The Museum of Engineering and Technology (ul. św. Wawrzyńca 15) is a great spot for an afternoon visit in Kazimierz. After a long walk it’s wise to plan dinner in a place that serves warm, well-prepared food, offers comfortable seating and has easy access to restrooms — all especially important for expectant mothers. In this guide you’ll find practical nutrition tips, a list of recommended types of nearby venues and concrete dish suggestions that are safe during pregnancy.
This advice follows commonly accepted pregnancy nutrition rules: choose cooked dishes, well-done meats, avoid raw seafood and unpasteurized products, ask the server how a dish is prepared and request that cold cuts or other items be heated if needed.
Key criteria to consider when picking a restaurant after visiting the museum: fresh ingredients, properly cooked or baked dishes, availability of non-alcoholic and low-caffeine options, comfortable seating, restroom access and a calm atmosphere. It’s helpful when the menu includes soups, roasted, grilled or braised meats, cooked fish dishes and salads made from thoroughly washed vegetables.
If you have specific dietary needs (for example gestational diabetes or intolerances), reserve a table and let the staff know in advance — most reputable Kraków restaurants are willing to adjust portion size or cooking method. When in doubt, check with your healthcare provider.
Warm soups (broth, vegetable creams provided they contain no raw toppings) are excellent — they warm you up and are easy to digest. Dishes with well-cooked meat (roast chicken, braised beef, tenderloin), oven-baked fish from low-mercury species (for example cod or trout), and pastas or risottos with cooked ingredients are good choices. Pierogi with meat or with pasteurized cheese and one-pot vegetable dishes will also give you energy after a busy day of sightseeing.
Vegetable dishes that have been heat-treated are also a good option: casseroles, caramelized vegetables, grilled vegetables, groats and dishes with legumes (unless you have digestive issues). Ask for an extra portion of vegetables or a light salad without raw sprouts or unpasteurized toppings.
Avoid raw seafood, sashimi, tartare, undercooked meat and salads from uncertain sources; if the menu lists soft cheeses (like brie or camembert), ask whether they’re made from pasteurized milk.
Starka (Kazimierz, near Plac Nowy) — a cosy restaurant serving traditional Polish cuisine: soups, pierogi and well-prepared main courses. Simple, comforting dishes make it a sensible choice for pregnant guests — much of the menu features cooked or baked items. The place has a homely character and staff are usually happy to answer ingredient questions.
Cosa Nostra / Nuova Cosa Nostra (Kazimierz, Dajwór Street) — Italian cuisine offering pastas, roasted meats and wood-fired pizzas. Many dishes can be safely adjusted: pasta with cooked seafood (if fully cooked), roasted meats and risotto. Italian trattorias are often a good option because many dishes are thoroughly cooked.
Miód Malina (Royal Route / Old Town) — a classic restaurant blending Polish and Italian influences, rich in soups, baked meats and fish. A suitable choice if you combine your museum visit with an evening walk to the Old Town and want a representative place to dine.
Bottiglieria 1881 (Kazimierz) — a high-end restaurant ideal for a special dinner. This fine-dining spot offers tasting menus; if you plan a celebratory evening, ask whether the kitchen can prepare simpler, pregnancy-friendly options. Note that this is a pricier choice and usually requires advance booking.
Edo Sushi / local Japanese restaurants — if you crave Japanese cuisine, choose only dishes with cooked ingredients (tempura, futomaki with cooked shrimp, rolls with grilled eel) and avoid raw sashimi. Always ask about the origin of fish and freezing procedures used for raw products.
Don’t hesitate to ask the server how a dish is prepared — ask whether meat is well-done, whether the fish has been frozen beforehand and whether cheeses are pasteurized. Good restaurants in Kraków usually explain ingredients and can adapt a dish (for example, finishing cold cuts in the oven or removing raw garnishes).
If you worry about cross-contamination (for example raw seafood and salads prepared on the same surface), request that your meal be prepared separately or ask for an alternative recommendation. Clear communication is the simplest way to avoid uncomfortable situations.
Assuming a restaurant automatically offers everything that is pregnancy-safe — not every place understands pregnancy dietary restrictions by default. It’s better to ask and be specific about your needs. Buying quick raw snacks from uncertain street stalls — during pregnancy, prefer hot, cooked foods. Accepting so-called “non-alcoholic” drinks without checking — some alcohol-free cocktails can contain extracts or trace alcohol; choose plain juice, sparkling water or tea with lemon instead.
Avoiding enough fluids in the evening — though frequent restroom trips can be inconvenient, staying hydrated is important, especially after a long day of walking. Plan breaks and, if helpful, book a table near the restroom.
Can I eat sushi during pregnancy? Avoid raw fish and raw shellfish; if you really want sushi, choose rolls with cooked ingredients or vegetable rolls. Ask whether any raw fish served was previously frozen.
Can I drink alcohol-free beer or wine? The safest approach is to avoid drinks labelled alcohol-free if you’re concerned about trace alcohol; instead choose juices, sparkling water, teas or specially made mocktails. If you opt for an alcohol-free beverage, ask staff about its ingredients.
How can I reduce the risk of listeriosis in a restaurant? Avoid unpasteurized cheeses, tartares, raw cold cuts and long-shelf-life deli items; choose dishes that have been heat-treated and request extra warming if you have doubts.
Many visitors forget about ordering sequence — after an intense museum visit it’s better to start with a soup or a light dish instead of jumping straight into heavy fried meals. Smaller portions and more frequent breaks help avoid heartburn and discomfort.
Keep a restaurant’s phone number in your wallet and reserve a table in advance — at popular times Kazimierz venues fill up and long waits can be tiring for an expectant mother. When booking, request a table near the restroom or with a comfortable chair.
After visiting the Museum of Engineering and Technology it’s easy to find a pleasant place for dinner — choose venues serving heat-treated dishes, ask staff about ingredients and preparation, and your evening in Kraków will be safe and delicious.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with other expectant mothers or friends planning a trip to Kraków. If you would like to explore Kraków with a local guide, you can book a tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and more information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
