Krakow Restaurants, Dining out and Krakow's café culture
Krakow Restaurants
Eating out in Krakow is an experience which is rapidly improving. The choice of cuisines is becoming more varied. Just be careful when you are paying the bill - saying thank you could result in your change not being received!
Our recommendations for restaurants in krakow are listed below. For a more comprehensive listing of krakow restaurants, as well as cafes, bars and nightclubs, be sure to pick up a copy of the excellent 'In Your Pocket' guidebook for Krakow which has a more comprehensive list of places to eat out.
Socialist Dining Experience: Milk Bars (Bar Mleczny)
These 'restaurants', and we use the term loosely, are a throwback to the socialist days, and are still state-run. Expect to find old ladies in white aprons serving up big portions of Polish specialties such as pierogi and bigos, and hearty soups. Prices are ridiculously low, and the seats are often taken up with hungry students. A recommended experience, if not for the food, which can be a little bland.
Polish
Probably the most famous is the chain of 'Chlopskie Jadlo' (Peasant's Kitchen) restaurants, 3 of which are in Krakow.
Italian
San Sebastian on ul. Sebastiana offers excellent Italian-style dishes which are moderately priced. A new addition to the Krakow restaurant scene is Aqua e Vino, a stylish restaurant and lounge bar on ul. Wislna 5/10. Another good option is Trattoria Soprano on ul. Sw. Anny 7
Late night feeds
If you are staggering home from a night of partying and fancy a bite to eat, you can find quite a few kebab stands dotted around the city. Be careful though - asking for a spicy (ostry) one could be a bad mistake. Another option is a Zapiekanka, which is a roll topped with cheese, mushrooms and lots of ketchup.
Cafes
The café culture in Krakow is comparable to a city such as Paris. Countless cafes line the streets in the old town and Kazimierz, and the ritual of meeting for a coffee is an extremely popular pastime with the locals. Look for the signs which read "Kawiarnia". Below we have listed a few of our favourite cafes, though this is only scratching the surface.
Nowa Prowincja
(ul. Bracka 3-5), good coffees and light snacks and cakes on perhaps the most beautiful street in the old town.
Coffee Republic
(ul. Bracka 4), an excellent chain also serving good food.
Dynia
(ul. Krupnicza 20), out of the old town, but well worth searching out for and now completely non-smoking, a refreshing alternative in smoky Krakow.
Café Malaga
Located on the market square and set back from the street, this café is well worth a visit if you wish to get away from the bustle. Face the Benetton shop, turn left and it is approx 25 meters on your right.
