Kraków and Zakopane offer two very different culinary worlds. In Kraków you’ll find a blend of international cuisines, cozy bistros in historic tenement houses and trendy pizzerias; in Zakopane the scene is dominated by mountain inns, Podhale cheeses and simple, warming dishes after a day in the hills.
If you want a good meal and value for money, it helps to know where to look — Kraków’s center can be crowded and full of tourist-oriented places, while Zakopane in season can overwhelm you with inns along Krupówki. This guide will help you pick a dinner spot to match your mood: romantic, budget-friendly, family-oriented or authentically regional.
In Kraków consider a few trusted addresses that balance quality with reputation: Nolio (Neapolitan pizza baked in a wood-fired oven), ZAZIE Bistro (French cuisine in an intimate atmosphere), Hummus Amamamusi (fresh hummus and vegetarian options), Alchemia Od Kuchni (fusion cuisine), Forum Przestrzenie (relaxed riverside vibe) and Halicka Eatery & Bar at Hotel PURO if you want to combine quality with a touch of elegance.
For a romantic dinner pick places with views of the Old Town or the Vistula. Consider restaurants a little farther from the Main Market Square — quality is often better there and prices friendlier. For pizza lovers Nolio is a reliable stop — thin crust, good ingredients and short waits.
If you want something inexpensive and local, check the area around Stary Kleparz and Plac Wolnica. There you’ll often find simple seasonal dishes and local bread from a stone oven. Kraków has a wide offer for vegans and vegetarians, especially in Kazimierz and around Plac Wolnica and Nowy Kleparz.
Some specifics on what to order: at Nolio try a margherita with burrata or classic pies with salami; at ZAZIE look for beef dishes and classic French desserts; at Asian spots like Molám soups and noodle dishes are reliable. At Hummus Amamamusi try hummus in its various versions with fresh toppings.
In Zakopane choose authenticity and local flavours. Mountain inns such as Karczma Polany, Karczma u Zająca, Karczma Sywor or Bąkowa Zohylina Wyżnio give a true highland atmosphere — you can try oscypek with cranberry, kwaśnica, moskole or trout dishes.
If you prefer more modern or urban options, bistros and city-style restaurants in the center, like Bistro Kryjówka, or grill places are worth exploring. Many Zakopane restaurants also serve lamb, game and regional cheeses — ask your server about the day’s local specialties.
Remember that in high season (winter and summer) the best inns fill up — booking a table in advance is essential. If you want a quieter dinner away from crowds, consider nearby Kościelisko, where you’ll find excellent regional inns with views of the Tatras.
For families and groups, choose places with large portions and classic menus — pierogi, cutlets and soups. After a long day on the trail, such dishes often are the most satisfying.
Romantic dinner: choose an intimate venue with a good wine list or a restaurant with a view (for example places by the Vistula in Kraków). Reserve a table ahead and request a window seat or a cozy corner.
Budget-friendly: look for places a few blocks from the Main Market Square, markets and halls (Stary Kleparz) — pizzerias and international food bars often offer good prices without sacrificing taste.
Family outing: pick restaurants with roomy tables and a kids’ menu for convenience. In Zakopane mountain inns are often family-friendly with large portions and straightforward dishes.
For vegans and vegetarians: Kraków has a developed plant-based scene, especially in Kazimierz and the centre. Zakopane’s vegan options are growing, but traditional inns will be heavier on meat and cheese.
Not reserving a table in season is the most common mistake. Popular places fill up early in the evening, especially on weekends. A quick phone call or online reservation will save your night.
Crowds around the Market Square and Krupówki — not every place there is worth the price. To find better quality, walk one or two blocks away from the main tourist streets.
Don’t overlook local markets — Stary Kleparz in Kraków is a great spot for a tasty and relatively inexpensive dinner or snack. You can sample local products directly from vendors.
Check opening hours — in the mountains and in some small restaurants the kitchen may close earlier. In winter some places have shortened hours.
Don’t confuse a touristy inn with an authentic highland karczma — ask about the daily specials and where the ingredients come from.
Do I need to reserve a table in the evening? It’s safest to do so, especially on weekends and during the ski season in Zakopane and around trade fairs or holidays in Kraków.
Where can I find late-night food? In Kraków some pizzerias and bars stay open late, and a few riverside places offer late service. In Zakopane late-night options may be limited outside peak season.
Should I try oscypek in Zakopane? Yes — it’s a regional symbol, usually served with cranberry or warmed on a pan. Also ask about fresh trout and local cheeses.
Do restaurants accept cards? Most larger and tourist-oriented restaurants in Kraków and Zakopane accept cards, but small inns or market stalls may prefer cash.
Will I find vegetarian options? Definitely in Kraków, especially in Kazimierz and the centre. Zakopane’s vegetarian selection is increasing, but traditional menus remain more meat- and cheese-focused.
Some less obvious pizzerias and bistros in Zakopane can surprise with high quality — beyond the mountain inns you may find excellent pizza and creative kitchens.
Hotel restaurants sometimes serve some of the best dinners in town. Small boutique hotels often have chefs who emphasise local products.
In Kraków street food at Stary Kleparz or Wolnica can be more authentic and cheaper than many tourist-area restaurants.
Many Zakopane dishes are seasonal — after a day in the Tatras ask about what’s freshest that day.
If you have one evening in Kraków — pick a place that matches your mood: a cosy bistro, pizza from a wood-fired oven or a wine bar. If you’re coming down from the mountains in Zakopane, indulge in regional flavours and a large, warming soup.
Reserve a table, check opening hours and ask about local specialties — this will help you avoid disappointment and make the most of your evening.
If you’d like personal help planning a culinary route and booking places tailored to your preferences, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are visible on the guide’s page.
If this article was helpful, share it on social media or send it to friends planning a visit to Kraków or Zakopane. Enjoy your meal and have a safe culinary adventure!
