Food is one of Bucharest's most serious arguments. Over the past decade the scene has jumped from "the place with soup" to a city of chef-driven bistros, specialty cafés, rooftops and clubs that run until morning. Here we give you the map of the scene; for verified venues with addresses, go to restaurants and clubs — we don't invent menus or names. Prices stretch across a wide range, from cheap canteen-style lunches to tasting menus, so the city works on almost any budget if you know where to look.
What you can eat
Romanian cuisine — from soups, sarmale and grills to bistros that reinterpret the classic recipes. Look out for ciorbă (sour soup), mămăligă (polenta) and mici (grilled minced-meat rolls), the dishes most visitors want to try first. Cafés and brunch — specialty coffee and weekend brunch are now a ritual, densest in the central and northern areas. Street food — burgers, shaorma, bao, quick Asian food, on corners and in the markets. International — Italian, Asian, Levantine, Georgian; a wide choice. Rooftops — high terraces with views over the city, especially in summer.
By area
- Old Town — the densest concentration of bars and terraces; touristy and loud, but with reliable spots. See districts.
- Dorobanți — bistros, fine dining, chic cafés; the classic upscale area.
- Floreasca and the north — modern restaurants, brunch, lakeside spots; see Floreasca.
- Centre and around — the best mix of prices and styles, easy to reach by metro.
Markets and produce
For a more local angle, the city's food markets are worth a detour: Piața Obor in the east is the largest and best known, with stalls of produce, cheese, pickles and a famous grill counter. Smaller neighbourhood markets across the city sell seasonal fruit and vegetables, often cheaper and fresher than the supermarkets. They are also a good place to taste regional specialities without sitting down to a full meal.
Evenings: bars, clubs, dates
For a quiet evening, a wine or cocktail bar in the centre. For dates, pick somewhere with good light and no loud music — a rooftop or a small bistro. For a night out, the clubs cover everything, from electronic to live music. Families: look for places with a play area and a kids' menu, common in parks and malls.
Practical tip
Book at the weekend, especially at the good places in the centre and Dorobanți. On Friday evenings the central car parks fill up fast — take public transport if you plan to drink. Tipping is customary, usually around ten percent for good service, and many places now accept cards everywhere, though it is worth keeping a little cash for markets and small street stalls. And check the events: many venues have themed nights and concerts.
