Restaurants in Krakow | World Jewish Travel

Once Upon a Time

Step back in time to the Kazimierz of yesteryear with a visit to Once Upon a Time in Kazimierz. From its ancient floorboards to the authentic wood furniture and adorned with artefacts of Kraków’s past, this restaurant is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for your stomach. Merging the histories of Polish and Jewish culture, Once Upon a Time pays a real tribute to the culture-rich past of Kraków. From the outside, the restaurant is decorated like the shopfronts of the past with weathered window shutters, shabby window displays and peeling shop signs that proudly display their names. The interiors of each shop front is preserved to look as it would’ve in the past, a glimpse at the grocers of the early 20th century but the cultural tributes go beyond that. The Once Upon a Time menu is decorated to look like an antique newspaper, and is stocked with traditional fare like pierogis (Polish ravioli), cholent (a thick meat stew) and borsch (a beetroot soup). They offer a wide selection of beers, liquors, traditional meads and ciders, as well as soft drinks for everyone’s liking. On top of the traditional lunch and dinner menu, Once Upon a Time in Kazimierz offers a special breakfast menu with a mixture of typical Polish and Jewish breakfast feasts, such as shakshuka, ‘omlet’ and grilled lamb. It’s a great place to fill up on a hearty breakfast before starting a day of touring and exploring. In the evening, the restaurant hosts live music concerts paying tribute to the klezmer and traditional sounds of the region. Whether you make it a pitstop or a focal point of your evening, Once Upon a Time in Kazimierz is a one-of-a-kind restaurant that truly speaks to the souls of its guests, whether local or international. Visit Once Upon a Time in Kazimierz for every day from 10am until midnight for an unforgettable Jewish-Polish cultural experience.

Restaurants

Ariel Restaurant

The name "Ariel" originates from the Old Testament and is one of four archangels. The name can also be pronounced "Uriel" meaning "the Light of God". Ariel is a restaurant, cafe, and gallery located in the center of the Kazimierz Jewish Quarter. This area of town is full of life with 5 synagogues nearby and lots of history. Inside the restaurant, there's a dining room that seats 45 guests located on the first floor of the antique Jewish tenement-house from the 16th century. There is also a larger dining room for 80 guests on second-floor filled with hundreds of paintings and Klezmer Jewish music and seating areas in the basement and gallery room.

Restaurants

Mazaya Falafel

Mazaya serves traditional falafel dishes bursting with Mediterranean flavors. At either of their three locations, you'll find someone of the best tahini, pita, and hummus in town served in either sandwich or salad style. This restaurant wants everyone to enjoy their falafel and offers several vegan and vegetarian options. Visitors who review this restaurant describe Mazaya as being a reasonably priced cafe where you can enjoy a colorful falafel dish in a cozy atmosphere.

Restaurants

Hamsa Restobar

With the hopes of bringing the rich flavors of Tel Aviv and the Middle East to Kraków, Hamsa Hummus was opened in 2012 by 3 non-Jewish Polish friends who were inspired by Israeli culture and cuisine. Do not let the lack of Israeli or Jewish ownership deter you, the food is authentic and delicious. The vibrant menu pays homage to traditional Israeli cuisine, featuring shakshouka, challah toasts, and typical breakfasts of breads, spreads, salads and cheeses. On the weekends, Hamsa Hummus is known for its phenomenal breakfast buffet where you can indulge on fresh hummus, muhammara, cheeses, granola, veggies and more. For lunch and dinner, you can build your own mezze platter or choose from a selection of super salads or soups that are available a la cart. Hamsa Hummus also cooks a wide range of spiced meats and provides a handful of main vegetarian options, so there’s truly something for everyone on the menu. Make sure to save room for something sweet at the end of your meal. Hamsa Hummus makes traditional malabi, knafeh, and baklava, which are best enjoyed with a cup of hot Bedouin coffee. The bright decor of Hamsa Hummus creates a fun, colorful culinary experience that pays tribute to the traditions of the Middle East. Their commitment to using fresh, seasonal products means every dish is delicately crafted to provide guests with the best experience possible. They kindly cater to a range of diets including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free, which can be difficult to accommodate for with traditional Polish cuisine. While Hamsa Hummus does not serve local food, it is a local restaurant that provides the community with unique flavors of a different culture, giving both locals and tourists food for thought.

Restaurants

Klezmer Hois

Located in a former bathhouse in the heart of Kazimierz, the Klezmer Hois is a unique Kraków institution that cannot be missed. Situated just 100 meters from the Remuh Synagogue, adding an evening visit to the Klezmer House - complete with traditional Jewish music and Polish cuisine - is an easy way to experience a slice of the old Jewish traditions of Kraków. Authentically decorated and home to a large menu of delicious, hearty Galician Jewish food, the atmosphere of the Klezmer house is one-of-a-kind. Reviving the pre-war feel of Jewish Kazimierz by hosting nightly concerts, the Klezmer Hois has made a name for itself among international artists, actors, musicians, poets and painters. Celebrity guests of this culinary institution include Stephen Spielberg, Prince Charles, Roman Polański and many other notable visitors. At Klezmer Hois, you’ll find delectable classics including an array of zupa (soup), knische (a Russian Pierog Pie), Litvak-style herring and scrumptious kreplach, to name just a few. The restaurant has no shortage of teas and coffees, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages thanks to its fully-equipped bar and you can enjoy your food (and the delectable decor) as you listen to live traditional klezmer music which starts at every evening at 8pm. While reservations are not necessary they are suggested for large parties or special occasions.

Restaurants

Szalom Falafel

You may not believe that you can get kosher street food in central Kraków, but thanks to Szalom Falafel, you can. Certified kosher unders the supervision of Rabbi Eliezer Gurary, this tasty little menu specializes in vegan Israeli food focusing on falafel, shakshuka and hummus - all freshly made. Szalom Falafel also serves a selection of soft drinks and their famous vegan ice cream. Located right on the back of the Isaac Synagogue, dine on some Israeli classics - possibly the best in Kraków - while enjoying the unique atmosphere of the city’s Jewish Quarter. Szalom Falafel is open Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 9:30pm, Friday’s from 10am to 5pm and closed on Saturdays - it’s a perfect stopover for lunch, dinner or an afternoon snack.

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Once Upon a Time

Ariel Restaurant

Mazaya Falafel

Hamsa Restobar

Klezmer Hois

Szalom Falafel