Yes — the MOCAK building houses a café (often known as Petite France or MOCAK Cafe) that serves lunches, sandwiches, desserts and coffee, and has a seasonal garden. This is the most convenient option for people who want to combine visiting the museum with a quick culinary break without leaving the museum complex.
The museum café works well when you’re short on time or when the weather is uncertain. Many visitors plan 1.5–2 hours for the exhibitions and then go for lunch — it’s a convenient afternoon rhythm in Podgórze.
Keep in mind that during the high season the museum café can be busy around midday, so if you want a calm meal after visiting the exhibitions, consider reserving a table at a nearby restaurant or walking a few minutes away from MOCAK.
MOCAK — the Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków — is located at Lipowa 4, in a renovated industrial complex on the right bank of the Vistula River. The museum has been active since 2011 and presents a collection of contemporary art along with rotating temporary exhibitions.
Opening hours for the museum and the café vary by season, so it’s a good idea to check current information before you go. The building also houses a bookshop and additional visitor zones, which give you more ways to spend time after the exhibitions.
MOCAK’s location next to Oskar Schindler’s Factory and in the Zabłocie area makes a walk around the neighborhood a chance to see industrial fragments of the city and several interesting public installations.
The museum café is the natural choice right after visiting the galleries. The menu usually includes signature lunches, salads, baguettes, cakes and good coffee, and in season a small garden is often open. It’s a good spot for a light lunch or a snack located literally by the exhibition rooms.
The café is family-friendly — there are often seating options for children and a small play corner, and the museum toilets include facilities for visitors with little ones. If you’re looking for quiet and a short rest between galleries, this is the easiest place to stop.
If you’re planning a full, multi-course meal with wine, it’s better to leave the museum grounds and choose one of the nearby restaurants.
YŌKO — modern Asian cuisine at Lipowa 6A. Praised for fresh sushi and carefully composed Japanese dishes, it’s great for lunch or a later dinner. For larger groups a reservation is recommended.
Krakó Slow Wines — a wine bar and kitchen inspired by regional flavors at Lipowa 6F. A great option when you want a thoughtful, seasonal meal paired with an interesting wine list in a cozy atmosphere.
Stopklatka — a café at Brodzińskiego 8 with excellent coffee and homemade cakes, interesting options for light lunches and a lovely place to relax in the afternoon. In the evenings there are often cultural events, which can make your outing after the museum more varied.
Around MOCAK you’ll also find several small eateries and pizzerias — good for a quick informal meal. If you care about top reviews and a composed dish, opt for restaurants that are known for consistent quality.
A few minutes’ walk from MOCAK (across the bridge or along the historic streets of Zabłocie) will take you to Kazimierz, where the dining offer is much larger. There you’ll find traditional Polish dishes, international cuisines, highly rated restaurants and spots perfect for a longer social lunch.
Popular choices in Kazimierz include well-regarded trattorias, Italian restaurants and places serving local specialties. Many venues offer fixed-price lunch menus during weekday lunch hours, which is a convenient and budget-friendly option.
Remember that on weekends and in the evenings Kazimierz can be very busy — reserving a table in advance saves time and stress.
Don’t assume every place is open every day — many cafés and smaller restaurants have a closed day or a midday break, often on Mondays. Check opening hours before you head out.
Avoid sitting at the first table you see right next to major tourist attractions without checking reviews — sometimes better-quality food is a few streets away.
If you want a relaxed lunch in a good restaurant, book a table in advance, especially on weekends and during the tourist season.
Don’t assume museum cafés offer full restaurant menus — the museum café is convenient but doesn’t always replace a full dining experience in a restaurant.
Check options for vegetarians and people with allergies. Many places in the area offer vegetarian or vegan dishes, but not all do — it’s best to ask the staff.
Can you pay by card at MOCAK and nearby places? Most venues in the area accept cards, but at smaller cafés it’s wise to have some cash just in case.
How much time to allocate for visiting and lunch? A typical plan is 1.5–2 hours for MOCAK’s exhibitions and 1–1.5 hours for lunch if you want to sit calmly and try a few dishes.
Do you need to book MOCAK tickets? Temporary exhibitions can be very popular, so buying a ticket online in advance is recommended for special shows. For a regular visit you can often buy tickets at the box office — check current information before you go.
How to get to MOCAK by public transport? The Zabłocie area is well connected by trams and buses; many lines stop at nearby stops. The walk from Kazimierz takes around 10–20 minutes depending on your pace.
Zabłocie has changed rapidly in recent years — industrial spaces have been transformed into galleries, studios and restaurants, so a walk through the neighborhood is as much a cultural experience as a culinary one.
Right next to MOCAK you can encounter artistic installations in public space; look around the streets and squares because beyond the exhibition rooms you’ll also find art outdoors.
Some venues organize themed events and wine evenings — if you hit one of those events, a meal can turn into a small celebration of taste and culture.
MOCAK has its own café and offers a convenient solution for a quick break, but if you want a good, longer lunch you’ll find several excellent places nearby — from modern Asian cuisine to wine bars and cozy cafés. A walk through Zabłocie and a short stroll to Kazimierz is the best way to combine art with good food.
If you find this guide helpful, feel free to share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to discover Kraków with someone who knows not only the museums but also reliable places for lunch, consider services offered by private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the tour service website.
Enjoy your visit and bon appétit while exploring Kraków!
