Yes — although the Main Square and its surroundings have traditionally been associated with meat-heavy restaurants, a walk from the Cloth Hall toward the Small Market, Szczepańska Street or Bracka Street now offers many plant-based options: from cafés with vegan breakfasts, through bars serving plant-based burgers, to restaurants offering seasonal, vegetable-focused fine-dining menus with local produce. Important: offerings change dynamically, so check opening hours and consider reserving a table, especially on weekends and during the tourist season.
Below you'll find tried-and-true place names within very short distance of the Main Square, practical tips for guests with allergies, and a few ideas that make navigating the center easier when you're planning plant-based meals.
A 'vegetarian' menu does not always mean 'vegan' — if you need a milk- and egg-free diet, ask the server to confirm ingredients.
If you have allergies or need gluten-free options, ask how dishes are prepared and about cross-contamination in the kitchen. There are fully gluten-free places in Krakow, but they remain a niche — it's better to ask beforehand.
Some central venues have short opening hours or seasonal menus; when planning a food break leave extra time between sightseeing and a restaurant's closing time.
Fitagain Coffee & Food – a large café on Szczepańska, perfect for breakfast, smoothies or a vegan plate before sightseeing. Located practically at the Square, it serves vegan options on the breakfast menu and is used to serving tourists quickly.
Wege Gang (Small Market) – a local spot with plant-based street food, a good place if you want to eat standing up or take food for a walk. The menu includes wraps, burgers and simple, filling items at reasonable prices.
No Bones (Bracka Street) – a short walk from the Square, a fully vegan restaurant that combines classic flavors (for example, plant-based versions of Polish dishes) with more modern proposals. A good place for a calmer lunch after intensive Old Town sightseeing.
Zapiekane (Koletek Street) – a well-known gluten-free bistro ideal if you need wheat-free options. The place sits on the route between the Square and Wawel, so it's easy to pop in for quick plant-based street food available in vegetarian or vegan variants.
Cheder (Józefa Street, Kazimierz) – a café run by the Jewish Culture Festival, famous for hummus, Israeli flavors and dishes that naturally fit plant-based diets. It also has atmosphere and cultural events, so it's worth pairing a meal with a short rest.
Massolit / Massolit Cooks – a bookstore-café near Kazimierz with a friendly vibe and a selection of sweets and snacks; a nice stop for coffee and something light, especially if you want to relax with a book.
Manoa Green Resto Bar (Zabłocie) – a bistro focused on eco-friendly solutions with a wide offer of bowls, wraps and made-to-order dishes. A good choice if you want a healthy meal a little different from the tourist area. The walk from the Square takes several minutes and you can visit Zabłocie's museums along the way.
Nova Krova / Organic Burger (areas around Kazimierz/Wolnica) – places that have gained popularity among plant-based burger lovers and fans of comfort food. They often use seasonal ingredients and simple, hearty compositions.
Keep in mind that Krakow's food scene evolves quickly - favorite spots may change menus, relocate or close. So before you head out, it's worth checking current hours and making reservations if needed.
Always ask — a simple Polish phrase: 'Is this dish vegan?' or 'Does this dish contain milk/butter/eggs?' often solves the issue faster than scanning the menu. It's useful to know basic phrases: 'I am a vegetarian' and 'I am a vegan'.
If you need food outside restaurants, near the Square there are shops and delis offering plant-based snacks, hummuses, fresh bread without butter and ready salads. More and more bakeries and patisseries offer vegan options — look for labels like 'vegan' or ask staff.
Opening hours in the center can be short: many venues on the Old Town have breaks during the day or close earlier than restaurants in other districts. If you plan a late or unusually timed lunch, it's safer to reserve a table in advance.
Will I find vegan options in museums and at Wawel? Official cafés and catering points in museums often have at least one vegetarian option and sometimes a vegan one. In larger sites, staff can help arrange lunch breaks or point to the nearest vegan-friendly place.
Is it easy to find vegan desserts in the center? Yes — more cafés now have vegan cakes, tofu cheesecakes and sorbets; if you want a specific dessert, call ahead or ask when ordering.
Do I need to tip? In Poland tipping is a nice gesture but not mandatory. In central restaurants tourists usually leave around ten to fifteen percent or round up the bill — it's up to you and depends on the level of service.
Assuming 'vegetarian' equals 'vegan' — always check for dairy and eggs. This is the most common source of misunderstandings.
Not checking opening hours and reservations — in the tourist season the best places near the Square can be full. Call ahead to confirm availability.
Avoiding questions about ingredients because of language — most staff speak at least some English, but a short Polish phrase and a smile help a lot; staff are usually happy to explain.
In Krakow you'll find both tiny spots specializing in plant-based snacks and restaurants that prepare full vegan menus inspired by Polish cuisine — plant-based pierogi or breaded cutlets can be just as delicious as their classic counterparts.
There are central places specializing in world cuisines in vegan versions — from Middle Eastern hummus to plant-based burgers and Asian soups. A great choice if you want something different after a day of sightseeing.
Some venues around the Square and Kazimierz also run cultural programs - concerts, exhibitions or themed evenings - which is a fun way to combine culinary tourism with local city life.
Quick breakfast and coffee by the Square: Fitagain (Szczepańska) - wide choice of breakfasts with plant-based options.
Vegan lunch near the Square: No Bones (Bracka) - full plant-based menu and thoughtful takes on Polish dishes.
Gluten-free street food on the Square–Wawel route: Zapiekane (Koletek) - ideal if you need wheat-free food.
Green, build-your-own bowls: Manoa (Zabłocie) - healthy bowls, a good option after visiting Zabłocie museums.
Coffee and hummus with atmosphere: Cheder (Józefa, Kazimierz) - a blend of flavors and culture within a short walk of the Square.
A good plan is half the success: start in the morning at the Square, then choose one of the short thematic routes (for example, Wawel and a walk along the Vistula or Kazimierz with coffee and hummus). If you want to be sure of a spot for lunch, book a table at a time that gives you enough time to sightsee without rushing.
If you need help with logistics - reservations, route planning between attractions and food recommendations - private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz can help plan a route tailored to plant-based preferences. Małgorzata can also assist with reservations for accommodation, restaurants and museum tickets, making your Krakow visit calm and tasty.
If this article was helpful, share it on social media or send it to friends visiting Krakow. That way more people will find friendly, reliable places.
Want someone to plan your ideal day in Krakow with plant-based options? Use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. She will advise on trip planning, guide you through museums and the city's highlights, and handle logistics, transport and bookings — so your Krakow visit will be relaxed and delicious.
Wishing you pleasant walks, tasty discoveries and an enjoyable visit to Krakow - on the plant-based side of the city!
