Ranny Ptaszek, Augustiańska - shakshuka bubbles in a cast-iron skillet, yolks gleam and fresh herbs smell like a garden after rain. Served with a thick slice of challah and lemon tahini. The interior is bright, plants on the windowsills, low-voiced conversations.
Hevre, Meiselsa - high ceilings, raw brick, tables that feel like a set. On the plate crisp pita, hummus glistening with olive oil like green glass, soft-boiled eggs sprinkled with sumac. Strong, aromatic coffee — perfect before a long walk.
Alchemia od Kuchni, Estery - half-dark, warm lamps, soft armchairs. Eggs Benedict with buttery sauce, avocado toasts topped with crunchy cress, pancakes with farmer cheese and fruit. Brunch here stretches on by itself.
Hamsa, Szeroka - a trio of hummuses with tahini and pomegranate, falafel crunchy like sugar crust, roasted cauliflower with herb paste and lemon. Order to share — the table becomes a mosaic of small bowls. Sand-colored interior, soft light, photos and patterns on the walls that recall Jaffa’s alleys.
NOAH, near Szeroka - roasted meats seasoned deeply, pitas puffed like balloons from the hot oven, salads with herbs and sesame. Clean, juicy flavors with accents of smoky grill.
Starka, Józefa - duck with skin like enamel, red cabbage scented with anise, dumplings that soak up the sauce. Thick, warming daily soups. Cozy interior, shelves of bottles, white tablecloths and a friendly hum.
Karakter, Brzozowa - chef’s compositions and signature sauces that bind the dishes into a whole. Long-roasted meats, fish with crisp skin, vegetables taking center stage when needed. Intimate dining room, lots of light, staff who advise you spot on.
Nolio, Krakowska - cornicione puffed like a pillow, elastic and slightly moist crumb, tomato sauce sweet-tart. The Margherita is exemplary, the Diavola pleasantly fiery. Natural wines in the glass with a light cloudy sheen. The wood-fired oven steams like a geyser.
Plac Nowy 1 - a spot with a view of the Okrąglak. The menu has very thin pizzas topped with creamy burrata, simple pastas al dente and two-bite appetizers. At night the neon reflects in the plates.
Youmiko Sushi, Józefa - precision and calm. Rice at hand temperature, rolls that are tiny sculptures. Many plant-based compositions with roasted vegetables, yuba and sesame. Best to sit at the bar and watch your plate being made.
Fish of the day in bistros near Miodowa - you’ll often find zander in butter, cod in a light crust, halibut with a citrus accent. Simple, not heavy — ideal after a day of walking.
Kraków-style cheesecake with a lattice top — vanilla, dense and velvet-like. Best enjoyed in the half-shadow of a Józefa gateway while the cobbles are still warm from the sun.
Challah with butter, honey and a pinch of salt — a simple sweetness after salty mezze. Pair with mint tea or an espresso doppio.
Artisan ice cream on Estery — pistachio like a nut paste, lemon like a morning gulp of water, chocolate thick as cream. One scoop is often enough to keep moving.
Kazimierz loves vegetables. Hummuses, roasted roots, salads with herbs and nuts, eggplant like silk. Many menus clearly mark gluten-free options — pitas can be swapped for vegetable chips, and pastas for rice alternatives.
Plant-based sushi at Youmiko and vegetable mezze at Middle Eastern spots are natural choices that don’t feel like a fallback.
Szeroka - the golden light of late afternoon, outdoor tables, a view of the Old Synagogue’s brick. Flavors just seem warmer here.
Józefa - gateways and courtyards with dappled shade, sandstone portals, a quiet where you can hear only cutlery. Perfect for conversations.
Estery and Plac Nowy - motion, neon, music. Dishes to share, glasses that shine like little lamps.
Natural and craft wines - light orange wines with mezze, a chilled riesling with fish, pinot noir with duck. Ask for the glass of the day — you might discover a gem.
Signature cocktails - citrus, herbs, a touch of bitterness. Best enjoyed in places that look out onto the street, where the glass catches neon colors.
Lemonades and compotes - ideal for midday. Mint, cucumber, pomegranate. Refreshing and quick to revive you for more walking.
Order to the center of the table. Three small plates and one large for two people is a golden split — you taste more without overeating.
Booking for the evening brings peace of mind. If there’s no table, ask for the bar — often the best seats in the house.
If you want to photograph a plate, sit in half-shade rather than harsh sun. Colors stay natural and sauces won’t glare like glass.
After rain choose a table by the window. Reflections on the cobbles and drops on the glass create a mood that seasons even the simplest dish.
Want to turn culinary Kazimierz into a route that connects the best dishes with the prettiest alleys without wandering? Book a tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — arrange your date today. Małgorzata knows the kitchens, the neighborhoods and the little stories that make every bite more memorable.
Please note: no links are provided here — contact details can be found on the official site of the guide or the tour operator.
Payments and tipping: Most places accept cards, but small cafés and stalls sometimes prefer cash. Tipping of around 10–15% is normal in full-service restaurants; rounding up is common in smaller places.
Opening hours: Many restaurants open for lunch and then re-open for dinner; smaller spots may close between services. Weekends are busiest — reserve if you can.
Dietary needs: Many venues clearly mark vegetarian and gluten-free items. Don’t hesitate to ask staff — they are usually happy to recommend or adapt dishes.
Language: English is widely spoken in Kazimierz restaurants and bars, especially at popular places, but learning a few Polish phrases will be appreciated.
Getting around: Kazimierz is compact and best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes for cobbles and courtyards. Public transport (trams, buses) connects Kazimierz with the Old Town and other neighborhoods.
Safety and comfort: Kazimierz is friendly and lively. Keep usual travel precautions for belongings in crowded places and late evenings. If you need help, staff are generally welcoming and can point you to a pharmacy or taxi.
