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 my top restaurant recommendations for lunch, brunch, dinner and cheap eats.
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.
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.
Related 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
- How to Spend 48 Hours in Vienna, Austria: Travel Guide
Here are some of the top restaurant recommendations to try during your stay:
Bucharest 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 some Romanian cuisine during your visit to Bucharest, check out the spots below.
1. Caru’ cu Bere (my top Bucharest recommendation)
This iconic restaurant, located in a beautifully preserved building in the Old Town, is renowned for its traditional Romanian dishes, live music, and stunning architecture. Don’t miss the sarmale (cabbage rolls) and mici (grilled sausages) paired with a pint of house beer.
2. Hanul lui Manuc
Located in the heart of Bucharest’s Lipscani district, Hanul 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 mămăligă cu brânză și smântână (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 ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup), mici (grilled sausages), and papanasi (Romanian doughnuts) while enjoying traditional live music.
4. Zexe Zahana
Tucked away in the neighbourhood of Dorobanți, 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 zacuscă (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 cosy spot that we would recommend for the schnitzel and chips in particular.
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 hearty dishes like placinte (savoury pies), mămăligă cu brânză (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.
Bucharest 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 a few places I highly recommend on a Saturday morning in Bucharest.
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.
Bucharest 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 our top cheap finds!
11. Bucharest 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
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!
13. Terasa Obor, Bucharest
Located at Bucharest’s largest outdoor market, Piața Obor, where you can find many budget-friendly food stalls and vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and more. Head here for mici sausage!
14. Patiseria Comteia, Bucharest
A well-known spot amongst locals, you’ll find these pastries through a small window of a convenience store selling alcohol and cigarettes. We queued with many locals on a weekday morning – delicious and cheap!
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