The best cafes, bars and restaurants in Bucharest

We spent four days in Bucharest and were impressed by how varied its food and drink scene is. You’ll find historic beer halls, refined modern restaurants and cosy cafés tucked down side streets, often all within a ten-minute walk of each other.

This guide lists the places we actually visited and tested on foot (short visits, meals and drinks), plus a few trusted local favourites to try. You’ll get:

• a quick tour of the best neighbourhoods for eating and drinking;
• our pick of the top traditional Romanian restaurants and where to sit for the best atmosphere;
• rooftop bars, wine bars and spots that are friendlier to vegetarians.

Romanian cuisine has similarities with its neighbouring Eastern European countries – meat, soups and hearty 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).

What are the best areas for food and drink in Bucharest?

We’ve noted the best areas to eat and drink in Bucharest below. You can also consider joining an organised food tour – a fantastic way to taste a variety of great foods and get your bearings in Bucharest.

You can also check out our full guide to the best places to go in Bucharest.

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.

The area is nice during the day but 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 enjoy a drink.

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 bars, 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, try Gioelia Cremeria for artisan gelato (pistachio was our favourite). There are also several Italian-style gelaterias on Strada Franceză and around the Old Town if you prefer classic flavours.

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.

What are the best places for traditional Romanian meals in Bucharest?

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.

The interior is worth visiting on it’s own (drop in for a drink at the bar if you don’t want to eat), with its vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, chandeliers and antique woodwork.

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.

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.

Tip: Caru’ cu Bere can get quite crowded, especially on weekends. Book a table in advance for dinner if you want one of the main dining rooms; if not, drop by for the bar or a weekday set lunch for slightly better value.

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 Lucas dotted throughout Bucharest. Most are tiny hole-in-the-wall type places, offering pastries, pretzels and coffee.

The pastries are mainly ‘strudel’, which are slightly different to strudel in the UK – they were mainly hotdogs wrapped in pastry, but some have other fillings such as cheese and olive.

Perfect for a quick snack, you queue up outside, say what you want and pay – and it only costs a couple of lei.

What are the best roof gardens and rooftop bars in Bucharest?

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 in Bucharest.

18 Lounge

If you want a classic “look-at-that-skyline” moment, head for 18 Lounge on the top floor of the Radisson Blu complex.

It’s an elegant bar with panoramic views of the capital from its 15-meter-long terrace. It’s great for cocktails and music. Go just before sunset when the city’s boulevards start to light up, and for sunset views.

Inside it’s slick and modern but not snooty: dark wood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows and an easygoing soundtrack.

Prices are slightly higher than other restaurants in Bucharest but are very reasonable. There’s a few vegetarian options too.

The food menu leans Mediterranean – light pastas and grilled fish – and service is the polished kind you’d expect in a big hotel. Dress smart-casual.

NOR Sky Restaurant

For something a bit more “treat yourself”, NOR Sky Restaurant delivers a full dinner-with-a-view experience. It sits high above the city (you’ll need the lift to the very top of the NOR Hotel) and wraps right round the building so you get a proper 360-degree panorama.

Inside it’s all white tablecloths and subtle mood lighting; outside, the terrace is the spot for a pre-dinner glass of Romanian sparkling wine.

The kitchen does a modern spin on Romanian classics – think duck breast with sour cherry sauce or beautifully plated seafood. Prices are higher than average for Romania (mains start around 80 lei/£14) but the setting is worth it for a special night.

They often host live jazz evenings too.

Linea Closer to the Moon

Linea is the hip younger sibling of the rooftop scene. It’s tucked just off the historic centre so you get a sweeping view of the Old Town’s rooftops without the hotel-bar polish.

The vibe is more Brooklyn-loft than five-star lounge: concrete planters, string lights, a big open deck and DJs playing music.

Cocktails are fun rather than fussy – expect things like gin with house-infused syrups – and the small-plate menu is surprisingly good (we loved the truffle fries and the beetroot hummus when we went).

It’s busiest from about 10 pm, so arrive earlier if you want a seat with a view before the music kicks up.

What are the best wine Bars in Bucharest?

Wine bars have become increasingly popular in Bucharest. We’ve picked out our two favourites below.

Abel’s Wine Bar

One standout is Abel’s Wine Bar, located right in the historic centre.

Exposed brick walls, flickering candles and shelves stacked with bottles give it a classic cellar vibe. They have more than 250 wines on offer – plenty of crisp Romanian whites and velvety reds – and the staff will help you pick something local if you’re not sure.

Prices start around 20 lei (£3.50) a glass, and there’s small menu of cheese boards and charcuterie too.

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. Big airy windows, industrial beams and a terrace for warm evenings make it feel more like a modern wine studio than a traditional cellar.

If you’re exploring wine bars as part of a longer evening, pair a visit here with a stroll along Calea Victoriei or an aperitivo at a nearby rooftop – see our neighbourhood notes above and our main Bucharest guide for walking routes.

What are the best bars and craft beer in Bucharest?

Thor’s Hammer

Thor’s Hammer is a local LGBT bar in Bucharest, 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 others (we chose the latter). On other nights, you can find local bands playing a variety of genres.

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 is loocated in the lively Old Town, and is known for its 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, and its 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.

Frequently asked question

Where can I find vegetarian food in Bucharest?

Vegetarian options are available but less common in traditional restaurants – try wine bars, rooftop restaurants and cafés for vegetable-forward small plates. Look for menus labelled “vegetarian” or ask staff for recommendations.

Should I book restaurants in advance?

For historic favourites and rooftop restaurants, yes – book ahead for dinner (especially at weekends). For casual spots and small kiosks you can usually walk in.

Are food tours worth it?

Yes, a food tour is a great way to taste lots of local dishes from the best places, and learn the food history in a few hours. If you’re short on time, it’s a useful option. Try this food tour which takes you to some great places.

Where to start

Bucharest is surprisingly friendly for food lovers: start in the Old Town for atmosphere and quick bites, book a dinner at Caru’ cu Bere or Hanul lui Manuc for the experience, and save a rooftop for sunset. If you only have one night, pick either a traditional restaurant or a rooftop wine bar – both offer very different, worthwhile evenings.

If you enjoyed this list, check out our full 17 best things to do in Bucharest guide for the best places to go and things to do.

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