Zakopane is not only about views of the Tatra Mountains — it also has a cuisine born from a harsh mountain climate and local traditions. A premium culinary trip combines the best elements: comfortable transport from Krakow, carefully selected stops at trusted karczmas and restaurants, and tastings of local products such as oscypek (smoked sheep cheese), moskole and bryndza. This format lets you taste authentic flavors without wasting time searching or risking a tourist trap.
For travelers who value comfort and good food, the “premium” option means less rushing, reserved tables at recommended places, optional tastings of regional spirits (local beers, vodkas, nalewki) and a guide who explains dishes, customs and the best places to buy products to take home. It’s an ideal mix of culinary discovery and convenience — especially if you have limited time and want to make the most of your day.
Morning: departure from Krakow (about 2–2.5 hours depending on traffic) to arrive before the main tourist rush. Start with a short stroll along Krupówki — a quick introduction to the town’s atmosphere and views of Giewont.
Late morning: the first tasting in a cozy karczma away from the busiest part of the center — Polish starters, warm oscypek served freshly grilled, plus local cakes and coffee at a trusted spot.
Noon: a sit-down main course at one of the recommended karczmas serving kwaśnica, ribs or lamb dishes; in premium packages a tasting of craft beers or a selection of local vodkas is often included.
Afternoon: a short visit to a local market or a shepherd’s hut (bacówka) where you can buy oscypek and cheeses (tips on how to recognize a genuine oscypek), followed by dessert at one of Zakopane’s top cafés or pâtisseries.
Evening: return to Krakow or an optional finish at a highlander bonfire / live music show if the route includes an evening event.
Karczma u Wnuka — a historic, traditional karczma with an authentic highlander atmosphere; perfect for a first encounter with kwaśnica and meat dishes. This place often appears on ‘must visit’ lists.
Gazdowo Kuźnia — a restaurant that blends regional flavors with higher service standards; a good choice when you want local character in a more refined setting.
Bąkowo Zohylina — a well-known Podhale karczma with strong local character and generous portions; recommended for those looking for hearty, authentic meals.
STRH Café / local pâtisseries — for dessert and coffee choose one of the better cafés or bakeries in Zakopane; fresh cakes and local pastries (e.g., bukty) are a great way to end the route.
Small bacówki outside the center — if the route includes a short trip away from Krupówki, buy oscypek directly from shepherds — flavor and quality often beat the offerings at promenade stalls.
Table reservations at the most reputable places — no waiting in line.
Tasting packages: sets of regional treats often paired with drink choices (craft beers, vodka samples, nalewki).
Private transport or a comfortable transfer from Krakow and back with the option to customize stops.
A culinary guide — someone who will tell you the history of the dishes, explain differences between cheeses and point out how to buy an authentic oscypek.
Best times: outside peak season (spring and late autumn) it’s easier to find calm, shorter queues and better restaurant availability. Winter draws skiers and family crowds, so booking ahead is recommended.
Book tables in advance — especially on weekends and holidays. In the premium version reservations are usually included or can be handled by the trip organizer.
Inform restaurants of dietary restrictions ahead of time — most places can accommodate vegetarian options and allergies, but it’s worth confirming before you arrive.
Payments: many karczmas accept cards, but when buying from bacówki or market stalls it’s good to have some small cash for purchases.
A true oscypek is made from sheep’s milk and has a pronounced smoked flavor; at a bacówka you can ask for a small sample. Buy from sellers who show labels or explain the cheese’s origin.
Avoid restaurants on Krupówki that have ‘everything on the menu’ — places with extremely wide menus (pizza, sushi, burgers, Italian and regional dishes together) often don’t specialize in local cuisine and can be hit-or-miss.
If an offer seems too good to be true (very low prices for large portions in central locations), check reviews and ask your guide for recommendations.
How long does such a trip take? — Typically 5–8 hours depending on the number of stops and the premium package (tastings, transfers).
Do I need to book transport from Krakow? — Premium packages often include transfer; if traveling independently, plan for 2–2.5 hours by car or use scheduled buses and private carriers.
Can I book a vegetarian version? — Yes, many local restaurants prepare meat-free dishes, but it’s recommended to arrange this in advance.
Are alcohol tastings safe? — Tasting portions are usually small and controlled; if you don’t drink alcohol, ask for alternatives (local compotes, juices or non-alcoholic craft beers).
Not every oscypek is the same — shepherds’ huts off the main route often smoke cheese differently, giving subtle differences in aroma. Ask where the milk comes from and when the cheese was smoked.
Moskole are simple but special potato flatbreads that pair best with bryndza or butter — look for places that serve them fresh with minimal extras.
Don’t limit yourself to Krupówki — side streets and areas outside the center hide cafés and karczmas that often outperform places on the main promenade in terms of quality.
Following the tourist crowd on Krupówki and choosing the first karczma you see — check reviews or trust the guide’s recommendation instead of deciding on the smell from the street.
Not booking in season — leads to long waits or no place in the best restaurants; premium options usually secure reservations.
Buying oscypek only on Krupówki — better to look for bacówki away from the main promenade where quality and authenticity tend to be higher.
If you want to make the most of a culinary day in Zakopane and be sure to visit top-rated places without the stress of organizing, consider the premium version guided by an experienced guide. Details and contact information for Małgorzata Kasprowicz’s trips can be found on her Zwiedzanie Krakowa site — it’s worth writing in advance to tailor the route to your preferences.
If this article helped you plan a trip, share it with friends or on social media — planning together can make a day in the Tatras even more memorable!
