The most common question I hear from guests: “Where can we eat so it’s tasty, intimate and quick — and at the same time feel the city’s atmosphere?” The answer depends on your day plan, appetite and whether you’re after traditional Polish food, something international, or simply a place for coffee and cake after a walk.
Good news: in Krakow small groups have an advantage - it’s easier to find a free table than for groups of 8+ and you can be more flexible. A few practical rules to save and note on your phone:
- if you want to eat in a popular place (especially in the evening) — a phone or online reservation is a great idea;
- for a quick lunch go between 12:30 and 14:30 or before 12:00 - you’ll avoid the longest queues;
- for a sweet break after sightseeing choose cafés by the Planty, in Kazimierz or on Zabłocie - they have good coffee and often space for a stroller/children.
Book ahead if you plan a weekend dinner - even 2–6 people in a popular restaurant may struggle to find a table without a reservation.
Check opening hours before you go - on public holidays and outside high season many places shorten hours or close for days.
Pay by card or cash according to your preference - most central places accept cards, but tiny cafés or street stalls can be cash-only.
If you have children - ask about a high chair and a kids’ menu in advance - family-friendly places often advertise this on their site.
Allergies and diets - many restaurants offer vegetarian/vegan options and can provide allergen information - it's worth telling the staff when you order.
Old Town - ideal if you plan a short route along the Royal Route and Wawel. Around the Market Square you’ll find both atmospheric bistros and cafés for a quick cake. Note - in summer and on weekends it’s crowded here - better to reserve for dinner.
Kazimierz - my favourite district for a relaxed meal in the afternoon. Plenty of small restaurants serving world cuisines, baked pierogi, hummus and dishes with local ingredients - a great option for a casual shared meal for 2–6 people.
Podgórze / Zabłocie - here you’ll find niche places, craft cafés and calmer spots for the evening. If you want to escape the crowds, head this way - venues often have a less touristy, more local vibe.
Kleparz area and surroundings - excellent for breakfast and snacks - the market and small bakeries offer fresh pastries and local treats, ideal for a quick provision during a city walk.
Nowa Huta - if you fancy something different outside the historic centre, this is for those who like an industrial atmosphere and larger portions - great for lunch after exploring this part of the city.
Pierogi - a classic, available in traditional and modern versions; perfect for a shared Polish meal.
Żurek and other soups - served in bowls, they warm you up after a walk - a good option for a quick lunch on a chilly day.
Obwarzanek - a Krakow street snack, great for a quick bite between sights.
Zapiekanka at Plac Nowy - a quick and characteristic Kazimierz snack - perfect when you want to try something standing up.
World cuisines - in Krakow you’ll easily find good Jewish, Georgian, Italian, Asian and Middle Eastern food - a smart choice if the group has varying tastes.
Desserts and cafés - artisan cakes and specialty cafés are ideal for an afternoon break.
Breakfast - if you have a morning walk around the Market or Planty, choose a cosy café in the centre or a bakery near Kleparz. Breakfast out is also a chance to calmly set the day’s plan.
Lunch - a quick bistro or pierogi place works well after visiting Wawel - you get a break without missing afternoon attractions.
Coffee and dessert - perfect between museums; pick cafés with local pastries - a short break will recharge you for more walking.
Dinner - if you plan dinner after a full day of sightseeing, book a table for 19:00–20:00; a small group is a chance to get a window table or a quiet corner.
Quick snack - when time is short, obwarzanek, zapiekanka or a small sandwich bar will do the job and won’t waste sightseeing time.
Children - many places in the centre and in Kazimierz offer kids’ menus and high chairs - if you’re travelling with a stroller, check for space when you reserve.
Allergies - tell the waiter about allergies before ordering - most restaurants can adapt a dish or suggest an alternative.
Vegetarian/vegan diets - Krakow is friendly to vegans and vegetarians - you’ll find at least a few plant-based options in most places.
Quick solutions for picky eaters - simple pastas, soups or desserts often save the day when someone has a smaller appetite.
Morning: walk around the Market and up to Wawel - light lunch near Wawel - afternoon: café and the Rynek Underground Museum or a stroll along the Planty - evening: a cosy dinner on a quiet street in the Old Town.
Kazimierz in brief: morning coffee + brunch in Kazimierz - visit a synagogue and the Jewish cemetery - snack at Plac Nowy (zapiekanka) - evening: dinner in a small restaurant serving world cuisine.
Podgórze and Zabłocie: breakfast in a Zabłocie café - explore industrial areas and museums - lunch in a peaceful riverside restaurant or near Krakus Mound - return to the centre for an evening walk.
Reservation - phone or online form is the fastest way; if you reserve for only 2–4 people, sometimes arriving 15–30 minutes early and asking about a free table is enough.
Splitting the bill - most restaurants can split the bill into several parts, but it’s helpful for the staff if you mention this at the start - it saves stress at payment time.
Tipping - in Poland people typically leave around 10% for good service; it’s not a strict rule, but it’s a nice gesture for the staff.
Meal duration - plan 60–90 minutes for dinner in a cosy restaurant; if time between attractions is limited, choose a quick bistro lunch.
When you’re sightseeing with me, it’s worth planning the meal break before the walk - I know places that fit the route, mood and budget and can reserve a table or recommend spots without queues.
Planning the break - if the route is intense, I suggest a 1.5–2 hour break for lunch so no one has to rush and there’s time to talk and rest.
Meet-up after the meal - we agree a meeting point so everyone knows where to return to the route - this is especially important in a city with many side streets.
To avoid the biggest crowds at the Market - have breakfast in the centre and start sightseeing earlier - cafés will be calmer and photos look better without the crowds.
Small group = more flexibility - you can share dishes and try more local flavours instead of everyone ordering a big main.
Remember water and ice-cream breaks in summer - short stops at a café will boost energy and cheer up both kids and adults.
If you want a quiet evening spot - ask for a table in a side room or by the window - small venues are happy to help choose the most comfortable place.
If you plan a tour with me and want the food break to fit the route perfectly - write or call. I’ll gladly recommend places that suit the mood and budget, and if needed I can help reserve a table.
Small groups are my specialty - it’s easy to find a compromise between sightseeing pace and a relaxing moment over good food. Contact me through zwiedzaniekrakowa.com and we’ll arrange a plan and places so the day is successful from the first bite to the last view.
