We spent four days in Bucharest and were pleasantly surprised its food scene. The city offers a delicious mix of casual eateries, fine dining restaurants, and historic cafes and bars to satisfy any palate. We found some great places to eat and drink in.
There are some beautiful restaurants and bars with stunning interiors – perfect to relax with a glass of wine in after a day’s sightseeing.
Romanian cuisine is has similarities with its neighbouring Eastern European countries – think meat, soups and carbs. There’s plenty of restaurants offering traditional food, as well as a range of other cuisines. Vegetarian food is harder to find, and we’ve tried to note a few places here (there were some vegetarian restaurants we found on Google Maps, but they were closed when we visited).
Consider also joining an organised food tour – a fantastic way to taste a variety of great foods, perfectly curated for you.
Best areas for food and drink
Old Town Bucharest
The Old Town is the historic heart of Bucharest and a lively area filled with restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightclubs. Located in the Lipscani district, it’s made up of narrow cobblestone streets and beautiful historic buildings dating back to the 15th century. This bustling pedestrian area comes alive at night, with music spilling out from the bars and crowds filling the outdoor terraces (as well as polite but energetic greeters encouraging you to eat in their restaurant). It’s the perfect place to go for a stroll, people watch, and experience Bucharest’s vibrant nightlife.
Most of the restaurants cater to tourists and have a similar offering of Western food. There’s a few restaurants offering a bit more variety, such as Italian restaurants and Greek (like Gyros Thessalonikis). Most have outdoor seating (which is covered in winter, along with the world’s hottest outdoor heaters).
Calea Victoriei
Calea Victoriei is Bucharest’s main boulevard, lined with beautiful historic buildings and some of the city’s finest restaurants. This elegant street is a must-visit when in Bucharest.
The restaurants here are a bit more upmarket, catering to locals as well as tourists. You’ll get a bit more variety too.
Strada Stavropoleos
Strada Stavropoleos is a charming little pedestrian street in the Old Town of Bucharest lined with cafés, restaurants, coffee shops and pastry shops. It’s a perfect place to stop for a coffee and some sweet treats after exploring the nearby Stavropoleos Monastery.
The street has a relaxed vibe with outdoor seating spilling out from the various eateries. It’s a good place to people watch.
If you have more of a sweet tooth, stop by local favourite Zexe for excellent ice cream. Flavours like sour cherry and pistachio are inspired by Romanian ingredients.
While here, be sure to peek down the tiny little side alleys that lead off Strada Stavropoleos. You’ll get a glimpse into a more residential part of the Old Town, with ivy-covered buildings and quiet courtyards. It’s amazing how quickly the atmosphere changes just one street over.
Best places for traditional Romanian meals
Caru’ cu Bere
Caru’ cu Bere is one of the most famous and historic restaurants and beer halls in Bucharest. Located in the heart of the Old Town, Caru’ cu Bere first opened its doors in 1879 and has been serving traditional Romanian food and drink in a beautiful historic setting ever since.
With its vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, chandeliers and antique woodwork, stepping inside Caru’ cu Bere feels like going back in time. The interior alone makes it one of the best restaurants in Bucharest, and a great place to relax in.
Caru’ cu Bere serves typical Romanian dishes like sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), papanasi (sweet fried dough), and ciorba (sour soup). And of course, they have an extensive selection of beer, including their own Caru’ cu Bere brand that’s been brewed on site since the restaurant first opened.
Caru’ cu Bere can get quite crowded, especially on weekends. So be prepared for a lively and boisterous atmosphere, or come earlier in the day to beat the crowds. You can also just drop in for a drink at the bar – you may have to wait for a few minutes for a space, but you can relax after a long day’s sightseeing and enjoy its unique interior. Either way, Caru’ cu Bere is an absolute must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Romanian food and culture in an unforgettable historic setting.
Hanul lui Manuc
Hanul lui Manuc is a historic inn and restaurant located in Bucharest’s Old Town that serves traditional Romanian cuisine in a beautiful setting. This 300-year-old inn has been renovated to preserve its historic charm while also providing a relaxing atmosphere for guests.
The menu features classic Romanian food like sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), mititei (grilled skinless sausages), and papanasi (sweet fried dough). Meats are cooked over a wood-burning grill to add delicious smoky flavours. They also offer a good selection of Romanian wines to pair with your meal.
The interior has wood-beam ceilings, chandeliers, Oriental rugs, and antique-style furniture that transports you back in time. During busy times, you may hear live traditional music adding to the ambience.
There are a couple of vegetarian options available. During lunch, there’s a cheaper set menu available too.
Hanul lui Manuc is located near the Old Princely Court in the city centre. It’s a popular spot so we’d recommend making a reservation, especially for dinner. It’s a great place, with good food.
Special mention – Luca
You’ll see Luca’s dotted throughout Bucharest. Most are tiny hole-in-the-wall type places, offering pastries (including ‘Strudel’ which were mainly hotdogs, but also have other fillings such as cheese and olive, wrapped in a pastry), pretzels and coffee.
Perfect for a quick snack, you queue up outside, say what you want and pay – and it only costs a couple of lei.
Roof Gardens and Rooftop Bars
The rooftops of Bucharest provide some of the best views of the city, making them ideal spots for bars and restaurants. Here are three of the best rooftop bars.
18 Lounge
One of the most popular is 18 Lounge, located on the rooftop of the Radisson Blu hotel. This elegant bar offers panoramic views of the capital from its 15-meter-long terrace. It’s a lively spot for cocktails and music.
Prices are slightly higher than other restaurants in Bucharest but are very reasonable. There’s a few vegetarian options too.
NOR Sky Restaurant
For a more upscale dining experience (with a higher price tag), head to NOR Sky Restaurant, situated on the rooftop of the NOR Hotel. Savor contemporary Romanian cuisine alongside stunning 360-degree vistas of the cityscape. They also host events like jazz nights.
Linea Closer to the Moon
Closer to the historic centre, Linea Closer to the Moon provides excellent city views paired with craft cocktails and DJ events. Its has a younger and more hip feel than 18 Lounge and Nor, and has a few veggie options.
Wine Bars
Wine bars have become increasingly popular in Bucharest. We’ve picked out two below.
Abel’s Wine Bar
One standout is Abel’s Wine Bar, located right in the historic centre. With exposed brick walls and dim lighting, it has a cozy atmosphere where you can taste over 250 Romanian and international wine labels, along with cheese and charcuterie boards.
Industry Wine Bar
For a more urban vibe, Industry Wine Bar has an airy loft interior and terrace, with regular wine tastings, tapas pairings, and events. It focuses on small producers and natural wines, and has a great wine selection. Sip a glass on the terrace on a nice day or snuggle into the leather armchairs inside.
Bars and craft beer
Thor’s Hammer
Thor’s Hammer is a local LGBT bar, one of a few in the city. We went on a Sunday when it was pretty quiet (the driving wind and icy rain may have had something to do with this, so it’s a shame we couldn’t go when the weather was better). However, we always try and support the gay community when we travel and couldn’t be made to feel more welcome.
There’s a few drag shows on (check their website for listings) and often a DJ. The music is loud, so it may not be your thing, but if you want a fun night, we’d highly recommend. They have outdoor seating too, on sunny days.
Mojo Music Club
Mojo Music Club in Bucharest is a fantastic spot for a fun night out, especially if you enjoy live music and a lively atmosphere. Located in the heart of the city, Mojo is known for its diverse entertainment options, ranging from live bands and karaoke nights to stand-up comedy.
The club has a cozy and inviting vibe, with a mix of locals and travellers creating a friendly and energetic atmosphere. One of the highlights is the karaoke night, where you can either belt out your favourite tunes or cheer on brave performers. On other nights, you can catch talented local bands playing a variety of genres, making every visit a bit different.
You may think it’s an odd choice for this guide. And it is – but it depends on what you like. We went on a Wednesday when most other bars had closed. Drinks were cheap (around £4 for two double gin and tonics). We went upstairs to the karaoke, and had a great time watching local students and the odd tourist perform Romanian and Western classics.
It tends to get busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early can help you snag a good spot. There’s no dress code, so casual and comfortable is the way to go. The drink menu is extensive and reasonably priced, so you can enjoy a few cocktails without breaking the bank.
Beer O’Clock
Beer O’Clock in Bucharest is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. Located in the lively Old Town, this bar is known for its impressive selection of craft beers from around the world. Whether you’re a fan of IPAs, stouts, or lagers, Beer O’Clock has something to satisfy every palate.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it a great spot to unwind after a day of exploring the city. They also frequently rotate their taps, so there’s always something new to try.
The bar is casual, so come as you are and enjoy the relaxed vibe. Beer O’Clock can get quite busy, especially on weekends, so it’s a good idea to arrive early if you want to grab a seat.