Polish-jewish$$$kazimierz
Ariel on Szeroka in Kraków's Kazimierz is a 16th-century tenement-house restaurant cooking Galician Jewish and Polish dishes across two dining rooms.
Signature: Carp Jewish-style, Roast goose with cherries
Order: Carp Jewish-style to start, then roast goose with cherries; a shot of slivovitz to close.
Tip: Klezmer concert runs every night (separate ticket); book the upstairs dining room for the larger space.
French Bistro$$kazimierz
Zazie Bistro in Kraków's Kazimierz runs straight Lyonnais-bistro grammar: tartare, escargot, blanquette de veau, tarte tatin. Kitchen leans french bistro.
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$$$kazimierz
Cargo Grill & Deli on Plac Nowy in Kraków's Kazimierz fires dry-aged Polish beef and fresh European seafood with a wine cellar to match. Priced at $$$.
Signature: Dry-aged Polish beef ribeye, Fresh fish of the day
Order: Dry-aged Polish ribeye with a bottle from the cellar; deli counter for cured meats on the way out.
Tip: Book the dining room for dinner; daytime walk-ins lean toward the deli side of the room.
Italian$$$stare-miasto
Fiorentina on Grodzka in Kraków's Old Town is the Tuscan-inspired room with a vaulted red-brick ceiling. Located in Stare Miasto. Priced at $$$.
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.
Modern Polish$$$stare-miasto
Filipa 18 in Kraków's Kleparz is the neo-Polish room inside Hotel Indigo. Located in Stare Miasto. Priced at $$$. At ul. Świętego Filipa 18.
Signature: Tartare with pickled mushroom, Duck with smoked plum
Order: Whatever tartare is on, and the duck with smoked plum if it's running.
Tip: Tasting menu Tuesday to Saturday 17:00-22:00. Book a week ahead for weekend dinner.
Modern Polish$$$$kazimierz
Bottiglieria 1881 in Kraków's Kazimierz holds Poland's only two Michelin stars. Przemysław Klima cooks Polish ingredients on a long tasting menu only.
Signature: Tasting menu with Polish-only wine pairing, Autumn game course
Order: The full tasting menu with the Polish-wine pairing from a 700-bottle list.
Tip: Closed Sunday and Monday. Book three weeks ahead for Friday or Saturday; midweek is easier.