Polish Home Cooking$$kazimierzMon-Thu 11:00-21:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00, Sun 11:00-21:00
Marchewka z Groszkiem in Kraków's Kazimierz is the homely Polish bistro on the Mostowa footbridge: pierogi, gołąbki, beetroot soup with uszka.
Signature: Pierogi with goose, Beetroot soup with uszka
Order: Goose pierogi and a bowl of beetroot soup with little uszka mushroom dumplings.
Tip: The Mostowa branch sits on the footbridge with river views. Open daily 12:00-22:00.
Traditional Polish$$stare-miasto
Pod Baranem near the Wawel side of Kraków's Planty cooks classic Polish since 1997. Chef-founder Jan Baran's menu runs duck, veal cheeks, traditional soups.
Signature: Duck with apple, Veal cheeks
Order: Duck with apple and red cabbage; veal cheeks in mushroom sauce.
Tip: Reservation only in the evening; lunch easier as walk-in. Close to Wawel Castle.
Turkish$kazimierz
Vegab on Starowiślna near Kraków's Kazimierz is the vegan kebab and zapiekanka counter that beat the city's late-night habit at its own game.
Signature: Vegan seitan kebab, Vegan zapiekanka
Order: Seitan kebab in pita with garlic sauce and pickled red cabbage; vegan zapiekanka as a backup.
Tip: Cash and card. Open until 02:00 every night; the kebab in pita is the order.
French Bistro$$kazimierz
Zazie Bistro in Kraków's Kazimierz runs Lyonnais-bistro grammar in a tiny room on Józefa: tartare, escargot, blanquette de veau, tarte tatin.
Signature: Tartare, Tarte tatin
Order: Beef tartare to start and the tarte tatin to share; carafe of house red.
Tip: Walk-in only. Get there before 19:00 or queue 30 minutes; closed Sunday.
Pierogi$stare-miasto
Pierogarnia Krakowiacy on Szewska in Kraków's Old Town runs a 30-strong pierogi carte: ruskie, meat, duck, spinach, sweet cherry. Located in Stare Miasto.
Signature: Pierogi ruskie, Pierogi with duck
Order: A mixed plate of pierogi ruskie and pierogi with duck; a glass of kompot to wash it down.
Tip: Pierogi come boiled or pan-fried. Pan-fried takes 5 extra minutes; ask for half-and-half.
Pierogi$stare-miasto
Przystanek Pierogarnia in Kraków's Old Town is the no-nonsense pierogi counter locals queue at: 20 fillings, plates from 18 zl, open from 11:00 to late.
Signature: Pierogi z mięsem, Pierogi z kapustą i grzybami
Order: Pierogi z mięsem (minced meat) and the cabbage-and-mushroom version. Sour cream on the side.
Tip: Cash and card. Counter seats only; ten stools and a window-bar.