Hotel Astoria

Located in the trendy Plac Nowy square in the city’s historic Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz, this busy and buoyant restaurant adopts a chic brasserie-style aesthetic with high-top tables and a terrace that’s ideal for the summertime. The menu showcases appealing variety, with the globally influenced dishes ranging from oysters to arancini and tempura to ceviche. Whatever you choose, there’s a unifying theme of sensible pricing and quality execution from the kitchen team.

It’s easy to miss this likeable little wine bar tucked away in the Old Town, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled, lest you lose out on all the joys it has to offer. There’s a comforting, rustic feel to both the look and the cooking, with a semi-vaulted ceiling and whitewashed brick walls providing the perfect setting for the generous and full-flavoured dishes. A wonderful risotto with Polish porcini mushrooms is a prime example. The fun, trendy wine list focuses on orange and natural options, hence the ‘Nat’ in the name.

A younger sibling to the acclaimed Bottiglieria 1881, this buzzing modern brasserie feels distinctly of-the-moment. From the pared-back yet well-appointed décor to the open kitchen and counter seating, it’s no wonder the place is so packed. The cooking resurrects and reinvents Polish classics – such as homemade kaszkanka (black pudding) – while offering a selection of high-quality meats cooked over the grill. Assured, personable service suits the vibe of the place well.

A fun evening out is on the cards at this lively spot inspired by the night canteens of Bangkok. An open kitchen and vintage vibe contribute to the party atmosphere, which is helped along by a range of Thai-inspired cocktails. The authentic menu covers all four regions of Thailand, with vibrant dishes delivering the hallmark blend of sweet, sour, spicy and salty. Sharing is encouraged and the dishes are well-priced, so don’t hold back when ordering.

Thanks to its quality produce prepared with precision, this sleek, understatedly stylish Japanese-inspired restaurant has made a real impact in Kraków. It's a professionally run place, offering colourful dishes that are fragrant and full of flavour. The lunch menu revolves largely around set bento box options that include sushi, salad and gyoza, while Korean cuisine is also represented on the main menu with dishes such as kimchi jjigae.

There's a lively atmosphere when eating at Karakter thanks to its loud music, cocktails and pared-back décor. The charming young team serve an extensive menu with a focus on offal, so be prepared for sweetbreads, brains and horse meat tartare, the last of which is one of their signature dishes. The cooking of these less-common ingredients is original and refined, blending many different flavours together. The set lunch menu is a steal.

A cool and casual spot, there's a welcoming vibe to this neighbourhood operation that’s very much in the bistro mould. If you like a ringside seat for watching the chefs, ask for a spot at the kitchen counter. The cooking mixes a Polish base with influences from over the world, while the generous portions are indicative of the restaurant’s spirit. The interesting and ever-evolving wine list spotlights natural options, with plenty of orange and skin-contact varieties.