Krakow surprises not only with its monuments but also with a rich and varied food scene — from traditional inns through cozy bistros to modern restaurants with signature cuisine.
This guide will help you choose a place for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert and give practical tips to avoid common tourist pitfalls. If you want to eat like a local — keep reading.
Old Town and the Main Market Square. Around the Market you’ll find everything: elegant restaurants serving modern dishes, classic places with Polish cuisine and even milk bars. It’s worth booking ahead for evening meals, as popular spots fill up fast.
Kazimierz. This is a culinary hub with atmospheric bistros and restaurants offering world cuisines. One recognizable address is Zazie Bistro — a charming French bistro known for its distinctive menu and cozy atmosphere.
Podgórze and the other side of the Vistula. More interesting places are appearing outside the strict center — on Podgórze you can find restaurants with signature cuisine like Kropka and intimate eateries serving regional and international flavors.
Less touristy districts. For a truly local experience try restaurants and cafés away from the Market — portions are often larger and prices more favorable.
Kropka (Podgórze) — a restaurant known for a creative, seasonal menu based on local ingredients; great for a relaxed dinner with a friendly atmosphere. Euskadi — a small spot with Basque cuisine, ideal if you want to try pintxos and flavors of northern Spain. Both places are frequently mentioned in local dining roundups.
Bottiglieria 1881 and other celebrated venues — Krakow has restaurants praised by critics and guides; if you plan a special dinner, check recommendations and reserve a table in advance.
For breakfast and sweets: Kaffe Bageri, Café Lisboa and artisan bakeries like Zaczyn are good for morning coffee and pastries. If you value fresh bread and quality baking, include them in your daily plan.
Pierogi — you’ll find them almost everywhere; try local variations and small pierogi shops where fillings are made by hand.
Maczanka po krakowsku — a traditional regional dish often served in restaurants specializing in old Polish cuisine.
Krakow-style cheesecake (sernik krakowski) — a classic dessert worth seeking out in pâtisseries and cafés that focus on local baked goods.
Reservations — in popular restaurants (especially in the evening) reserve ahead, particularly on weekends and during tourist season.
Payments — most places accept cards, but carry some cash for market stalls, small cafés or local fairs.
Meal times — central restaurants often stay open late, but small places and some cafés may close earlier in the afternoon.
Tipping — in Poland it’s customary to leave a small tip, typically a few percent up to about 10% for good service; check the bill as some places add a service charge.
Mistake 1: Eating on the Market without checking reviews — many places immediately next to major attractions charge more and offer lower quality. Look a little further from the busiest spots.
Mistake 2: Not booking for the weekend — this can lead to long waits or no table at popular restaurants.
Mistake 3: Assuming every place is open all day — in some restaurants the kitchen may close for an afternoon break.
In Krakow you’ll often find restaurants that blend tradition with modernity — chefs frequently create signature interpretations of regional dishes.
More and more places emphasize seasonality and local products, so menus can change with the seasons.
Artisanal cafés and bakeries enjoy growing popularity — a great chance to try local pastries and specialty coffee.
Can you eat well in Krakow at a reasonable price? Yes — outside the Main Market you’ll find many places with a good quality-to-price ratio.
Where to try traditional Krakow cuisine? Look for restaurants with classic Polish menus and those advertising regional or "old Polish" dishes.
Do you need to reserve a table? For recommended restaurants it’s strongly advised to reserve, especially for dinner and on weekends.
Krakow is a city of tastes — from traditional dishes to international bistros and restaurants recognized by critics. If you’d like, I can help plan a culinary route tailored to your time and tastes.
If this guide was helpful — share it with friends or on social media. For a personalized experience, consider a private guided culinary walk with licensed guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact details are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
