Searching for delicious Krakow restaurants? Presenting the first of my three Krakow “Top 5” lists. After years of visiting Poland, I’ve spent plenty of time eating my way around not just Krakow but the entire country. Truthfully I’m looking forward to patronizing these delicious eateries again very soon myself, when I visit Krakow again in August – a nice time of year, the “Polska Zlota Jesien” or “Polish Golden Autumn.”
Here are my top 5 characterful and affordable Krakow restaurants, based on 20 years visiting the city (and most of these have been there during all this time):
Where to eat in Krakow
1. Hawelka
On the main market square and as of the last few years now includes an outside terrace. But it excels inside: a large square room, sweeping Matejko style pictures on the walls, elegant tables and chairs. Polish food, but with a variety of influences. Try Pierogi Ruskie (ravioli filled with white cheese), or Kotlet Hawelka (the House pork cutlet, huge but delicate), not forgetting the mushroom soup served in a breaded urn! Superb service whenever we’ve been.
2. Da Pietro
Again, wonderful terrace on main market square, but also atmospheric cellar downstairs (the building is 14th century). Very decent quality Italian. Try the carpaccio to start. Pizzas very light and crispy. Service can be patchy, but all in all a reliable Italian out of the overwhelming choice in Krakow, and an A1 position to watch life on the square as you munch.
3. Taco Mexicano
We’ve been meeting our Polish friends here for years. Good value, tasty Mexican fare: fajitas, enchiladas, burritos and the like. They used to accompany these with salad in very garlicy sauce, which worked well, though last time I went this wasn’t on offer. Functional but cool decor, dimly lit – Taco Mexicano ticks all the boxes for a cheap and cheerful Mexican. Poselska street. I believe there are sister restaurants dotted around the city.
4. Pimiento
A recent discovery for me, this one. Not only succulent Argentinian steak, but an idyllic courtyard at the back second to none. Foliage, large canvas parasols, comfortable chairs, all tightly enclosed. At once atmospheric and relaxing. Stolarska street.
5. Ariel
The most well known restaurant in the Jewish quarter of the city, Kazimierz. Enjoy all the best Jewish dishes – chicken soup, chopped liver/herring, cholent – surrounded by Jewish paraphernalia. Listen to live Klezmer music. Watch life go by on Szeroka street, Kazimierz’s equivalent to Krakow’s main square.
Wildcard: the Rooster bar on Szczepanska street: burgers, burritos and the like, all served up by statuesque Polish girls in orange hotpants, whilst TVs show football on every wall. The top floor is an attractive terrace, perfect for summer. Confess this is a somewhat sentimental choice: I remember when this used to be the chicken bar, a rather shabby joint serving staple but succulent chicken with chips – perfect for penurious students.
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