If you're standing on Kanonicza under Wawel and wondering: “Where to eat before leaving for Wieliczka or after returning?”, don’t worry — you have really good options both in the heart of Krakow and right by the mine entrance. This text will help you choose: you can dine elegantly near Wawel, eat quickly and deliciously by the Daniłowicz shaft, or enjoy something unique — a meal partly or entirely underground. It all depends on your day plan, budget and appetite. (At the end you'll find practical tips and common mistakes to avoid.)
Wieliczka is about 10–15 km from central Krakow — the train from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia takes roughly 20–25 minutes, while the bus (line 304) usually takes around 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. If you have a timed entry to the mine, allow time for travel, the queue for the entrance (especially in high season) and the tourist route itself (minimum 1.5–2 hours). Check current timetables and consider buying salt mine tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.
If you travel by train, note there is a short walk from Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia station to the mine entrance — plan an extra 5–10 minutes for that. If you arrive by bus, check where the bus stops in relation to the mine and the town square to avoid extra walking.
Kanonicza is a special spot — just a few hundred meters from Wawel, with historic townhouses and atmospheric interiors. It’s a good choice if you prefer a relaxed lunch and want to head to Wieliczka with a full stomach.
Copernicus (Kanonicza 16) - an upscale hotel restaurant with a focus on modern, elegant Polish cuisine. Great for a celebratory lunch or when you appreciate carefully composed dishes.
La Campana (Kanonicza 7) - a well-known trattoria with a charming patio garden; perfect if you're in the mood for reliable Italian flavors in a pleasant setting.
Sztuka (Kanonicza 15) - a restaurant with a modern take on Polish cuisine; a good option for a light, tasty meal after a walk around Wawel.
Przystań Papieska and several nearby cafés - good for a quick coffee and a bite before heading out.
If you prefer to eat near the mine, the choice is wide — from quick bistros to places serving local specialties.
Karczma Halit (in the centre of Wieliczka, close to the entrance) - traditional Polish cuisine with regional accents; an atmospheric spot in a historic building, often recommended by visitors.
Warzelnia Smaków / Grand Sal - restaurants near the Daniłowicz shaft, often with summer terraces; they offer family-friendly menus and Polish dishes in various versions.
Bistro Posolone (by the Daniłowicz shaft / on the mine grounds) - quick burgers, pastas and snacks; good if you have limited time and want to eat something tasty right after coming up from underground.
Karczma Górnicza - a special experience: some of the mine's dining options are located underground (there are catering points along the tourist route, and in some special experiences you can eat below ground). This is ideal for those who want to combine sightseeing with an unusual meal.
Book a table, especially in high season and on weekends — the most popular places (Copernicus, La Campana) often fill up at lunchtime.
Check opening hours — some places have breaks between lunch and dinner or shorter hours outside the season.
If time is tight: eat in Wieliczka or choose Bistro Posolone/food court by the mine — you'll get back to the tour quicker.
Some restaurants near the mine offer discounts for salt mine ticket holders — it’s worth asking at the ticket office or the restaurant.
Vegetarians and people with allergies: most places now offer meat-free options, but if you have a strong allergy, inform the staff in advance.
Families with children will appreciate Bistro Posolone (quick, simple menu) and places with gardens or terraces where kids can relax after visiting. If you're taking the train, choose a restaurant near Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia station or a food point on the mine grounds to save walking time.
If you only have a few hours: pick the strategy 'eat before' (Kanonicza) or 'eat after' (Wieliczka) — depending on whether you prefer to relax before going underground or after returning to the surface.
Not reserving a table in popular restaurants — result: long waits or no space. Reserve by phone or online.
Assuming everything is open all day — many city restaurants close between meals or have shorter hours off-season. Check ahead.
Choosing the first venue you see at the mine entrance — these are often pricier and less authentic; walk 2–3 minutes further and compare menus.
Not planning return transport — especially during afternoon rush hour: check train and bus schedules and leave time for your meal.
Wieliczka’s culinary scene is connected to its salt tradition — in some desserts and dishes you’ll notice local salt as a flavour accent (for example salted caramel ice cream).
The mine sometimes hosts special dinners or themed events 120 m underground — if you want something truly unusual, check the Salt Mine’s current offerings before your visit.
If you’re after an edible souvenir: look for locally baked bread, regional cheeses or preserves sold in Wieliczka town.
Option A - lunch in Krakow before departure: a light meal on Kanonicza (Copernicus or La Campana), train to Wieliczka, tour of the mine, dessert at Bistro Posolone after the visit.
Option B - quick start and full experience: coffee on Kanonicza, short train to Wieliczka, lunch after the tour at Karczma Halit or Warzelnia Smaków, stroll around the Wieliczka market square and return.
Option C - special experience: book a dinner or tasting event held in the mine (if available) or have a meal at Karczma Górnicza underground - perfect for a special occasion.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a better trip. If you need a personalized itinerary for Krakow and Wieliczka, you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — contact and more information are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your meal and have a great trip!
