This blog post is all about the best places to eat in Bucharest.
Earlier this year, we spent four days in Bucharest, Romania.
During our visit, we wanted to try as much local Romanian food as we possibly could.
In this blog post, you’ll find the best places to eat in Bucharest including my top restaurant recommendations for lunch, brunch, dinner and cheap eats in Bucharest.
We ate very well during our time in Bucharest, and it wasn’t very expensive to do so.
From cheap pastries to Romanian dinners, we found Bucharest to be relatively cheap for eating out.
If you’re planning a trip to Bucharest, make sure to check out my YouTube vlog below or my travel guide eBook here, packed full with information you need to plan your trip, including some of the best places to eat in Bucharest that you’ll find on this list.
Related Best Places to Eat in Bucharest blog posts to read:
- Bucharest Romania Travel Guide: How To Spend 3 Days Here
- Therme Spa Bucharest: What to Know & How to Book
- Hotel Trianon: Best Place to Stay in Bucharest Romania
- How to Choose Which Castle to Visit in Romania
- Best Bucharest Hotels: The Best 12 From Budget to Luxury
If you’re planning a trip to Bucharest, make sure to check out my 60+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
This blog post is all about the best places to eat in Bucharest.
The 14 Best Places to Eat in Bucharest, Romania
Here are some of the top restaurant recommendations and best places to eat in Bucharest.
Best Places to Eat in Bucharest for Lunch & Dinner
While in Bucharest, we wanted to try as much traditional Romanian food as possible. The below restaurants came highly recommended for this purpose and did not disappoint.
For Romanian cuisine during your visit to Bucharest, here are the best places to eat in Bucharest for lunch and dinner.
1. Caru’ cu Bere (my top Bucharest restaurant recommendation)
Caru’ cu Bere is an iconic restaurant, located in a beautifully preserved building in the Old Town, is renowned for its traditional Romanian dishes, live music, and stunning architecture.
We made sure to dine here during our few days in Bucharest and were seated with no reservation in their downstairs restaurant.
I had the soup in a bread bowl because I can never bypass it when I see it on a menu, and Steff had the polenta as recommended from the waiter.
Other popular items at Caru’ cu Bere include the sarmale (cabbage rolls) and mici (grilled sausages) paired with a pint of house beer.
2. Hanu’ lui Manuc
Located in the heart of Bucharest’s Lipscani district, Hanu’ lui Manuc is one of the oldest inns in the city, dating back to the early 19th century.
Today, it houses a charming restaurant offering a menu of Romanian and Turkish dishes in a historic setting.
Dine in the courtyard laced with grapevines and enjoy dishes like mamaliga cu branza si smantana (polenta with cheese and sour cream) and kebabs.
3. Locanta Jaristea
Located near Revolution Square, Locanta Jaristea is a popular restaurant known for its traditional Romanian cuisine with a modern twist.
Try dishes like ciorba de burta (tripe soup), mici (grilled sausages), and papanasi (Romanian doughnuts) while enjoying traditional live music.
4. Zexe Zahana
Tucked away in the neighbourhood of Dorobanti, Zexe Zahana offers a cozy dining experience with a focus on farm-to-table cuisine.
The menu features seasonal dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, with a contemporary flair.
Be sure to try the zacusca (vegetable spread) and smoked trout salad for an authentic Romanian taste.
5. Vatra
Vatra offers an authentic Romanian dining experience, renowned for its traditional dishes and exceptional homemade chips (these may be the best we’ve ever had abroad!).
A very cosy spot in Bucharest’s city centre, that we would recommend for the schnitzel and chips in particular.
We both ordered the schnitzel with alternative sides so we could share the homemade chips and roasted vegetables.
Honestly, I still think about this meal and if I was going back to Bucharest, Vatra is probably the first restaurant I’d have on my list to visit.
6. Nuba
For a taste of Mediterranean cuisine with a Romanian twist, head to Nuba in the upscale Herastrau Park area.
This stylish restaurant offers a menu of creative dishes inspired by the flavours of Italy, Greece, and Spain.
Enjoy panoramic views of Herastrau Lake while enjoying dishes like seafood risotto, grilled octopus, and homemade pasta.
7. La Placinte
La Placinte is a chain of restaurants specialising in traditional Moldovan cuisine with a modern twist.
With multiple locations across Bucharest, La Placinte offers a cosy and welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy local dishes like placinte (savoury pies), mamaliga cu branza (polenta with cheese), and stuffed cabbage rolls.
Don’t forget to leave room for dessert, as the restaurant is known for its delicious cakes and pastries.
If you’re planning a trip to Bucharest, make sure to check out my 60+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
The Best Places to Eat in Bucharest for Brunch
You know I love to brunch. It would have been rude of me not to include some brunch recommendations in this list.
Here are the best places to eat in Bucharest for brunch.
8. M60
Tucked away in a charming courtyard in the heart of the Old Town, M60 is a hidden gem known for its delicious brunch offerings and cosy atmosphere.
Whether you’re in the mood for fluffy pancakes, savoury omelettes, or indulgent French toast, M60 has something to satisfy your brunch cravings.
9. Origo Coffee Shop
For coffee addicts seeking a top-notch brunch experience, Origo Coffee Shop is the place to be.
Located near Universitate Square, this trendy coffee shop boasts a stylish industrial decor and an impressive selection of specialty coffees sourced from around the world.
Food-wise, you’ll find a selection of freshly baked pastries and hearty sandwiches.
10. Maize
Located in the vibrant Dorobanti neighbourhood, Maize is a cosy brunch spot offering a fusion of Romanian and international dishes.
Start your day with their signature cornbread waffles served with maple syrup and crispy bacon or try their mouth watering avocado toast topped with poached eggs and feta cheese.
If you’re planning a trip to Bucharest, make sure to check out my 60+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
The Best Places to Eat in Bucharest for Cheap Eats
If you didn’t know, we quit our jobs to travel the world. And the first destination of our world travels was Bucharest, Romania.
We were on a very tight budget, as you can imagine. We needed to eat cheap and find the best budget-friendly spots in the city.
Here are the best places to eat in Bucharest for cheap eats.
11. Piata Amzei Market
At Piata Amzei Market you can find fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and local dishes at reasonable prices.
Enjoy a stroll through the market stalls and sample a variety of affordable treats.
12. Luca
Luca is a popular budget pastry chain around Bucharest. We ate here every day, grabbing sweet and savoury pastries to go as we explored the city.
The Nutella pastry was especially tasty and a must-try if you like a sweet treat!
13. Terasa Obor
Located at Bucharest’s largest outdoor market, Piata Obor, where you can find many budget-friendly food stalls and vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and more.
We visited Terasa Obor for their famous mici sausage and it didn’t disappoint! We were surrounded by locals, and three sausages with a bread roll and spicy mustard was filling and delicious, yet so cheap.
It’s easy to see why Terasa Obor is so popular.
RELATED Best Places to Eat in Bucharest blog post to read: Where to Eat the Best Traditional Romanian Food in Bucharest
14. Patiseria Comteia
A well-known spot amongst locals, you’ll find the pastries at Patiseria Comteia through a small window of a convenience store that also sells alcohol and cigarettes.
We queued with many locals on a weekday morning and the pastries were so delicious and cheap!
The location and name can be a little confusing, as you can see the shop sign below is different to the actual name of the store. Hopefully the below image helps when you try to find it!
The Best Places to Eat in Bucharest
Exploring a new city through its food is always one of the best parts of travelling, and Bucharest is no exception.
From traditional Romanian dishes served in cozy taverns to trendy cafés and international flavours, the city has something to suit every craving.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, checking out the best places to eat in Bucharest will give you a real taste of the city’s culture, history, and creative energy.
So come hungry, be adventurous, and let Bucharest’s food scene surprise you.
RELATED Best Places to Eat in Bucharest blog posts to read:
- Where to Eat the Best Traditional Romanian Food in Bucharest
- Best Bucharest Hotels: The Best 12 From Budget to Luxury
- Where to Stay in Bucharest: The Best Areas for Tourists
- 9 Most Popular Things to See and Do in Bucharest, Romania
- Bucharest Travel Guide: How To Spend 3 Incredible Days Here
- Therme Spa Bucharest: What to Know & How to Book
If you’re planning a trip to Bucharest, make sure to check out my 60+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
By Orlagh Shanks
Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.
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