Romania captivates visitors with its medieval castles, fortified churches, and the legendary Dracula's Bran Castle. From the painted monasteries of Bucovina to the Danube Delta's wildlife and the vibrant streets of Bucharest, Romania offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture.
Romanian cuisine is a hearty, rustic tradition shaped by the country's three historical regions: Wallachia's Ottoman-influenced stews and grilled meats, Transylvania's Saxon and Hungarian sausages and dumplings, and Moldavia's rich soups and fermented preparations. Pork is central, sarmale (stuffed cabbage) is the national dish, and sour cream (smântână) finishes nearly every plate. Romanian food is honest, generous, and seriously underrated by international visitors.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Romania.
Sarmale
Pork and rice stuffed in fermented cabbage leaves (or grapevine leaves in summer), slow-cooked in tomato sauce. Romania's ultimate comfort food, made differently in every household and region.
Where to try: Any traditional restaurant; best at Vatra or Caru' cu Bere in Bucharest
Price: $6-10
Ciorbă de burtă
Sour tripe soup with cream, garlic, and vinegar — Romania's restorative hangover cure and beloved daily staple. Intimidating for first-timers but deeply satisfying.
Where to try: Traditional local restaurants nationwide
Price: $4-7
Mici (Mititei)
Skinless grilled minced meat rolls with garlic and spices, served with mustard and fresh bread. Romania's ubiquitous street and barbecue food — like a Romanian kebab without the casing.
Where to try: Street grills, beer gardens, Berăria H in Bucharest
Price: $5-8
Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână
Creamy polenta topped with sheep's cheese (brânză de burduf) and thick sour cream. Transylvanian farmers' staple now appearing on upscale menus as a proud heritage dish.
Where to try: Traditional restaurants in Transylvania and mountain areas
Price: $5-9
Papanași
Fried cottage cheese donuts topped with sour cream and sour cherry jam — Romania's most beloved dessert. The contrast of hot, crispy, cold, and tart is extraordinary.
Where to try: All traditional restaurants; Lacrimi și Sfinți (Bucharest) for gourmet version
Price: $4-8
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
The Artist
Michelin-starred restaurant in Bucharest offering innovative takes on traditional Romanian cuisine. Chef Alexandru Dumitru creates artistic presentations using seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. Intimate atmosphere with tasting menus showcasing Romania's culinary heritage reimagined.
Strada Știrbei Vodă 3, București 010111
Caru' cu Bere
Iconic 1879 beer house in Bucharest Old Town with spectacular Neo-Gothic interior. Stained glass, wood carvings, and live music create festive atmosphere. Traditional Romanian dishes and house-brewed beer. Tourist favorite with authentic character.
Strada Stavropoleos 5, București 030085
Hanu' Berarilor Casa Soare
Historic beer hall in Bucharest serving traditional Romanian food and house beer. Lively atmosphere with live music, long communal tables, and affordable prices. Great for experiencing Romanian tavern culture.
Strada Însurăței 13, București 040161
Mici Vendors Old Town Bucharest
Street vendors throughout Bucharest Old Town selling mici (grilled meat rolls) with mustard and bread. Authentic Romanian fast food experience, incredibly cheap, and delicious. Best late night after bars.
Various locations in Lipscani area
Origo Coffee Shop Bucharest
Third-wave coffee shop in Bucharest Old Town with expertly-crafted espresso drinks and pour-overs. Minimal interior, knowledgeable baristas, and rotating single-origin beans. Popular with digital nomads and coffee enthusiasts.
Strada Șelari 13, București 030167
Seasons Restaurant
Elegant restaurant in InterContinental Bucharest with refined European cuisine and Romanian influences. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook University Square. Award-winning wine list and impeccable service create memorable dining experiences.
Bulevardul Nicolae Bălcescu 4, București 010051
La Ceaun
Cozy restaurant near Brașov center specializing in hearty Romanian stews and grilled meats. Rustic decor, friendly service, and generous portions at reasonable prices. Popular with locals and tourists seeking authentic flavors.
Strada Republicii 62, Brașov 500030
Pizzico Brașov
Casual pizzeria in Brașov with wood-fired pizzas and Italian favorites. Fast service, fresh ingredients, and budget-friendly prices. Popular takeaway option and quick lunch spot.
Strada Lungă 59, Brașov 500036
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
European
Kulinarium
Sophisticated Cluj-Napoca restaurant blending European techniques with Romanian ingredients. Seasonal tasting menus, creative cocktails, and minimalist design. Chef-driven experience highlighting local producers and forgotten Romanian recipes.
Bulevardul Eroilor 56, Cluj-Napoca 400129
Bistro Viena Cluj
Affordable bistro in Cluj-Napoca serving European comfort food. Schnitzel, pasta, and salads in relaxed atmosphere. Good portions and prices appeal to students and budget travelers.
Strada Memorandumului 28, Cluj-Napoca 400114
Extrablatt Brașov
Relaxed restaurant-cafe in Brașov center with extensive all-day menu. Breakfast, salads, pasta, and local dishes in modern setting. Great for casual meals and people-watching from terrace.
Bulevardul Eroilor 27, Brașov 500007
Hungarian Street Food
Kurtos Kalacs Brasov
Traditional chimney cake vendors in Brașov preparing kürtőskalács over charcoal. Sweet spiral pastry coated with sugar, cinnamon, or nuts. Popular Transylvanian treat available from street stalls.
Council Square and nearby streets
Langos Stands
Deep-fried dough topped with sour cream, cheese, and garlic found at markets and festivals. Filling, cheap, and delicious comfort food. Popular at Christmas markets and outdoor events.
Markets and festivals throughout Transylvania
Italian
Baracca Brașov
Popular Italian restaurant in Brașov serving authentic pizza, pasta, and risotto. Modern interior, open kitchen, and consistently good food at fair prices. Excellent wine selection and friendly staff.
Strada Mureșenilor 12, Brașov 500030
Locanda Del Corso
Premium Italian restaurant in Bucharest's Old Town with authentic imported ingredients and traditional techniques. Handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and extensive Italian wine cellar. Romantic courtyard seating in summer.
Strada Smârdan 9, București 030167
Specialty Coffee
M60 Coffee Bucharest
Minimalist specialty coffee shop with serious approach to coffee craft. Light roasts, alternative brewing methods, and coffee education. Small space with big coffee credentials.
Strada Sfinților 16, București 030167
Tamp & Pull Bucharest
Small batch coffee roaster and cafe with rotating beans and expert baristas. Focus on quality over quantity, coffee workshops available, and passionate about coffee education.
Strada Ion Brezoianu 23-25, București 010131
Traditional Romanian
Sergiana Brașov
Upscale traditional restaurant chain with flagship in Brașov offering authentic Transylvanian cuisine. Rustic-elegant decor, generous portions of perfectly-executed classics, and warm hospitality. Known for grilled meats and hearty stews.
Bulevardul Eroilor 8, Brașov 500007
Casa Romaneasca Sighisoara
Family-run restaurant in Sighișoara citadel serving home-style Romanian cooking. Warm hospitality, traditional recipes, and citadel views from terrace. Authentic flavors in medieval setting.
Strada Bastionului 13, Sighișoara 545400
American
Grill House Burger & More
Casual burger restaurant in Cluj-Napoca with generous portions and fair prices. Burgers, ribs, wings, and fries in relaxed setting. Popular with students and families.
Strada Potaissa 7, Cluj-Napoca 400123
Bakery Cafe
La Paine Bucharest
Popular bakery-cafe chain with fresh sandwiches, salads, and pastries. Perfect for quick breakfast or lunch, with good coffee and friendly service. Multiple Bucharest locations.
Multiple locations in Bucharest
Bakery Sandwiches
Panemar Brasov
Bakery and sandwich shop in Brașov with fresh bread and simple meals. Budget-friendly breakfast and lunch options, good coffee, and central location. Perfect for quick bites while sightseeing.
Strada Republicii 25, Brașov 500030
Bookstore Cafe
Carturesti Carusel
Stunning bookstore-cafe in restored 19th-century building in Bucharest. Six floors of books surrounding central atrium with top-floor cafe. Beautiful architecture, good coffee, and cultural atmosphere make this a must-visit.
Strada Lipscani 55, București 030033
Burgers
Garage Burger Timisoara
Hip burger joint in Timișoara serving creative gourmet burgers with local ingredients. Industrial-chic decor, craft beers, and vegetarian options. Popular with young crowd and burger enthusiasts.
Strada Take Ionescu 3, Timișoara 300062
Cafe & Bakery
Bob Cafe Timisoara
Popular cafe chain in Timișoara with fresh pastries, good coffee, and comfortable seating. Reliable quality, multiple locations, and free WiFi. Good for working or casual meetings.
Piața Victoriei 2, Timișoara 300006
Cafe & Chocolaterie
Cafe Cioccolato Cluj
Artisan chocolate shop and cafe in Cluj-Napoca with handmade chocolates and decadent hot chocolate. Elegant interior, perfect for sweet treats and coffee. Gift boxes available.
Strada Iuliu Maniu 2, Cluj-Napoca 400000
Coffee & Brunch
Termo Brasov
Hip cafe in Brașov serving specialty coffee, fresh juices, and creative brunch dishes. Industrial-chic decor, friendly vibe, and healthy options. Popular weekend brunch destination.
Strada Castelului 20, Brașov 500014
Contemporary Transylvanian
Vatra Brașov
Upscale restaurant in Brașov serving modern interpretations of Transylvanian specialties. Sophisticated ambiance with traditional elements, extensive wine cellar, and presentations that honor regional culinary traditions while incorporating modern techniques.
Strada După Ziduri 3, Brașov 500030
French
Bistro de l'Arte
Charming bistro in Bucharest Old Town combining French techniques with Romanian ingredients. Intimate setting, creative menu, and excellent wine pairings. Perfect for romantic dinners without fine dining prices.
Strada Șelari 9-11, București 030167
International
Marty Restaurants Bucharest
Reliable chain restaurant in Bucharest offering diverse menu from Romanian classics to international favorites. Multiple locations, consistent quality, and reasonable prices. Good option for varied group preferences.
Bulevardul Nicolae Bălcescu 2, București 010051
Market Food
Obor Market Food Stalls
Food stalls in Bucharest's largest market selling fresh produce, cheese, meats, and prepared foods. Try local specialties, fresh bread, and seasonal fruits at rock-bottom prices. Authentic local shopping experience.
Piața Obor, București 020976
Middle Eastern
Shaormeria Fast Food
No-frills shawarma spot in Bucharest serving generous portions at rock-bottom prices. Late-night favorite for satisfying wraps, fries, and sauce. Quick service and authentic flavors.
Various locations in Bucharest Old Town
Romanian Casual
Bella Musica Sighisoara
Casual restaurant in Sighișoara citadel with terrace seating and traditional food. Tourist-friendly menu, reasonable prices, and pleasant atmosphere. Good for lunch while exploring the medieval town.
Piața Cetății 9, Sighișoara 545400
Romanian Snacks
Covrigi Street Vendors
Street vendors selling covrigi (soft pretzels) throughout Romanian cities. Fresh, warm, and sprinkled with salt or sesame. Perfect cheap snack while walking around. Found near metro stations and busy areas.
Throughout city centers nationwide
Rooftop Cafe Bar
Nomad Skybar Bucharest
Trendy rooftop bar-cafe in Bucharest Old Town with panoramic city views. Coffee by day, cocktails by night, and all-day menu. Instagram-worthy setting with relaxed atmosphere.
Strada Smârdan 11, București 030167
Traditional Romanian Fine Dining
Casa Doina
Historic restaurant in Bucharest's Herăstrău Park offering refined Romanian cuisine in elegant surroundings. Live traditional music, extensive menu featuring game meats and regional specialties, and impeccable service make this a special occasion destination.
Șoseaua Pavel Dimitrievici Kiseleff 4, București 011341
Traditional Transylvanian
ROATA Cluj
Authentic Transylvanian restaurant in Cluj-Napoca serving hearty regional specialties. Traditional decor, live music weekends, and generous portions. Known for paprika-spiced dishes and friendly atmosphere.
Strada Alexandru Ciura 6, Cluj-Napoca 400394
Transylvanian
Max Sibiu
Popular restaurant in Sibiu's Lower Town known for traditional Transylvanian cuisine and local atmosphere. Cozy interior, outdoor terrace, and fair prices. Locals' favorite for authentic regional dishes.
Strada Azilului 8, Sibiu 550164
Transylvanian Fine Dining
Council Restaurant Sibiu
Elegant restaurant in historic building on Sibiu's Grand Square. Refined Transylvanian cuisine with Austrian and Hungarian influences, extensive wine list, and square views. Perfect for romantic dinners and special occasions.
Piața Mare 13, Sibiu 550163
Vinyl Cafe
Cafe Viniloteca Sibiu
Unique cafe in Sibiu combining coffee, vinyl records, and vintage atmosphere. Browse record collection, enjoy specialty coffee, and relax in retro setting. Cultural events and live music.
Strada Nicolae Bălcescu 29, Sibiu 550159
Food tours & tastings in Romania
Eat your way through Romania with a guide.
Browse food experiences in RomaniaWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Covrigi
Romanian street pretzels baked in dedicated covrigi shops throughout every city, eaten hot with sesame or poppy seeds. At $0.30-0.50 each, they're the cheapest and most authentic street food in Romania.
Find it at: Dedicated covrigi bakeries on any main street in Romanian cities
Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake)
Transylvanian spiral pastry rolled in cinnamon sugar and baked over a rotating spit. Available in Brașov, Cluj, and Sighișoara; sweet street food with Saxon-Hungarian origins.
Find it at: Street stalls in Brașov near Council Square, Sighișoara craft market
Grătar Street Grill (Mici)
Outdoor charcoal grills selling mici (skinless sausages) with mustard and beer are found near parks, stadiums, and markets throughout Romania. Essential summer street food experience.
Find it at: Near Herăstrău Park Bucharest, stadiums on match days, Obor market area
Gogosi (Romanian Donuts)
Hot fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar or filled with jam, sold from kiosks at fairs and markets. Similar to beignets; best fresh from the oil.
Find it at: Temporary stalls at markets, fairs, and Christmas markets nationwide
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Piața Obor Bucharest
Bucharest's largest and most authentic traditional market with fresh produce, meat, fish, dairy, pickles, and spices from across Romania. The ground floor meat and cheese halls are a revelation of Romanian artisan products.
Hours: 6AM-8PM daily
Piața Sfântul Gheorghe Brașov
Transylvanian covered and open-air market in central Brașov with seasonal mountain produce, local cheeses, homemade sausages, and honey from Carpathian beekeepers.
Hours: 7AM-4PM Tue-Sun
Piața Unirii Cluj-Napoca
Central market combining indoor halls and outdoor stalls around Cluj's main square. Excellent Transylvanian specialties including kürtőskalács pastries, local wines, and fresh produce from nearby farms.
Hours: 7AM-3PM Mon-Sat
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Romanian restaurants serve enormous portions by Western standards — ciorba soup followed by a main course is typically filling without adding a second course
Traditional restaurant lunch menus (meniu de prânz) Monday-Friday offer extraordinary value at $6-10 for soup, main course, and sometimes dessert
Tipping 10% is standard — leave cash separately rather than adding to the card payment, as staff may not always receive card tips
Romanian wine is very good value — domestic reds (Fetească Neagră, Cabernet from Dealu Mare) cost $10-20 in restaurants vs. $40+ for equivalent imported quality
- Vegetarian
- Limited in traditional restaurants but improving in cities. Ask for post (fasting) menu items which are traditionally vegan. Bucharest and Cluj have dedicated vegetarian restaurants.
- Vegan
- Orthodox fasting tradition creates genuinely vegan dishes (fasole bătută, zacuscă, post dishes) but must be specifically requested. Vegan restaurants in major cities.
- Gluten free
- Mămăligă (polenta) is naturally gluten-free and filling. Limited labeling; always ask ingredients.
- Halal
- Limited outside Bucharest; Turkish and Middle Eastern restaurants in major cities offer halal options
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-12/meal | Street food (covrigi, mici) and traditional local canteen-style restaurants; meniu de prânz set lunch |
| Mid-range | $15-35/meal | Full dinner at traditional or modern Romanian restaurant with a glass of local wine |
| Upscale | $50-100+/meal | Fine dining tasting menus at Lacrimi și Sfinți, Kane, or upscale hotel restaurants in Bucharest |