The Old Town of Bucharest is an area worth exploring, tasting and experiencing. Take your time with everything here, from walking the narrow cobblestone streets to enjoying your dinner and your cocktails.

Since we are experts on everything related to the area, we have put together a list of the top five restaurants in Bucharest Old Town. The list is a mix between restaurants that serve dishes every traveler must try at least once and places that the locals enjoy a lot.

 

Stay at New Era Hotel on Selari Street, right in the middle of Bucharest’s Old Town and you’ll get to taste a delicious, scrumptious breakfast, with Romanian and international delicacies. For the other meals, we’ve got you covered with the list below.

 Top 5 Restaurants in Bucharest Old Town

1. Caru’ cu Bere – 5 Stavropoleos St.

The Rolling Stones and Nicholas Cage ate here. Still wondering why you should follow in their footsteps?

Here are a few of the reasons.

Caru’ cu Bere is one of the oldest restaurants in Bucharest. It has been delighting people with amazing food for more than 130 years. Plus, it’s located in a historical monument (in the Gothic Revival style with Art Nouveau panels) that looks like this on the inside:

Image via Caru’ cu Bere

The name translates to ‘The Beer Wagon’, so be sure to try some local beer while there, even though their wine list is very impressive, too. We also recommend the local soups (especially the bean soup that’s served in bread) and ‘papanasi’ – deep fried sweet cheese dumplings with sour cream and homemade jam (trust us, the description doesn’t do them justice).

Lastly, since the place is usually overcrowded, we advise you to book a table in advance.

2. Hanu’ lui Manuc, 62-64 Franceza St.

This is another historical gem you don’t want to miss out. Frequented by both locals and tourists, Hanu’ lui Manuc (Manuc’s Inn) is the oldest operating hotel in Bucharest and one of the best restaurants in Bucharest Old Town. It was built in 1808 and, even though it has undergone multiple renovations, the building still maintains its original structure.

Image via Wikipedia

They serve Romanian hearty food, so be sure you’re really hungry when you go there.

Try one of the most famous Romanian dishes, ‘mici’ – minced meat sausages…with a twist – we won’t spoil it for you. Wash them down with local beer and, right before you leave, ask for a shot of ‘palinca’ – a Romanian strong spirit.

3. Lacrimi si Sfinti, 16 Sepcari St.

This is one of our favourite restaurants in Bucharest Old Town. Owned by a Romanian poet and public figure, Lacrimi si Sfinti (Tears and Saints, named after one of Emil Cioran’s masterpieces) is the kind of authentic restaurant that wins your heart at the first taste.

Image via Metropotam

The food here is as local as it gets. Most of the wine comes from the owner’s vineyards in Southern Romania. Ask the waiters for the Chardonnay and you’ll thank us.

As for dishes, nothing really disappoints. The menu is seasonal and it also depends on availability. This means that the menu changes a lot, but also that you’ll get fresh, amazing food. Everything they cook is Romanian with a modern twist.

Be sure to ask about desserts. They have ice cream flavors and pies that you can’t get anywhere else.

4. The Artist, 147 Calea Victoriei

Fancy some fine dining while in Bucharest? A bit farther from the three restaurants above, but still within walking distance from New Era Hotel, you will find The Artist aka the epitome of fine dining. This one may not technically be in the Old Town, but it’s really worth it.

Image via The Artist

The restaurant is owned by a Dutch chef who fell in love with Romania and its food. The molecular cuisine at The Artist is simply unforgettable. The ingredients are always fresh (some of them grown in the restaurant’s own garden).

If you plan a single visit here, we recommend the spoon tasting menu. And yes, it comes with the famous cucumber sorbet that the chef himself usually finishes preparing under your very eyes, at your table. Much like all the food here, this is a spectacle in itself.

5. Linea/Closer to the Moon

Ready for a spectacular experience with a spectacular view? Then head on to Linea/Closer to the Moon, one of the hippest gastropubs in Bucharest. Aside from amazing cocktails and great food, you will get to enjoy this view:

 

Image via LAMA.ro

Yes, it’s a rooftop. But this doesn’t mean it’s closed during winter. In fact, it’s actually cooler. Just take a look at these amazing igloos:

Image via Bucurestiul Meu Drag

 

Need a personalized recommendation for dining in Bucharest, in and around the Old Town? Ask our friendly reception staff – we can help you with any kind of restaurant recommendations for special diets or late-night cravings.

Ask our friendly reception staff about restaurants in Bucharest Old Town that meet your every want and need — we’ll be happy to help!