In Bucharest, you’ll find tradition and innovation, history and modernity, flavor and flair. The city’s top restaurants offer a culinary journey that caters to every palate and preference. Whether you’re drawn to the historic ambiance of Caru Cu Bere or the contemporary artistry of The Artist, each venue tells its own story. From iconic Romanian dishes to international delights, there’s a place for every taste. But where should you start your gastronomic adventure? Let’s explore the options that promise not just a meal, but a memorable experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
Caru Cu Bere
Caru Cu Bere stands as a tribute to Bucharest’s rich history, having been established in 1879 by the enterprising Mircea family from Transylvania. Originally known as “La Carul cu Bere,” this iconic establishment began as a modest brewery on Calea Victoriei Street, evolving over the years into a symbol of cultural and architectural significance.
When Nicolae Mircea, using bank credit, initiated the ambitious construction of the Caru’ cu Bere building in 1898, he set the stage for a venue that would become a cornerstone of Bucharest’s historic fabric, officially opening its doors in June 1899.
Its design, a collaboration between Polish architect Zigfried Kofsinsky and architect Alois Pesch, garnered the highest honors from King Carol I, solidifying its status as a Historical and Architectural Monument. The building was recognized for its historical and architectural value, contributing to its classification as a Historical and Architectural Monument today.
With its convenient location at Strada Stavropoleos 5, Caru Cu Bere remains easily accessible to both locals and tourists. In its current form, Caru Cu Bere is a bustling hub, attracting approximately 2,500 visitors daily, including a substantial proportion of international tourists.
With its extensive menu of traditional Romanian fare, offers culinary delights and also serves as a living reflection of the resilience and enduring legacy of the Mircea family, despite the property’s seizure during the communist regime and eventual restitution in 1999.
Hanu’ Lui Manuc
Situated in the heart of Bucharest’s Old Town district, Hanu’ Lui Manuc welcomes visitors with a rich fabric of history and charm. Built in 1808 by Emanuel Mârzaian, known as Manuc Bei, this historic establishment originally functioned as a caravanserai, offering respite and amenities to weary travelers and merchants.
Its storied past includes hosting preliminary talks for the Treaty of Bucharest, which concluded the Russo-Turkish War of 1806–1812, and even serving as Bucharest’s town hall briefly in 1842. In addition, the inn became a hub for significant political discussions, including those concerning the Union of Romania with Transylvania and Bucovina.
Today, it is designated as a national heritage site, preserving its historical integrity and cultural significance. Architecturally, Hanu’ Lui Manuc stands out with its multiply balconied courtyard, a space that historically accommodated lively performances and fairs, enhancing its cultural significance.
The inn is opposite the ruins of the Old Court, adding to its historical ambiance. The inner courtyard, adorned with trees and a fountain, remains a focal point, inviting guests to relish in its serene ambiance. Today, the establishment houses the famous Hanu’ lui Manuc restaurant, celebrated for its traditional Romanian cuisine and evening live performances.
This blend of history, architecture, and culinary excellence not only preserves the legacy of one of Bucharest’s few remaining caravanserais but also continues to attract both tourists and locals, promising a dining experience steeped in cultural richness.
The Artist
Situated on Calea Victoriei 147, The Artist is one of Bucharest’s culinary gems that you won’t want to miss. In a city where the dining scene evolves rapidly, The Artist, helmed by the esteemed Chef Paul Oppenkamp, stands out with its sophisticated menu, embodying refined elegance and culinary innovation.
The restaurant offers a carefully curated selection of 5-6 appetizers, main courses, and desserts, with dishes that are thoughtfully paired with wine, emphasizing quality over quantity. The menu is dynamic, reflecting both seasonal availability and the chef’s creative flair, with highlights like the cucumber sorbet making a lasting impression on discerning palates.
The ambiance at The Artist is nothing short of sophisticated; it shifted from a casual café to a full-service restaurant, capturing the essence of an elegant dining experience. The impeccable service, reminiscent of Michelin-star establishments, is delivered by a professional and friendly wait staff, ensuring each visit is memorable.
Bucharest offers a mix of traditional Romanian and international cuisine, catering to various tastes and budgets, which The Artist exemplifies through its unique blend of artistry and flavor. As recommended by locals and critics alike, the experience is best enjoyed through 2-3 courses per meal, allowing the small but exquisitely presented portions to shine.
Overall, The Artist exemplifies the pinnacle of Bucharest’s culinary offerings, combining artistry and flavor in a harmonious symphony. The restaurant’s transition from a café to a full-service restaurant showcases its commitment to providing an elevated dining experience.
Kaiamo
Situated on Strada Ermil Pangrati 30A, Kaiamo is one of Bucharest’s most acclaimed dining destinations, offering a modern twist on Romanian cuisine. This esteemed establishment, ranked among the top three restaurants in Romania, invites you to begin a gastronomic journey through its meticulously crafted tasting menus, which range from nine to twenty courses.
Priced between 106 and 160 euros, these menus are masterpieces of culinary artistry, each dish representing a contemporary interpretation of traditional Romanian fare, aiming to captivate the senses through innovative techniques and presentations. Bucharest has seen a surge in restaurants over the past few decades, reflecting a diverse food culture influenced by various regions, and Kaiamo exemplifies this vibrant culinary evolution.
The dining experience at Kaiamo is extraordinary, accentuated by the use of high-quality ingredients and an emphasis on aesthetic presentation. The atmosphere exudes sophistication, providing a perfect backdrop for the culinary voyage that awaits.
The attentive staff, well-versed in both the menu and its accompanying wine or cocktail pairings, guarantee a seamless dining experience, tailored to your preferences. Bucharest offers a wide range of dining experiences, from vegan to Japanese, showcasing its diverse culinary scene.
Reservations are essential, given the restaurant’s popularity and limited operating hours, which span from Tuesday to Friday evenings and include Saturday lunch and dinner services. Planning your visit in advance is highly recommended to secure a place in this culinary adventure.
Restaurant Joseph by Joseph Hadad
Situated in a historic Art Deco house, Restaurant Joseph by Joseph Hadad offers a unique dining experience that combines the elegance of the past with modern sophistication. Upon entering, you’ll find that the interior design has meticulously preserved the building’s historic charm while seamlessly integrating contemporary elements, creating an ambiance that is both upscale and inviting.
This restaurant, located in a central area of Bucharest, guarantees accessibility for both locals and visitors, making it an ideal spot for fine dining enthusiasts who appreciate a touch of historical allure.
The menu at Restaurant Joseph is a reflection of culinary artistry, focusing on international cuisine infused with unique flavors that captivate the palate. Dishes like lobster tails with parmesan, ginger, and chili sauce, alongside smoked salmon paired with iceberg lettuce and red onion, highlight the chef’s innovative approach.
Known for its exceptional service, this restaurant ensures a memorable dining experience with attentive and professional staff. Each recipe is crafted from scratch, showcasing a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary culinary elements.
The service is exemplary, characterized by professionalism and attentiveness, providing a dining experience that is both memorable and refined. While the prices are considered high by Romanian standards, the exceptional quality of both food and service justifies the cost, particularly for special occasions.
Beca’s Kitchen
While you explore the lively culinary scene of Bucharest, Beca’s Kitchen emerges as a delightful find near Romana Square, offering a serene refuge away from the bustling city atmosphere. Located at Mihai Eminescu 80, this intimate restaurant captivates with its gorgeously simple décor and cozy, quiet ambiance, highlighted by soft background music that complements the dining experience without overwhelming it. The attentive and friendly staff guarantees that your visit is both welcoming and memorable, as they guide you through a menu that is as diverse as it is meticulously crafted.
Beca’s Kitchen distinguishes itself with a focus on healthy, Mediterranean, and European cuisine, offering a variety of vegan, seafood, and vegetarian-friendly dishes. The menu, which changes daily, invites you to indulge in creative culinary expressions, utilizing ingredients such as olive oil, sea salt, and butter, while avoiding frying to prioritize health without compromising on flavor.
Homemade wholemeal bread, baked daily, provides a rustic touch to your meal. Operating between Tuesday to Sunday, with extended hours on weekends, Beca’s Kitchen accommodates both leisurely lunches and intimate dinners.
Owner Andreea Beca, who is also a recipe blogger, shares her culinary creativity through a blog dedicated to recipes, further enhancing the dining experience. Reservations and takeout options guarantee flexibility, enhancing your dining convenience.
Biutiful
Situated in the heart of Herăstrău Park, Biutiful offers an enchanting dining experience that captivates with its stunning boat-like décor and breathtaking lake views. This exceptional establishment, strategically positioned right in front of the lake, envelops you in an atmosphere that is both lively and serene, especially as the sun sets and dinner service commences.
The unique and impressive decor, resembling a maritime vessel, enhances the overall aesthetic appeal, providing an ideal setting for an unforgettable dining journey.
The culinary offerings at Biutiful are a delightful fusion of Greek, Indian, and Romanian cuisines, artfully crafted to tantalize your taste buds. The menu, replete with a variety of light yet appetizing dishes such as chicken tandoori, zucchini with tzatziki, beef patties, and Indian naan, guarantees that every palate is catered to with international flair.
This blend of flavors is complemented by the restaurant’s high-quality service, where attentive and professional staff enhance the overall dining experience. Although the prices are slightly higher compared to other local venues, the exceptional quality of both food and service justifies the cost, making it a highly recommended destination within Bucharest’s lively culinary landscape.
Trattoria Mezzaluna
Discovering culinary delights in Bucharest wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Trattoria Mezzaluna, located at Calea Dorobantilor Nr. 63 in the heart of the city, offering an easily accessible gateway to the rich fabric of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.
Situated near the Storck Museum, this establishment presents itself as an ideal respite after a cultural excursion, inviting you to indulge in a menu that expertly fuses traditional antipasti with innovative primi piatti like risotto, alongside pasta fresca, a variety of pizzas, and secondi piatti featuring both meat and fish.
The restaurant’s ambiance harmoniously blends modernity with an inviting warmth, underscored by fine decor that resonates with a discerning clientele, while the professional staff, known for their attentiveness, provide insightful recommendations that enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re savoring a classic tiramisu or opting for a revitalizing lemon pie, the dessert offerings encapsulate the essence of Italian dolce.
Operating daily from 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM, the terrace extends its welcoming hours from 10:00 AM, allowing for a leisurely al fresco experience. With a commendable Google rating of 4.8, Trattoria Mezzaluna promises both quality and value, enriching Bucharest’s gastronomic landscape.
Lacrimi șI SfințI
Situated in the heart of Bucharest’s Old Town, Lacrimi și Sfinți is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic Romanian dining experience. Located within a historic building, this restaurant exudes a rustic, intimate ambiance that captures the essence of Romania’s rich culinary heritage.
The traditional charm is further enhanced by its proximity to other historic landmarks, offering diners a unique opportunity to engage themselves in the city’s cultural mosaic. The preserved historical setting not only provides a cozy atmosphere but also serves as a backdrop for the restaurant’s modern take on traditional Romanian cuisine.
The menu at Lacrimi și Sfinți offers a delightful array of traditional dishes, such as sarmale, mămăligă, and ciorbă, each crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients to guarantee the highest quality.
The culinary team skillfully combines classic flavors with contemporary techniques, resulting in dishes that are both nostalgic and innovative. Patrons often praise the slow-cooked pork knuckle and traditional Romanian sausages, known as mici, which are served alongside a selection of local wines and traditional beverages.
The restaurant’s generous portions, friendly service, and live folk performances create an unforgettable dining experience that appeals to both locals and tourists alike.
Nomad Skybar
Situated in the Historical Center of Bucharest, Nomad Skybar offers a unique dining experience high above the city, merging culinary diversity with breathtaking views. Located on the top floor of a historic building on Smârdan Street, this venue is a showcase to Bucharest’s blend of tradition and modernity, enhanced by its retractable roof and open-air terrace that invite the city’s skyline into your dining experience.
The menu at Nomad Skybar reflects a cosmopolitan palette, featuring dishes from Italy, France, Spain, Asia, Greece, the United States, and Romania, creating a culinary journey across continents. With an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the menu offers sharing plates, allowing for a communal dining experience that celebrates global cuisine while honoring local Romanian flavors.
Transitioning from a relaxed early evening atmosphere to a lively nightlife hub, Nomad Skybar hosts resident DJs and live performances, creating a dynamic ambiance. The bar provides a wide array of creative cocktails and a discerning wine list, with expert staff guiding your choices, ensuring an unforgettable evening above Bucharest.
Wrapping up
While you navigate Bucharest’s culinary landscape, a city where history and innovation intertwine, you’re invited to explore a mosaic of flavors that reflect its storied past and dynamic present. Starting with the time-honored traditions at Caru Cu Bere and Hanu’ Lui Manuc to the avant-garde creations of The Artist and Kaiamo, each dining experience offers a unique narrative.
The journey through these gastronomic marvels not only tantalizes your palate but also enriches your understanding of Romania’s cultural heritage.
