hummus or mezze is a great option for sharing tastes between friends.
Step 3: A small portion of Polish cuisine at a restaurant serving modern dishes (for example a spot using regional ingredients) — time for warm, more complex flavors.
Step 4: Sweet finish or coffee — a cozy café, artisanal ice cream or a local cake. If you plan to stay longer, finish with a cocktail bar.
Plan each stop so nobody gets too full — a food crawl is about sharing and tasting many small dishes, not one long sit-down dinner.
Plac Nowy — Okrąglak (zapiekanki). A classic, a must-stop on any Kazimierz food walk.
Restaurants serving Jewish and Middle Eastern cuisine — here you can find places offering hummus, chulent and creative takes on traditional dishes. Great for variety.
Starka or similar restaurants with modern Polish cuisine — if you want to taste local ingredients in a slightly more polished setting, these places often receive positive reviews.
Cafés and breakfast spots (for example places recommended for shakshuka and pastries) — perfect for dessert or a morning start if you begin the food crawl earlier.
Pizzerias and Italian places and well-rated local bistros — a good option for lovers of simpler but well-made flavors.
Plac Nowy is not only a culinary attraction — its central sales pavilion, known as the Okrąglak, once had a different function; the building was part of the historical market infrastructure. The zapiekanka as street food became a symbol of the district and is often chosen as a quick late-night snack.
Not all restaurants on Szeroka are historic “Jewish” places in the traditional sense — many venues reference the history in their décor, but their menus are contemporary interpretations of cuisine. If you care about authentic recipes, check the menu or ask the staff beforehand.
Kazimierz occasionally hosts markets and food events — if your visit coincides with one, your food crawl can be richer with local products and seasonal specialties.
Bookings on weekends: many popular restaurants are full, especially on Fridays and Saturdays — if you have favorite spots on your list, reserve ahead.
Don’t limit yourself to Szeroka — side streets and small squares often hide the best culinary discoveries. Walk and step into places where you see more local guests than camera-toting tourists.
Mind the pace: a food crawl is about sharing and tasting, not about competing to eat the most. Better to order smaller portions and compare flavors than to overeat at the first stop.
Payments: most venues accept cards, but at the Plac Nowy stalls selling zapiekanki it’s useful to have cash. It’s always good to carry some złoty on you.
Diet and allergies: Kazimierz has good vegetarian and vegan options, but if someone has severe allergies it’s best to warn the staff before ordering.
How many places can you visit in one night? Usually 4–6 stops is a sensible plan for 2–3 hours of tasting — more becomes tiring.
How much does it cost? With a sensible choice of 4–6 small plates and 1–2 drinks per person, expect a low-to-midrange budget; zapiekanka is cheap, while a restaurant dinner will be pricier.
Is it good for a vegan route? Yes — Kazimierz has more and more vegan cafés and bistros. Check menus in advance, because not every place has a full plant-based selection.
When to start? Best in the evening between 18:00 and 21:00 — that’s when the atmosphere is at its best. If you prefer a quieter experience or brunch, many venues also serve breakfasts and lunches.
Take short breaks to share a story about the area — the synagogues, the Old Synagogue and the Remuh are places with deep history; knowing the context enriches the culinary experience.
Compare similar flavors at two places — for example two types of zapiekanka or two versions of hummus. It’s fun and helps you understand the local offerings better.
Consider the weather — on a sunny day outdoor stops are pleasant; in the rain, plan more indoor restaurants with seating.
Kazimierz is an easy walk from the Main Market Square and is well served by public transport — trams and buses stop close to the district. If you arrive by car, remember paid parking zones and limited spaces.
At night the district is generally safe, but as in any busy tourist area stay aware in crowds and watch your personal belongings.
To keep the crawl running smoothly, consider appointing one person as route coordinator — they can handle reservations, payments and keep the pace comfortable for everyone.
If you’re planning an evening, send friends a short list of places and an approximate start time — it helps avoid delays and chaos. Share this article on social media or send it to your group as a suggested evening plan.
If you want a deeper visit to Kazimierz or a custom-made culinary route and walking tour with a guide, you can contact tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz for private guiding and tailored itineraries. Enjoy and bon appétit!
