Food And Drink In Krakow

Krakow’s restaurants serve both traditional Polish and international food suited to all budgets. The city also has some of the most quirky bars and cafes in Europe.

The food scene in Krakow has improved a lot over recent years. There are now many restaurants serving international food and catering for dietary requirements. Fancy a curry? No problem. Vietnamese street food? Just over there. There are even many vegan restaurants in Krakow (something that was definitely not the case on my first visit in 2013).

Traditional Polish Food In Krakow

However, you are in Poland so you will be wanting to try the Polish food, right? When I was last in Krakow, I got talking to some English people who were eating in steakhouses and fast food places because they did not know any Polish food and claimed that none of the menus explained the dishes. As they were based around the main square, this is completely not true; most of the restaurants have English menus.

Polish Food Explained

As a quick guide, these are some of the foods you should try in Krakow:

• Pierogi: perhaps the most famous food in Poland, pierogi are small dumplings with various fillings. They can be sweet or savoury. The most traditional ones are filled with potato, white cheese and onion (pierogi ruskie) or sauerkraut. They are usually boiled but you can also get them fried with crispy onions on top (my favourite).
• Kielbasa: basically Polish sausage. You can get them in all flavours and sizes. They are often added to dishes. You can get them cold, deli-style, or hot. Hot kielbasa is usually served with pickles and mustard. Delicious!
• Zapiekanka: I would compare this to a french bread pizza. A baguette is cut in half and topped with mushrooms and cheese and various other toppings. It was very popular during communist times as it was basic and cheap and used up any ingredients. It then declined in popularity before becoming a popular late-night food. Go to Kazimierz for Zapiekanka. These days, you can even get them with tofu or seitan toppings.
• Bigos: a traditional Polish stew made from sauerkraut, shredded cabbage and meats (usually kielbasa).
• Golonka: a ham hock that is boiled or baked, sometimes with a beer-honey glaze, and served with pickles, mustard and bread.
• Zurek: a fermented rye soup, usually with sausage and egg.

Now you know some of the dishes, get out there and try some delicious Polish food. You might surprise yourself!

Food And Drink In Krakow

This list includes some of the best bars in Krakow. I always research for the cool, quirky bars or places that locals frequent rather than the more touristy spots. The list also includes some of the best coffee shops in Krakow. Budget travel means I don’t eat at many fancy restaurants but I have included all the lower budget places to eat in Krakow.

Alchemia

Many of the best quirky bars in Krakow are situated in Kazimierz. Alchemia (map) is right in the centre, opposite ‘Okraglak’, meaning you can call for a zapiekenka after a night drinking.

The bar is split into different areas, the smoking room is accessible via a wardrobe. You have to watch where you are going as the bar is so dark and there are many small steps. I’m sure there has been many a drink spilled here. It is a wonderful bar that captures the Krakow vibe perfectly.

Amsterdam Chips

Late night food in Kazimierz. Nothing like the triple-cooked chips you get in Amsterdam (actually from Belgium). I ended up throwing half of them away, they were so tasteless and bland. Map.

Bill Hickman

On first glance, I thought I’d discovered a Bill Hicks-themed bar. Sadly, that was not the case. ‘Bill Hickman’ (map) is a modern bar playing funk and hip-hop. It was empty when I went in but it does open until 3 am (some days 5 am) so I guess it’s more of a club than a bar.

Cafe Philo

If you want a serious drinking session, come to Cafe Philo. It closes for 1 hour a day to clean though I’m not sure when that is. I have got drunk with a guy in the evening and he has gone home then returned for a coffee the next morning before work and I’ve still been in the bar. It’s that kind of place.

On my last visit, I left at 8 am. I made many friends that night and had a fantastic evening. It’s probably the best bar in Krakow for people who just love getting very drunk. Map.

Cafe Szafe

A great bar that hosts many events from live music to chess nights. You might wonder where the events are held. Look to the wardrobe! Good beer at good prices. Map.

Domowe Przysmaki

Located near the main square, this is a popular restaurant serving many traditional Polish dishes. We had the pierogi and a goulash. The food was slightly above average. Nevertheless, it is a decent place to try some of those dishes mentioned above. Map.

Eszeweria Bar

I only visited this place on my last visit. I don’t know how I managed to miss this place as it is right in the heart of Kazimierz. It has a chilled out atmosphere, helped by the low lighting and incense. There are a number of rooms, some only big enough for two people, and there is a garden which is supposed to be nice but was closed when I visited (10 pm curfew). A great bar, not to be missed. Map.

House Of Beer

Excellent bar near the main square selling hundreds of different craft beers with many on draught. Helpful bar staff who will recommend drinks to your taste. It’s a big place compared to most bars in Krakow and it has more room in the cellar. Map.

Kawa Lerka

Nice coffee in the heart of Kazimierz. Relaxing atmosphere and a selection of cakes. A place to drink coffee and read a book. Map.

Krowarzywa Vegan Burgers

A few years ago, a vegan would struggle in Krakow. Thankfully, that is no longer the case as there are now a number of vegan restaurants in the city. ‘Krowarzywa Vegan Burgers’ (map) is one such place, offering a variety of vegan burgers, including the over-hyped ‘Beyond Meat’ burger. I had a seitan burger with chips and a curiosity cola. I found the food bland and overpriced.

Lindo Bar

Gay bar near the main square. Typical gay bar in terms of decor and choice of music. It was quiet but friendly. Nothing spectacular. Map.

Mechanoff

Another Kazimierz bar. Nothing much to say about this place. It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t special either. Much better bars in this area. Map.

Nowa Prowincja

Lovely cafe near the main square. The coffee is very good but you must try the hot chocolate. It is SOOO good! So thick, you have to eat it with a spoon. Leave it too long and it will set. Perfect on a chilly Krakow morning. Map.

Okrąglak

In the centre of ‘Plac Nowy’ in Kazimierz is ‘Okrąglak’ (map). Known as ‘the saucepan’ by locals, it is a pavilion consisting of two parts: an inner hall and a surrounding ring which is now filled up of small stalls selling zapiekanka into the small hours.

Locals may have their favourite stall but, in truth, they all offer pretty much the same. Some have now started selling vegan options so look around for these. The food is cheap and very filling.

Polakowski

Traditional restaurant in Kazimierz. I was excited to see they had golonka here as it was not on the menu. The restaurant is eye-catching but the food was simply average. My golonka was definitely not the greatest. Map.

Przypiecek

A 24 hour pierogi restaurant. Yes, that’s right. 24 hour pierogi. Only in Poland! The pierogi is cheap and there are a number of different fillings to choose from or you can order a mix. Map.

Pub Pod Ziemią

One for the rock fans, ‘Pub Pod Ziemia’ (map) is an underground bar that offers, karaoke and live music. Thankfully, we missed the karaoke but did see a live band. The live music area is small but that didn’t stop a few local youths from enjoying a bit of moshing. The beer is good too; as well as the usual, they have a couple of craft beers. The bar is bigger than you initially think as there are other rooms hidden away at the back.

PUB Propaganda

Apparently one of the oldest pubs in the area, ‘PUB Propaganda’ (map) is a great dive bar playing some great music. The decor is random and gives the place a unique atmosphere. Apparently, there is a downstairs area so if it is too busy in the main bar, have a look downstairs.

Singer Cafe

Another gem in the Kazimierz area. It’s like stepping back in time when you visit here. We came in the day and had coffees and cherry vodkas. In the evening, people dance on the tables. It’s a truly wonderful place. Map.

Społem Deluxe

Underground bar that hosts live music and karaoke. On my visit, the quality of the karaoke was incredible. No pissed-up Brits warbling their way through ‘Wonderwall’, thankfully. It was busy and it’s not really my kind of bar, but it’s worth checking out, particularly if you are in a group. Map.

Spokoj

You won’t find this place unless you already know it’s there. It’s one of Krakow’s hidden treasures. They used to sell hundreds of different flavoured syrups to go with beer but that sadly no longer seems to be the case. The 70s retro vibe has remained though and it is still a fave among Krakow’s hipsters. Map.

SuperNowa Resto Music Bar

A good selection of craft beers in this modern, lively bar. More expensive than other bars in the area (craft beer, innit) and it just didn’t fit into Kazimierz for me. With loud music and lights, it seemed more like a main square bar. Map.

Taste of India

The only time we’ve eaten Indian food in Krakow was at this highly rated restaurant. If this is the best Indian food Krakow has to offer, then I wouldn’t bother. The bhajis were terrible and the curry was just as bad. Miss. Map.

Vegab

As the name almost suggests, this is a vegan kebab restaurant/take-away. The ‘meat’ is made from a blend of tofu and seitan. It wouldn’t trick any omnivore but the kebabs were good and it was nice to eat something that wasn’t a bit of an animal for a change. Map.

W Starej Kuchni Restaurant

Traditional Polish dishes in a cozy environment. Located near the main square, this was a pleasant meal in a relaxed atmosphere and the food was good and well-priced. Map.

Wczoraj i Dziś. Jadłodajnia. Kwaśniewska A.

This wonderfully named cafe sells simple, traditional Polish food at very reasonable prices. It’s not far from the Schindler Factory but it seemed to be mostly filled with locals, rather than tourists. Always a good sign.

The food was simple but very tasty. What it lacked in presentation, it made up in flavour. Map.

Wesola Cafe

I have visited here a couple of times as it is not far from the railway station. Good coffee and sandwiches though a little pricier than other similar places. Map.

Things to do in Krakow.