The Top 10 Local Restaurants In Wrocław, Poland

Always busy, always full of life, Pod Papugami has developed a reputation with locals and visitors for its creative food and vibrant atmosphere. Located on the Market Square in the heart of Wrocław, it can be on the pricey side. It is decorated in the style of classic Hollywood and serves up plenty of its own stars on the menu. Using fresh, regional and seasonal ingredients, Head Chef Mariola Monczak cooks up a delicious variety of French and Mediterranean-inspired dishes including roasted wild boar, grilled salmon, duck breast, pasta, salads and even tapas. There is often live music, particularly blues and jazz, to enjoy, which has granted Pod Papugami somewhat of a cult status in Wrocław. They also do all sorts of great cocktails if you want to swing by for a drink or two.

Pod Papugami | © Klearchos Kapoutsis/Flickr

Also located on the Market Square, Cesarsko-Królewska is an interesting mixture of sleek modern outfitting and tradition, housed in a vast vaulted stone structure. The food is that of Eastern European cuisine, with lots of rich smoked meats, dumplings and warming broths, many dishes of which come from the surrounding region. There are plenty of fish and salad options if you are after something lighter. Choose from three sumptuously decorated rooms in which to eat – named after the cities of Budapest, Prague and Vienna, all of which offer sophisticated surroundings and service to match. In the summer, there is also a garden where dining al fresco reigns supreme.

Popular local restaurants don’t have to be Polish. An unashamedly Parisian-style bistro, Le Bistrot Parisien has been a highly popular local choice with Wrocław’s diners for a long while, emulating a restaurant straight from Paris. The bistro has an easy-going atmosphere, with walls lined with period photography of French newspaper clippings, and is a great casual spot to enjoy French food. Le Bistrot Parisien is a definite winner for those in search of effortless style, elegance and unpretentious but expertly cooked meals. Excellent French dishes include steak, snails, beef tartare, mussels, frogs’ legs and frites, as well as a predictably fantastic selection of wines.

Another favourite local haunt, Sukiennice 7 can be found in a prime central location on the Market Square. Furnished with gorgeous old wood panelling and beams, this is another cosy spot in which to enjoy both Polish and foreign-influenced dishes. The medieval decor makes for a great atmosphere, harking back to the native traditions of Lower Silesia. You will find a range of European dishes on the well designed menu, including Tatar, snails, soups and tasty fish dishes. The venue serves a range of good beers and imported wines to accompany your main meal.

Stunning Gothic vaults in some of Wrocław’s medieval cellars in the heart of the old city make Jadka a delightfully atmospheric choice. The venue offers a variety of both modern European and traditional Polish dishes with Lithuanian influence, cooked with distinct class and verve. Starched linen tablecloths, professional service, quality china and silver cutlery bestow on Jadka an elegance and grace that combats the potential oppressiveness of its subterranean decor. In fact, for a vaulted cellar it is a surprisingly spacious and well-lit. There are some fascinating liqueurs on offer here, as well as an impressive collection of vodkas for the more adventurous travelers. Advance booking is recommended for this fine-dining experience.

Another Bar Mleczny (Milk Bar), Bar Wiking is another cheap and popular local option in Wrocław. Expect excellent Polish delicacies such as Pierogi Ruskie, Nalesniki and Zupa all served with some great Kompot (juice) for very cheap prices. The location is a bit further away from the Old Town, but it makes a good stop over for lunch if you are coming or going from the train station to the Old Town.