Premium Apartments by Wawel Castle

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.

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.

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.

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.

Situated within Stradom House – a modern, luxuriously appointed hotel hiding behind a 14th-century edifice – this stylishly appointed restaurant offers a proudly Polish repertoire. The à la carte includes dishes like herring with apple or confit duck leg with plum sauce, which all pack in plenty of flavour and avoid overcomplicating things. The tasting menu, meanwhile, plays like a greatest hits of classic Polish cuisine and is paired with exclusively Polish wines and liqueurs.

In a characterful location down a cobbled street near the Wawel Royal Castle, this attractive restaurant has a distinctive medieval style. The walls are hung with tapestries, with matching seat cushions in place on the white wooden banquettes; downstairs, amongst the brick and stone, there's a more cosy, dimly lit vibe. Dishes like homemade pasta with game sauce fuse hearty flavours with careful technique. Above the restaurant are three richly furnished suites.