Traditional pierogi in Kraków on a rustic plate

Cuisine & Dining

A short & sweet guide to Kraków’s tastiest specialties and a few restaurants we love.

Polish food is hearty, comforting, and perfect for sharing. Below are quick suggestions so you can get a great taste of the city during our wedding weekend — nothing exhaustive, just our favorites.

Polish Specialties to Try

Pierogi

Classic Polish dumplings filled with potato & cheese, meat, mushrooms or even sweet fruit — comfort on a plate.

Żurek

Sour rye soup, often served in a bread bowl — warm, hearty and full of Polish soul.

Bigos

The famous “hunter’s stew” of sauerkraut, cabbage and mixed meats — rustic, rich and deeply traditional.

Kiełbasa

Polish sausage, grilled or pan-fried with mustard and bread — simple, smoky and always satisfying.

Obwarzanek Krakowski

Kraków’s iconic ring-shaped bread sold on city-street carts — chewy, crusty and a perfect stroll snack.

Sernik & Makowiec

Baked cheesecake (sernik) and poppy-seed roll (makowiec) — sweet endings with Polish character.

Zapiekanka

Poland’s legendary open-faced baguette sandwich topped with mushrooms, cheese and ketchup — a go-to street snack in Kraków’s Plac Nowy.

Oscypek

Smoked sheep-milk cheese from the Tatra Mountains, often pan-fried and served with cranberry jam — bold flavour, mountain roots.

Placki Ziemniaczane

Crispy Polish potato pancakes, usually served hot with sour cream or goulash — comfort food at its finest.

Our Restaurant Picks

Polish Food

Gąska Restaurant (Podgórze)

Warm and traditional Polish cuisine—with standout dishes like goose, potato pancakes and homemade liqueurs, in a cozy Podgórze setting.

They specialise in gęsina (goose) especially in season—our favourite if you're trying Polish tradition.

Because it’s popular for family dinners and celebrations you’ll want to book ahead for dinner.

Consider the upstairs garden in summer — it’s relaxing and slightly off the main flow.

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Haust (Kazimierz)

A modern-twist Polish bistro where tradition meets creativity—expect bold flavours, seasonal produce and an inviting, stylish setting.

Try something you wouldn’t expect from Polish cuisine—it’s not typical but you’ll find familiar roots refreshed.

Opening around dinner time — reservations recommended for weekend evenings.

Ask about the wine or spirits list; it’s curated to pair with the inventive menu.

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International Food

Youmiko Sushi (Kazimierz)

Inventive plant-based sushi with seasonal ingredients and a lively, modern atmosphere

Book ahead; the space is small and fills up quickly.

They have amazing classic and vegerian omakase sushi!

Perfect for an early evening meal before exploring Kazimierz’s nightlife.

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Luktung (Podgórze)

Stylish Southeast Asian sharing-plates destination – bold flavours, natural wines and a relaxed social table culture

Great for sharing many dishes – we recommend ordering 3-4 plates each so you taste a lot.

Cocktail list is strong so treat it as dinner + drinks in one place.

Evenings get lively so for a quiet sit choose earlier hours; for buzz go later.

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Cocktails & Drinks

Hedwig’s (Stradom / Old Town)

Luxurious and artistic – a former chapel turned cocktail club with bold design and signature drinks

Arrive a bit early to enjoy the beautiful setting before it gets lively.

Ask the bartender for one of the off-menu creations inspired by art.

It transforms into a nightlife spot later in the evening with DJs, great if you want a drink followed by music.

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Hanashi (Near Main Square / Kazimierz)

Refined and minimalist – Japanese omakase style cocktails with food pairings and thoughtful craftsmanship

We recommend the omakase tasting menu!

If you prefer something simpler, tell the bartender your flavour preferences and they’ll tailor a drink for you.

The space is small and intimate – perfect for a relaxed evening rather than a loud party.

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The Trust (Kazimierz)

Stylish and conversational – cocktails inspired by songs, with excellent service and a creative edge

Browse the menu for drinks named after songs and ask about the story behind them.

Reservations are wise for weekend nights to get a good seat.

Great for a sophisticated but relaxed evening – the kind we’d recommend to wedding guests who want something special.

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Hiru To Yoru (Miodowa / Old Town edge)

Day-to-night dual concept – matcha bar by day, elevated cocktails by night in a cozy, atmospheric space

Stop in during daylight for matcha and desserts, then return after dark for cocktails.

Bar seats facing the mixologist offer the best view of the craft behind the drinks.

Ideal for a quieter, more intimate night out away from the louder club scene.

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Our Absolute Favorites

Kropka (Kazimierz)

Creative bistro with a natural-wine focus, blending Polish roots and global flair

The menu changes seasonally – ask for the “smaller plates” if you want to sample more.

Natural wines dominate the list – perfect if you’re curious about Polish winemaking and orange wines.

Reservations recommended for evening weekends – it’s popular and intimate.

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Mazi (Podgórze)

Bright, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with sharing plates and a relaxed social atmosphere

Ideal for sharing – many dishes are designed to be enjoyed family-style.

Lovely terrace seating in warmer months around the square – ask for it if you get the chance.

Evening service is lively – arrives around 15:00 on weekdays, earlier in the weekend.

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This is just a small selection, to see all our recommendations, check the full map below.

Open Our Kraków Food Map

Good to Know

• Many of our favourite spots get busy on weekends, so we recommend reserving a table if you have a place in mind.
• You can pay by card almost everywhere, which makes moving around the city really easy.

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