Published on Mar 31, 2025 7 min read

Discovering Krakow’s Culinary Gems: Best Places to Eat in Poland's Historic City

Krakow, Poland the city of architectural and historical landmarks where delicious cuisine is another worth noticing. The guests in Krakow can have several meals that are regarded as traditional Polish food as well as other types of meals. With the help of this guide, you will find out about the best food in Krakow with a focus on markets, restaurants, and special points of interest. The variety of restaurants makes Krakow a wondrous opportunity in terms of food to try and enjoy with almost no limit.

1. Traditional Polish Cuisine In Krakow

And of course, Krakow wouldnt be Krakow if you did not have the chance to taste the local food. Polish foods are so delicious, rich and have a blend of tastes that makes foods in Poland very delicious. Here we will focus on three dishes: pierogi, bigos, and kielbasa.

Must-Try Polish Dishes

• Pierogi: These dumplings are filled with diverse ingredients, such as potatoes, cheese, meat, or even fruits. They are characteristic of the Polish diet, and one should definitely consider trying them.
• Bigos: Popular due to its name hunters stew tasty cabbage combined with meat and spices will warm up your internal flame.
• Kielbasa: Polish sausage or kielbasa usually comes smoked and could be served with mustard or sauerkraut.

2. Top Places to Find Traditional Food in Krakow

Unfortunately, there are many restaurants in Krakow where you can taste Polish cuisine. From restaurants to food stalls, the Polish food culture offers a completely different experience.

Milk Bars

Cafes, or Milk bars, as they are known in Poland, or bar mleczny are inexpensive cafeterias where traditional Polish meals are served. Poles have known them in the past, and they can still get a nice, traditional meal today.

Kazimierz District

The Kazimierz District can be described as a lively area which still offers many restaurants that prepare Polish cuisine. A useful place to find JewishPolish food, which has been a part of Krakow for centuries, its also good to know.

3. Food Markets in Krakow

Food markets are a great way to explore the local culture and buy wholesome produce. Krakow has several markets that sell freshly farmed produce, fresh meat, and cheese.

Stary Kleparz Market

Apart from Wawelroyal, Stary Kleparz is among the oldest and most famous markets in Krakow. Here, you can buy fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, and Polish cheeses. This market is primarily run by the locals, and most people come here to shop, so it is quite active and real.

Hala Targowa

Obviously, Hala Targowa is one of the largest covered markets, and you can buy everything here: fruit, vegetables, and all sorts of baked goods. This location also offers the well-known Polish street food zapiekankaan open sandwich with mushrooms and cheese.

4. Best Polish Street Food in Krakow

Here they give a list of what Krakow street foods and at least you have an idea of what to expect, although you can find a restaurant to sit in too. They are good for a meal at a go since the preparation time consists only of the time it takes for cooking.

Zapiekanka

Zapiekanka is a very popular fast food in Poland, especially in Krakow. It essentially consists of a sorting of the ingredients, with mushrooms and cheese usually placed on a baguette, which is an open-faced bread roll. It is found at various other stalls and markets in the city.

Obwarzanek Krakowski

The obwarzanek krakowski is a ring-shaped, soft, savoury snack, similar to a bagel although with a smoother texture. It is soft and slippery in texture, a little salty. This snack is easily available near Krakow and it is ideal for taking on-the-road food.

5. Vegetarian and Vegan Options in Krakow

Some local restaurants do not have vegetarian dishes on their menu, but most of them do. Although Polish cuisine includes many meat dishes, vegetarian and vegan dishes similar to popular Polish platters can also be prepared.

Vegan Pierogi

Quite many spots in Krakow have become accustomed to serving vegan pierogi, usually with mushrooms, cabbage, or lentils. Although it is already a rather healthy dish, these dumplings are also vegan, with a twist on a Polish traditional recipe.

Plant-Based Restaurants

Krakow also has several restaurants that only serve Jain, vegetarian, or Vegan food. These places offer various types of meals, including veggie burgers and other plant-based meals, that someone following a vegetarian and/or vegan diet will love about Krakow.

6. International Cuisine in Krakow

Like any other tourist destination, Krakow has many restaurants specialising in Polish foods, but there are also restaurants serving food from different over the world. Whether it is Italian Japanese or even Middle Eastern cuisine, no option is met for the lack of variety.

Italian Restaurants

There is a large contingent of Italians in Krakow, and therefore, Italian cuisine is well represented. Most Italian restaurants offer fresh prerequisites like pasta, pizza, and other favorites, which are the real essence of Italian food.

Asian Cuisine

While the number of Asian restaurants, at least in specific districts, is still relatively limited, some are Japanese and Thai. Most of the restaurants sell Asian-oriented cuisines, such as sushi bars, ramen shops, and Thai restaurants with hot, fresh meals.

7. Desserts and Sweet Treats in Krakow

Polish desserts are tasty and contain nuts, and fruit toppings. Today, Krakow has plenty of bakeries and cafes where you can taste them.

Polish Cheesecake (Sernik)

Sernik is sort of a cheesecake in Polish culture where the cake often tends to be less sweet than its American counterpart. It is usually prepared with a type of farmers cheese and sometimes, has a crumbly layer of dough at its base. Sernik is a well-known Krakows pastry which can be met in most cafes.

Paczki

Paczki is a small doughnut typical for Poland that can be filled with jam or custard. They are smooth, downy, and sprinkled with powdered sugar. These are great for one or two people to share while walking around the city and needing something sweet and tasty to munch on.

8. Dining Tips for Krakow

When eating out in Krakow, some of the tips shown below can increase one's enjoyment of the food. From tipping customs to ordering in Polish, these are the tips that will guide you to eat like a local.

Tipping Etiquette

In Poland, native people also tip, which is expected but not mandatory. A tip of about 10% is well received in a restaurant if you feel that waiters did a good job.

Ordering in Polish

Most restaurants in Krakow use English translations, despite this, it might be fun to speak some Polish phrases. Hence the use of simple phrases such as dzikuj (meaning thank you) and prosz ( meaning please) will be much valued by the locals.

9. Special Dining Experiences in Krakow

As you and your travelling partner look for restaurants in Krakow, it is good to sometimes make the meal extra special. From learning how to cook to holding a Renaissance dinner, there are several options to enhance your dining experience.

Polish Cooking Classes

Classes introduce you to local foods and teach you how to cook typical Polish meals. Such classes normally involve an element of practicality, where you make foods such as pierogi and later eat them with students in the same class.

Themed Restaurants

Krakow has several themed restaurants that provide an immersive experience. Some venues offer medieval-style dining, with traditional Polish dishes served in a historical setting. These places are popular for visitors looking for something unique.

Conclusion

Krakows food scene is diverse, offering a wide range of dishes for every taste. From traditional Polish food to international cuisines and delicious desserts, Krakow has something for everyone. Whether youre visiting local markets, enjoying street food, or sitting down at a cozy restaurant, the citys flavors and culinary culture will leave a lasting impression. Embrace the unique tastes of Krakow and explore the best food spots the city has to offer for an unforgettable experience.