Bucharest Restaurants

Bucharest has a great selection of dining establishments and visitors will have no trouble finding hearty, traditional Romanian cuisine or wonderful international dishes, all served at very reasonable prices.

Local cuisine

Romanian cuisine takes its influences from several different cultures, notably Balkan, German, Serbian and Hungarian. The dishes are very diverse, and lend themselves to a wide-ranging menu. Many dishes are made of pork, but beef, lamb and fish are also used. Various pork dishes are made during Christmas, while Easter usually brings a roast lamb and drob, a mixed stew of intestines, meat and vegetables, served with a sweet cottage cheese pie.

One recipe that is truly in Romanian culture is mamaliga, a cornmeal mush that was once seen as a peasant staple, but has gained in appreciation. For a hearty meal, try chiftele, in which large meatballs are covered in a flour or breadcrumb crust. A vegetarian version is also made with mushrooms and called chiftelute.

Where to eat

The city is filled with restaurants that offer enormous servings at little cost. Many places can be found near the bars and clubs around the historic centre, offering traditional as well as international cuisines. For special meals, try Burebista Vanatoresc, near the US Embassy, for its hearty wild boar, venison, pheasant and bear as well as live gypsy music.

At the upper end of dining, Casa Doina is where Bucharest’s well-heeled and important go for exquisite three-course meals and wine served by black-tie waiters. For more traditional environs, seat yourself in the courtyard of Manuc’s Inn, a 19th century establishment known more for its atmosphere and beer than for its food.