Many people think Krakow and Zakopane are completely different stories - a city full of monuments versus a mountain resort with Krupowki. In fact, one well-planned afternoon can give you the scent of mountain views and the pleasure of an elegant, unhurried meal. The route takes about 1.5-2 hours one way, so decide in advance what you want to see: a walk along Krupowki and the view of the Tatras from Gubalowka, a short hike, or a visit to a museum. If a meal "with class" is important to you, plan it either in Krakow before you leave or in Zakopane after you arrive - both options have their advantages.
When planning the day remember the logistics: an earlier departure from Krakow (for example 6:30-7:30) will help you avoid the worst traffic and give you more time in Zakopane. Reserving a table, especially at recommended and top-rated restaurants, is standard - particularly on weekends and in high season. If you travel by car, allow time for parking; the alternative is a comfortable train or bus ride, which run frequently in season.
This article includes a step-by-step sample day plan, several elegant restaurants in Krakow and Zakopane, and practical tips: where to make a stylish stop on the way, how to book and what to avoid so you don’t fall into a tourist trap. The tone is friendly so you can plan your day right away and feel that everything is under control.
07:00 - a light meal in Krakow and departure. Early morning traffic is lighter, so you gain more time in Zakopane. 09:30 - arrival in Zakopane, a walk along Krupowki, a short coffee and getting your bearings. 11:00 - ride up Gubalowka or a short walk in a chosen direction; this is a great moment for photos with a Tatra panorama. 13:00-14:30 - a classy lunch: reserved table at your chosen restaurant (see the list below). After lunch you can visit a local museum or stroll more slowly before returning. 16:00-17:30 - return to Krakow, with the option of a stylish stop along the route. If you prefer the opposite order, an elegant lunch in Krakow before departure gives comfort and lets you focus on the walk and views when you arrive in Zakopane.
Short version for people who want to maximize time: depart at 06:30, arrive in Zakopane at 08:30, quick viewpoint stop, lunch at 12:00 and return at 15:00 - less time but still a satisfying day.
Everything depends on what you value most: comfort, food, or mountain experiences. Usually the best pace is a compromise - a few must-see points and one relaxing meal break.
Krakow has a huge restaurant offer: from refined places with tasting menus to elegant bistros perfect for a business lunch. If you care about ingredient quality, smooth service and pleasant atmosphere, consider well-established, highly rated places. Below are suggestions to match different expectations - from fine dining to an elegant lunch with a view.
Salta - a modern, award-winning take on Polish cuisine; ideal for a special lunch. Bottiglieria 1881 - classic and impeccable service, an excellent wine list; perfect for a business meeting. Karakter - signature cuisine, seasonal menu and an intimate atmosphere, a good choice for those seeking local inspiration in a modern form. Fiorentina and Miod Malina - places with strong character, good for special occasions and elegant lunches. For a less formal but still stylish lunch, try one of the cozy bistros recommended by locals.
A few practical booking tips: inform the restaurant about allergies and dietary preferences in advance, ask about expected service duration (important for business meetings), and if you want to "eat with class" request a more private table or a private dining room if available.
In Zakopane you will find both traditional mountain inns serving regional specialties and elegant restaurants combining local flavors with fine dining. If you want to eat "with class", choose places appreciated by locals and visitors, with good service and positive reviews.
Karczma u Wnuka - a classic spot, solid regional dishes and a pleasant highlander atmosphere; a good place to try kwaśnica or oscypek in a more authentic style. Bakowo Zohylina - an atmospheric inn with music and a strong highlander character; great for an evening, more spectacular meal. La Prima and hotel restaurants (for example places with a view of the Tatras) - ideal when elegance, high quality of dishes and comfort of service matter. Bistro Kryjówka and several newer, highly rated venues offer a modern take on highlander and regional cuisine.
Tip: prices close to Krupowki are often higher than on side streets - if you care about quality and reasonable price consider booking a restaurant located away from the main promenade. In season reserve a few days in advance.
The route between Krakow and Zakopane offers several pleasant places for a stylish break: small towns with a good cafe, markets with local products or a viewpoint where you can stretch your legs. Stops work well for a short walk or to buy local cheeses and culinary souvenirs.
If you travel by car, plan one longer break: coffee at a roadside cafe with good espresso and a short walk will relieve travel tension. Avoid eating right next to major tourist hubs - prices and quality do not always match there. Smaller stations and family-run eateries can surprise you with fresh dishes and authentic atmosphere.
If possible, choose a stop where you can buy local products - oscypek, honey or preserves - it’s an elegant and practical way to take a piece of Podhale home.
Not reserving a table - in season and on weekends this is the simplest way to lose time and comfort. Book and confirm your arrival time, especially at elegant places. Eating on Krupowki without checking reviews - it’s easy to fall into a tourist trap; choose places with good reviews or those recommended by locals. Leaving Krakow too late - traffic can significantly lengthen the trip; leave some margin for possible delays. Lack of flexibility in the plan - sometimes weather or local events change plans; have an alternative like a reservation at another venue or different sightseeing points.
Small conveniences that make a difference: carry some cash (not everywhere prefers card payments), a power bank for your phone and comfortable walking shoes, even if you plan an elegant lunch.
If you travel with a larger group, ask the restaurant about the possibility of a dedicated menu and service timing - this professional move ensures calm and elegance.
Is it better to eat in Krakow before departure or in Zakopane after arrival? It depends on your priority. If you value calm and want to eat without hurry, an elegant lunch in Krakow before leaving may be better. If views and mountain atmosphere matter most, plan lunch in Zakopane. How long does the trip take? Roughly 1.5-2 hours one way, but in season and on weekends add some buffer. Do you need to reserve? Definitely yes if you want to be sure of a table in a good place. How much to budget for a classy lunch? In Krakow, for an elegant lunch in a reputable restaurant, expect a higher budget than for a quick lunch - it can range from several dozen to a few hundred zloty per person, depending on the menu and drinks.
Do you need to dress formally? Not always - "with class" doesn’t mean "in a suit". Aim for neat, comfortable clothing suited to the venue. In fine dining restaurants avoid very sporty elements. What about tipping? A small practice: leaving 10%-15% of the bill is standard in more elegant places, unless service is described otherwise.
Do restaurants in Zakopane serve local specialties? Yes - kwaśnica, moskole, oscypek and lamb dishes are typical; many places combine tradition with a modern approach to presentation and quality.
Many elegant restaurants in Krakow offer short weekday lunch menus - a great chance to try high-quality dishes at a lower price. In Zakopane there are new places blending international cuisine with local ingredients; try dishes made from seasonal products from local suppliers. Local markets and shops with regional products often have top-quality items at better prices than souvenir stalls - a great way to take home the region’s flavors.
If you want to spend time truly "with class", ask the restaurant about a short kitchen tour or meeting the chef - in some places this is a standard service for groups interested in gastronomy.
A small surprise: in some elegant hotel restaurants in Zakopane you can enjoy an excellent lunch with a beautiful view of the Tatras without being a hotel guest - a prior table reservation is usually enough.
Planning a one-day Krakow - Zakopane route can be condensed into a simple scheme: set your priorities (views, food, activity), reserve a table at one of the recommended restaurants, depart early and allow a margin for the unexpected. This way the day will be full of impressions and the lunch will be a moment of true pleasure.
If you liked this guide - share it on social media or send it to friends. If you want personalized help planning a route tailored to your expectations - you are invited to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz; contact details and more information are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
