Apartment Cystersow Cracow by Renters

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.

As soon as you enter this slick restaurant in vibrant Kazimierz, you know you’re in good hands. The smart interior with its high-top seating and marble-topped tables has a stylish, wine bar feel, while the superbly friendly and attentive service team keep things running smoothly. The menu offers a delicious taste of Israel, with excellent pitta and some of the best lamb kebabs you will find. That it all comes at affordable prices is an added bonus – as is the selection of Israeli and Polish wines.

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 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.

Located in the up-and-coming Zabłocie neighbourhood, this sister restaurant to Hana Sushi is located on the ground floor of a modern apartment block. Inside, it’s bright and stylish, with an abundance of blonde wood furnishings. Despite bento boxes for lunch and a selection of nigiri, there’s more of a Korean slant to the menu here, with hearty, soul-warming options like red jjamppong. Don’t miss the signature popcorn chicken too!

This intimate, modern restaurant blends a small open kitchen with powder blue banquettes and walls decorated with bright artwork from The Polish Poster School. The modernised versions of classic Polish dishes deliver an appealing blend of textures, alongside a careful balancing of complementary flavours. Breads are baked in-house and local ingredients are sourced from the nearby Stary Kleparz market.

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.