Bucharest
Located in a restored, eclectic 1880s villa on posh Calea Victoriei, this is the top fine-dining locale in Bucharest thanks to chef Paul Oppenkamp and his…
Must-see restaurants in Romania
Bucharest
Despite a decidedly touristy-leaning atmosphere, with peasant-girl hostesses and sporadic traditional song-and-dance numbers, Bucharest’s oldest beerhouse…
Cluj-Napoca
Transylvanian cuisine just like Granny made it, in an untouristed part of Cluj. Settle in beneath the vine-covered trellis outdoors and agonise between…
Transylvania
Feast like a medieval noble in this stone-floored restaurant, where walls are slung with guild regalia and lights twinkle beneath low-slung beams. Bring a…
Bucharest
A true destination restaurant in the historic centre, Lacrimi și Sfinți takes modern trends such as farm-to-table freshness and organic sourcing and…
Wallachia
This handsome restaurant, with a large terrace, marries the best of clean, modern presentation and traditional food, featuring menu items from the…
Székely Land
Driving the Gheorgheni–Sovata road, it's impossible to miss this folksy inn, marked with a giant roadside knife and fork. Fifteen kilometres west of…
Timişoara
Push your way through the unmarked doorway into what looks like someone's living room, with dark-green walls and antique rugs on parquet floors. Homemade…
Danube Delta
An awesome fish restaurant such as this is long overdue on Tulcea's Danube port. Expect very good traditional fish soup, as well as grilled fish and…
Bucovina
An unexpectedly elegant restaurant in Rădăuţi, and worth making a special trip for. Antique isn't going for solely traditional cooking (rare for this part…
Constanţa
Several years after it opened to an enthusiastic reception, this is still the place to see and be seen, and one of the best meals in town. There are a…
Moldavia & the Bucovina Monasteries
Intelligent and well-thought-out menu combinations, such as grilled pork tenderloin served with baked apple or glazed pork ribs paired with diced potato…
Székely Land
Vaulted ceilings and brick walls adorned with crests of bygone nobles establish the tone of this restaurant within an old wine cellar. Plates are heavy…
Wallachia
This traditional Romanian restaurant is the ideal pick in Târgu Jiu. There's a hidden garden in the back (walk from the front door through a narrow…
Bucovina
An unexpected touch of sophistication in rustic Câmpulung. The innovative, industrial decor is softened by exposed wood beams and cushioned Eames chairs…
Braşov
Tucked down a charming side street, this bohemian joint can be spotted by the bike racks shaped like penny-farthings. There's an almost Parisian feel in…
Wallachia
La Tuciuri is a real find: a traditional Romanian folk restaurant, complete with peasant costumes and music some evenings, that also serves very good food…
Transylvania
If you want to face down a suit of armour while gnawing on steak, or swirl a fork through cheesy polenta beneath coats of arms slung across brick-lined…
Iaşi
Slow food, raw food, vegan items; there is something for everyone at this student-run restaurant not far from the university quarter. Favourites include…
Vama Veche
This spacious summertime terrace bar and restaurant, connected to a campground on the northern end of the resort, feels like a relaxing antidote to the…
Târgu Mureş
Shaped like a wooden church, this striking restaurant with an outdoor terrace prepares heaving platefuls of nourishing peasant fare such as koloszvari…
Romania
Graf is arguably Oradea's nicest restaurant and a perfect splurge option. The menu features wood-grilled steaks, fish and pork; the caramelised duck leg…
Wallachia
Grab an upper-level terrace table overlooking the pedestrian street and enjoy excellent Romanian and international dishes, including well-executed grilled…
Wallachia
This luxury steakhouse is a must for lovers of high-quality imported beef. The menu is almost exclusively grilled steaks and chops, with the speciality…
Romania
The impossibly ornate 'Golden Barrel', with its stained-glass cupola and painted stucco work, dates to 1892. Though there are more complex dishes on the…
The Danube Delta & Black Sea Coast
Head chef Nelu Păucă trained around the world before opening this romantic beachfront restaurant on the far northern end of Mamaia. Specialities include…
Wallachia
This is the local branch of a Romanian chain of Italian restaurants, but don’t let that deter you. The food and service are excellent. It’s in the new…
Bucovina
Arguably (okay, definitely) the region's best ice cream is sold here at the outlet of a Christian aid group based in Suceava. The ice cream and dairy…
Bucovina
This big local favourite serves hearty grills and salads, and has a local wine and beer selection. Start with a creamy chicken soup (ciorbă rădăuţeană),…
Wallachia
One of the most popular restaurants in Ploieşti, Dionysos offers very good, authentic Greek food, including excellent grills and fresh fish, in a lively…
Sibiu
Hidden in an old wine cellar, this is the most evocative restaurant in Sibiu. Explore Romanian fare such as cheese croquettes, minced meatballs and…
Bucharest
Unquestionably the best éclairs you’ll find in Bucharest and, dare we say, a pilgrimage site for locals and French expats alike. This stylish artisanal…
Braşov
Bloody steaks and smooth red wine, served decadently in Keller's cavernous interior… there's more than a hint of a vampire's lair about this upmarket…
Cluj-Napoca
The excellent French-inspired Romanian cooking, with a few welcome atypical starters such as hummus, make this a must-visit. The convenient Piața Unirii…
Iaşi
With spacious, breezy lawns, La Castel incorporates French and Bavarian flourishes, a long wine list and sinful desserts. Restless youngsters will be…
Timişoara
The name translates to 'Granny's House' and indeed this casual, family-friendly restaurant specialises in home cooking and regional specialities from…
Sighişoara
Even if you're not staying at the hotel, plan a meal here. Sighişoara is short on good restaurants and this is one of the best. The food is a mix of…
Vama Veche
This family-run inn on the main highway that passes through town takes home-cooking to a new level. Traditional Romanian dishes, as well as ample fish and…
Maramureş
One of the most fun places to eat in town, this rustic eatery with its stone walls, exposed wooden beams and encyclopedic 'newspaper' menu is the place to…
Sibiu
Fresh, well-presented Italy- and France-leaning cuisine using seasonal ingredients graces plates at Kulinarium. The restaurant has an intimate, casual…
