Krakow: Three Cheapo-friendly restaurants
If you’re looking for something tasty and cheap (a step up from zapiekanka, perhaps?) in Krakow, you’re in luck. Whether you want traditional Polish cuisine, some Italian-style grub or a healthy vegetarian meal, there are budget-friendly options galore. Here are some of our favorite picks:
Polskie Smaki
ul. Sw. Tomasza 5
Open daily from 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
Polskie Smaki (“Polish Tastes” in English) serves up standard Polish fare near Krakow’s Main Square. In addition to Polish ravioli, stuffed pancakes and meat dishes, the restaurant offers a variety of breakfast plates.
If you opt for a morning meal, expect to spend no more than 15 PLN (about $6) per person. If you stop by for lunch or dinner, order a few sides to sample—the bill will still be well under $20.
Cyklop Pizzeria
ul. Mikolajska 16
Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
If you need a break from pierogi and kielbasa, head to the very central Cyklop Pizzeria for a Polish take on Italian cooking. The menu ranges from oven-baked pizza (around $6 for a large pie) to pasta and salads. A selection of typical Italian desserts (including gelato and tiramisu, all for around $4) rounds out the deal.
Café Mlynek
Plac Wolnica 7
Open daily from 8 a.m. till last guests
This vegetarian restaurant in Kazimierz boasts an expansive menu of meat-free entrees, from breaded and roasted cheese and stuffed pancakes to spinach pasta and hummus with bread. Café Mlynek also has a large beverage menu, with both hot drinks and alcohol on offer. The place stands out for its artsy, earthy vibe: There’s often an art exhibit on the walls and the restaurant hosts concerts. Expect to pay around $6 for a main dish.
Bonus Tip: The kielbasa van
Every major city has its own street food darling, and in Krakow’s case it’s the kielbasa van. Located at ul. Grzegorzecka (a bit south of the city center), the van offers sausage for 7 PLN (about $3) from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Understandably, given the late hours, this operation caters to a bar-hopping local crowd.
About the author
The kielbasa van is a must! After a few beers I thought that was the best sausage I had ever tasted. Granted, it might not have been, but beer makes us appreciate the finer things of 2am just that little bit more doesn’t it 🙂