Krakow Food
Explore Krakow Food: Restaurants, Street Food & Markets
Kraków’s vibrant food scene is a delicious blend of tradition and innovation, making it a highlight for any traveler.
Whether dining at acclaimed restaurants in the Old Town, sampling street food in Kazimierz, or exploring the colorful stalls of Stary Kleparz and other food markets, visitors will find that Kraków’s culinary culture is deeply rooted in its history and warmly welcoming.
We spent a month in Krakow researching what local foods to eat and where to eat them. We’ve compiled a summary of the information we collected so you can start enjoying Krakow food as soon as you arrive!
This Krakow food guide includes informaton about the local dishes, best restaurants, food shops, and markets to visit. Additionally, it offers a great food tour for an immersive experience.
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Local Food in Krakow
Kraków’s local food scene is deeply rooted in tradition, offering a taste of Poland’s culinary heritage with a regional twist. From centuries-old recipes passed down through generations to street food staples unique to the city, Kraków is a delicious gateway to authentic Polish flavors.
Check out our Poland Food page for more information about these foods.
Poland Food
Polish food is hearty, comforting, and rich in flavor, featuring staples like pierogi (dumplings), bigos (hunter’s stew), and kielbasa (sausage). Rooted in seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques, it reflects a blend of Slavic heritage and regional influences across Poland.Â
Restaurants in Krakow
Kraków’s vibrant culinary scene offers a rich blend of traditional Polish flavors and modern gastronomic creativity. From cozy cellar taverns serving hearty local fare to award-winning fine dining establishments with contemporary flair, the city’s restaurants cater to every palate.
Copernicus
Address: ul. Kanonicza 16, 31-002 Kraków
Situated within the Copernicus Hotel, this restaurant serves Polish royal cuisine with a Renaissance inspiration, blending traditional recipes with innovative touches.
Kropka
Address: ul. Józefa Dietla 31, 31-070 Kraków
A casual bistro with a rustic vibe, Kropka. serves Polish dishes with global influences, such as pierogi topped with Korean-style chili sauce.
Amarylis
Address: ul. Józefa Dietla 60, 31-039 Kraków
Nestled within the Queen Boutique Hotel, Amarylis presents a fine dining experience with a focus on innovative dishes and elegant presentation.
Pod Różą
Address: ul. Floriańska 14, 31-021 Kraków
Located in Kraków’s oldest hotel, this restaurant blends modern touches with Polish traditions, offering a fine dining experience in a stylish setting.
Folga
Address: ul. Estery 12, 31-056 Kraków
Situated in the Kazimierz district, Folga adopts a chic brasserie style, serving dishes designed for sharing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Artesse
Address: ul. Świętego Jana 15, 31-017 Kraków
Located in the H15 Luxury Palace Hotel, Artesse provides a fine dining experience with a focus on sophisticated dishes and an elegant ambiance.
NOTA_RESTO by Tomasz Leśniak
Address: ul. Świętego Krzyża 17, 31-023 Kraków
Led by the former chef of Poland’s national football team, this restaurant offers modern Polish cuisine in a stylish, minimalist environment.
Bottiglieria 1881
A MICHELIN-starred restaurant in the Kazimierz district, Bottiglieria 1881 is renowned for its refined dishes and extensive wine selection.
Address: ul. Bocheńska 5, 31-061 Kraków
Filipa 18
Address: ul. Świętego Filipa 18, 31-150 Kraków
Located near the Main Market Square, Filipa 18 combines food, wine, and art in a contemporary setting, offering a menu inspired by local ingredients.
Pod Aniołami
Address: ul. Grodzka 35, 31-001 Kraków
Housed in a 13th-century building, Pod Aniołami offers a medieval ambiance with vaulted brick cellars and a charming garden. The menu features traditional Polish dishes such as grilled meats cooked over a beechwood fire, pierogi, and wild boar.
Morskie Oko
Address: Plac Szczepański 8, 31-011 Kraków
Inspired by the Tatra mountain region, Morskie Oko provides a highlander-style setting with wooden interiors and live folk music. The restaurant serves regional specialties like handmade dumplings, lamb, veal, and traditional desserts.
Czarna Kaczka
aka The Black Duck
Address: ul. Poselska 22, 31-002 Kraków
Specializing in duck dishes, Czarna Kaczka presents a cozy environment with a menu that includes traditional Polish fare like pierogi, żurek (sour rye soup), and roasted duck.
Hawełka
Address: Rynek Główny 34, 31-010 Kraków
Established in the 19th century, Hawełka is a historic restaurant known for its formal setting and classic Polish cuisine. Dishes include beef roulade, duck with apples, and traditional soups.
Jarema
Address: Pl. Matejki 5, 31-157 Kraków
Jarema offers Eastern Polish cuisine in an elegant 19th-century interior adorned with traditional decor. The menu includes specialties like venison, goose, and homemade pierogi.
Karakter
Address: Brzozowa 17, Kraków, 31 050, Poland
Street Food in Krakow
Among Kraków’s street food vendors, several are celebrated for their authenticity, quality, and lively atmosphere, making them essential stops for anyone wanting to experience Kraków’s street food culture. Here are a few that stand out as especially popular and beloved by both locals and visitors:
Zapiekanki at Plac Nowy
The zapiekanka stalls here are iconic, with vendors like Zapieksy King and Bar Mleczny Plac Nowy known for their delicious, generous toppings and perfectly toasted bread. These stalls often have lines, especially in the evenings and weekends.
Obwarzanek Vendors
Around Rynek Główny and throughout the Old Town, obwarzanek (traditional Kraków bagels) sellers attract crowds with fresh, warm, and affordable snacks that are perfect for a quick bite.
Pierogi Stands in Hala Targowa
Several vendors inside the Market Hall have built reputations for fresh, handmade pierogi with a variety of fillings, making them a must-try for first-timers.
Food Trucks in Kazimierz
This area has some popular food trucks serving not only Polish snacks but also international street food, such as Momo Food Truck (known for pierogi with a modern twist) and Burger & Kebab trucks that get great reviews.
Food Markets in Krakow
Food markets in Kraków offer a vibrant window into the city’s culinary traditions and daily life. From historic marketplaces like Stary Kleparz to local favorites such as Plac Nowy and Hala Targowa, these bustling spots showcase fresh produce, regional specialties, and authentic street food.
Stary Kleparz
Stary Kleparz is Kraków’s oldest continuously operating market, dating back to the 14th century. This bustling market is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and a wide array of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods. It’s a favorite among locals seeking high-quality ingredients and traditional Polish delicacies.
Address: Rynek Kleparski 20, 31-150 Kraków
Nowy Kleparz
Established in the 20th century, Nowy Kleparz complements its older counterpart by offering a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and local products. The market is known for its friendly vendors and a more relaxed shopping experience.
Address: Aleja Juliusza Słowackiego 46, 30-018 Kraków
Plac Nowy
Located in the heart of the Kazimierz district, Plac Nowy is famous for its central rotunda and vibrant flea market. The square is especially known for its “zapiekanki” – Polish-style baguette pizzas – which are a must-try for visitors.
Address: Plac Nowy, 31-056 Kraków
Hala Targowa
Hala Targowa serves dual purposes: from Monday to Saturday, it operates as a traditional market offering fresh groceries from local producers. On Sundays, it transforms into a haven for antique lovers and collectors, featuring a wide range of vintage items and curiosities.
Address: ul. Grzegórzecka 3, 31-532 Kraków
Plac na Stawach
Situated in the Salwator district, Plac na Stawach is a smaller, community-focused market known for its selection of organic and locally sourced products. The market offers a friendly atmosphere where vendors often engage with customers, providing a personalized shopping experience.
Address: Plac na Stawach, 30-107 Kraków
Plac Wolnica
Once the main market square of the independent city of Kazimierz, Plac Wolnica now hosts occasional fairs and is surrounded by eateries and bars. While not a daily market, it remains a site of historical significance and cultural interest.
Address: Plac Wolnica, 31-060 Kraków
Food Tours in Krakow
Food tours in Kraków are a delicious way to explore the city’s culinary heritage, offering guided tastings of traditional dishes, local street food, and regional specialties. Led by knowledgeable locals, these tours provide insight into Kraków’s rich food culture while uncovering hidden gems and historic eateries across the city.
Best Places to Stay in Krakow
Hotels in Krakow
If you are planning a trip to Krakow, there are plenty of excellent places to stay. However, for the best experience, we strongly recommend staying in the Old Town (Stare Miasto). The castle marker on the map below is the Main Market Square in the heart of the Old Town. We suggest staying as close to it as possible, depending on your budget and preferences.
Here’s a map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.
FAQs About Krakow Food
What food is famous in Kraków?
Kraków is famous for its rich culinary traditions, with iconic dishes like pierogi (Polish dumplings), obwarzanek krakowski (a braided bread ring similar to a bagel), and zapiekanka (a toasted open-faced sandwich popular in Kazimierz). You’ll also find hearty classics such as żurek (sour rye soup) and bigos (hunter’s stew), served in both traditional restaurants and modern eateries throughout the city.
What is the typical food in Poland?
Typical Polish food includes comforting, hearty dishes that reflect the country’s agricultural roots. Staples include pierogi (dumplings filled with meat, cheese, or fruit), gołąbki (cabbage rolls), kiełbasa (Polish sausage), and soups like barszcz (beet soup) and rosół (chicken broth). Bread, potatoes, and fermented vegetables are common sides, and meals often end with sweet treats like sernik (cheesecake) or makowiec (poppy seed roll).
Is food and drink expensive in Kraków?
Food and drink in Kraków are generally affordable compared to Western Europe. Travelers can enjoy traditional Polish meals at casual eateries or milk bars for a low cost, while fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants are also reasonably priced. A full meal with a drink in a mid-range restaurant typically costs between 40–80 PLN (approx. €9–€18), making Kraków an excellent destination for food lovers on a budget.
Where can I try traditional Polish food in Kraków?
You can enjoy traditional Polish food throughout Kraków, especially in the Old Town and Kazimierz districts. Highly rated restaurants like Pod Aniołami, Kogel Mogel, and Morskie Oko serve authentic dishes like pierogi, żurek, and bigos in charming, often historic settings. For a more casual experience, milk bars such as Bar Mleczny offer home-style meals at budget-friendly prices.
Are there vegetarian or vegan food options in Kraków?
Yes, Kraków has a growing number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants. Many traditional dishes, like mushroom pierogi or potato pancakes (placki ziemniaczane), are naturally meat-free. Additionally, restaurants such as Glonojad, Vegab, and Momo serve exclusively vegetarian or vegan cuisine, making it easy to enjoy plant-based meals while exploring the city.
What is Kraków’s street food scene like?
Kraków’s street food scene is vibrant and accessible, especially in areas like Plac Nowy in Kazimierz, where you can try Poland’s favorite street snack, the zapiekanka (toasted open-faced sandwich). Food trucks and outdoor markets also offer a variety of treats, from pierogi to international flavors. It’s a great way to experience local culture on the go.
Are food tours in Kraków worth it?
Absolutely. Food tours in Kraków are a fun and informative way to explore the city’s culinary landscape. Local guides lead you through hidden gems and historic neighborhoods, offering tastings of everything from street snacks to regional specialties. It’s a perfect activity for food lovers who want to deepen their understanding of Polish cuisine.
Can I find local food markets in Kraków?
Yes, Kraków is home to several excellent food markets, such as Stary Kleparz and Hala Targowa. These markets offer fresh produce, local cheeses, cured meats, baked goods, and more. Visiting a market is a great way to experience local flavors and engage with Kraków’s vibrant food culture firsthand.