Where to Eat in Kraków

I have an aunt whose husband always jokes that whenever I talk to her, “the Gajewskis only talk about food.” So let it be that way.

I’ve written many times about sightseeing in the Old Town, Kazimierz, and Nowa Huta. It occurred to me that everyone enjoys a good meal, so today let’s talk about where you can eat well in the city of kings. I’ve lived in Kraków on and off since 2003, continuously since 2013, and I’ve eaten in many of its restaurants—sometimes privately, sometimes professionally—and I’d like to share that experience with you. I’ve been to all the places I mention here, all within the last few months except for one.

Where to Eat Elegantly in Kraków

Let’s start at the top. I once had the chance to dine at the famous Wierzynek. It’s definitely not an everyday restaurant. But inviting someone special there to celebrate an important occasion is a great idea. Prices aren’t low—I was there a few years ago and assume they’ve doubled like everywhere else—but for a few hundred złoty per person (closer to the upper end), you can enjoy a fine dinner. Honestly, the wines are much more expensive than the dishes, so as a late bishop once said, it’s best to order lamb and pair it with excellent Polish beers. The food quality is superb, and the service is top-notch. At a large dinner, the dishes were covered with domes to keep them warm and only uncovered simultaneously once everyone had been served.

Where to Eat Well but Not Too Expensively

Among good restaurants with reasonable prices (let’s be honest—cheap is a thing of the past), I recommend Pod Baranem near Wawel on Gertrudy Street, or Kapłony i Szczeżuje in Kazimierz on Izaaka Street. At the latter, which serves Jewish cuisine with a modern twist, I had a delicious cholent with beef cheeks a few weeks ago—slow-roasted for hours at low temperature. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Cholent is a traditional Jewish dish prepared for Shabbat, the holy day when Jews are forbidden from cooking or lighting fires. So it’s made the day before and slowly baked overnight.

A great mid-range option is Ogniem i Mieczem in Podgórze, near Serkowski Square and the steel Piłsudski Bridge. The place looks like a tavern from the novel it’s named after, the food is tasty, and the portions… well. Once, during a company dinner, after two courses, a brick-sized apple pie arrived, and I saw fear in people’s eyes. So not for light eaters—but if you like hearty meals, it’s one of the best spots.

Where to Eat Cheaply in Kraków

Going down to everyday eateries, I especially recommend U Babci Maliny on Szpitalna Street near the Market Square. Their żurek is probably the best in Kraków, and the pierogi, especially the baked ones, are top-tier. The place is right across from the Słowacki Theatre and has an upstairs bar section and a downstairs restaurant.

In Nowa Huta, you must eat at Stylowa on Aleja Róż, near Central Square. It’s right next to where the Lenin monument once stood—some jokers used to “order lunch” for Lenin and ask the waiter to deliver it to the statue.

Where to Eat Very Cheaply in Kraków

Let’s not forget the milk bars, the best of which—original ones from decades ago that still remember the old days—are in Nowa Huta. There are four, all run by PSS Społem, just like in the past, and all are incredibly popular. The only downside: you’ll need to wait 10–15 minutes in line.

I remember 8 years ago, just after moving to Huta, I was in a milk bar behind an elderly lady who ordered half a portion of soup and half a portion of potato pancakes—and paid 2.40 zł! Prices have probably tripled since, but it’s still a very affordable and tasty option. All pierogi, compotes, dumplings are made on-site by a team of fast-moving ladies. It fits perfectly with the spirit of Nowa Huta. You have to go and taste the flavor and feel the vibe.

In the Old Town, for budget options, I recommend Pod Filarkami at the corner of Dietla and Starowiślna. Recently, I had a tasty, cheap, and generous meal at Lunch Bar Marco (more traditional inside than the name suggests) on Biskupia Street.

A great spot just steps from the Main Market Square is Koko on Gołębia Street. Cheaper near the square? Probably only kebab.

And if kebab, then go for craft beef at Efes on Basztowa Street near Planty (because regular beef is often just “dog ground up with its kennel”).

For Vietnamese food, I often go to Hoang Hai, 200 meters from Wawel on Stradomska Street.

Kraków Street Food

On the street, grab an obwarzanek—a Kraków specialty sold from distinctive carts. It’s briefly boiled before baking, hence the name.

Another traditional Kraków street food is maczanka krakowska—once made with roast drippings and meat scraps, now upgraded with a solid chunk of roast meat. You’ll find it at a food truck on Wawrzyńca Street.

And don’t forget the legendary zapiekanki at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz.

So, are you hungry for Kraków? If so, let me know: contact.