Traditional Polish€€€kazimierz
Starka in Kraków's Kazimierz cooks classic Polish in a townhouse cellar with a courtyard garden, and pours its house-aged Starka vodka in 8 to 25-year-old vintages alongside.
Signature: Duck with baked apple, Aged Starka vodka flight
Order: Duck with baked apple and the 10-year Starka vodka flight; courtyard table in summer.
Tip: Book the courtyard for sunset; the cellar room is the better seating in winter.
Polish-French€€€stare-miasto
Szara Gęś on Kraków's Rynek Główny runs a Polish carte in a Cloth Hall-facing dining room. The kitchen leans on Polish poultry and game; seasonal goose feature.
Signature: Roast goose with apple and red cabbage, Pierogi with venison
Order: The roast goose for two with red cabbage and apple, in November during goose season.
Tip: Reservation only on weekends. The Cloth Hall side tables go first; ask when booking.
Polish-Jewish€€€kazimierz
Miodova in Kraków's Kazimierz on Szeroka cooks contemporary Polish with Jewish-influenced dishes inspired by a 19th-century cookbook. Daily lunch and dinner.
Signature: Goose pierogi, Cholent for two
Order: Goose pierogi to start, then cholent for two with a glass from the Polish-wine list.
Tip: Open daily for lunch and dinner; the terrace runs through summer.
French bistro€€kazimierz
Zazie Bistro in Kraków's Kazimierz runs straight Lyonnais-bistro grammar: tartare, escargot, blanquette de veau, tarte tatin. Small room, chalkboard menu, French wine list.
Signature: Beef tartare, Tarte tatin
Order: Beef tartare and the tarte tatin to share. House red by the carafe.
Tip: Walk-in only. Get there before 19:00 or queue 30 minutes. Closed Sunday.
Modern Polish€€€kazimierz
Trezo in Kraków's Kazimierz on Miodowa cooks modern Polish that marries traditional flavours with modern techniques. Casual dining room, cafe-bar attached.
Signature: Dry-aged beef short rib, Beetroot tartare
Order: Dry-aged beef short rib and beetroot tartare to start. A glass of Polish riesling alongside.
Tip: Book ahead for weekend evenings; the cafe-bar side is good for a casual drink.
Italian€€€stare-miasto
Fiorentina on Grodzka in Kraków's Old Town is the Tuscan-inspired room with a vaulted red-brick ceiling. Dry-aged bistecca alla Fiorentina; deep Italian wine list.
Signature: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Hand-rolled pasta
Order: The bistecca for two with a Brunello by the bottle, and the gnudi as a starter.
Tip: The bistecca needs ordering in advance; closed Sunday. Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition.