Where to eat in Bucharest, Romania

Since one of the only things I did during my recent trip to Bucharest was eat and drink my weight in sugar, it’s only fair I blog about some of the places I found on my trip.

All of the restaurants and bars I visited had different things to offer and I’d recommend them all for different reasons. So here’s my brief guide to grabbing a bite in the city.

  1. Les Bourgeois – Cafe/Bistro

Located in the centre of Old town, this small cosy restaurant has a very local traditional feel and nice interior setting. There is a very large outdoor space for anyone wanting to smoke or enjoy the sunshine whilst being sheltered during winter. Dishes on offer include very low priced steaks and traditional Romanian meals.

Steak with salad and Salmon Pasta

Why visit? ~ This restaurant was a lot more relaxed in comparison to the others on a Saturday. Choose here if you want a quieter setting. The food was great but the only downfall was the service was slow.

  1. Noa Restoclub

A little more upmarket, evident in the prices, you’ll find this steak and burger restaurant just off the hustle and bustle of central Old Town. The restaurant was nicely decorated, friendly and offered a variety of meat dishes.

Why visit? ~ If you’re in the mood for a burger and don’t mind a heftier price tag, this place hits the spot. Great quality food and a nice setting with very tasty mocktails.

  1. Cismigui – Bistro La Etaj

Located on the 6th floor of Hotel Cismigui you’ll find this gem. I can’t comment on the dinner service here as I only visited for breakfast staying in the hotel. However, the unique decor really makes this place worth a visit if you want those ‘Insta-worthy’ shots. As a lover of all things pink I loved the French-chic decor here.

Why visit? With a 6th floor view of Bucharest including the famous Palace and a chance to have a teddy bear companion, what’s not to love?

  1. Club Bound

A quirky bar in central Old Town featuring cool signage and an extensive drinks menu. We stopped here for a few drinks and I enjoyed a delightful iced coffee. This place turns into a nightclub on an evening but is very chilled midweek.

Why visit? ~ Lots of choice when it comes to drinks and a quirky setting to enjoy them in.

  1. Journey Garden

Outside of Old town but still within walking distance, this place definitely takes the crown for one of the coolest places I’ve ever had a drink at! Surrounded by real plants it’s like sitting in a rainforest.

Why visit? ~ An amazingly unique setting to enjoy a drink from their extensive selection on offer!

  1. Private Hell Club

For anyone keen to listen to very heavy rock metal then this is the bar for you! Located in Old Town, this was by miles the cheapest place I visited in the city.

Why visit? ~ You need to be a fan of rock or metal or you’ll probably not like this place. Whilst it’s a simple bar, it offers ridiculously low priced drinks!

  1. Paine Si Vin

Just outside of the busy streets but an easy location to get to, you’ll find this casual deli. With a wood fired oven they offer a variety of homemade pizzas and cheese/deli boards.

Why visit? ~ This place has the facilities of an expensive restaurant but with a casual setting meaning prices are low. Good food if you fancy a high quality meal!

These are the places I visited during my time in Bucharest in March 2023. This is not an endorsement post and hopefully helps you decide where to stop by if you plan to visit anytime soon.

~ Visited Burcharest, Romania in March 2023

4 comments

  1. This is such a perfectly put together food guide—I could literally feel the vibe of Bucharest just through your descriptions. It’s not just a list of places, it actually captures the mood of moving through the city—from relaxed cafés to lively bars and those hidden gems you only discover when you wander a bit.

    What I really loved is how each spot has its own personality. From the calm, cozy feel of Les Bourgeois to the stylish energy of NOA Restoclub, and then something totally unique like Journey Garden—it feels like a full experience, not just dining. And that rooftop charm at Cismigiu Bistro La Etaj with the views? That’s the kind of detail that makes a trip memorable.

    Honestly, reading this gave me the exact same feeling I get when I’m in Thamel. That mix of buzzing streets, local flavors, random cafés, hidden bars, and just walking around trying different foods without a strict plan—it’s such a similar energy. In Thamel too, you jump from a chill café to a lively bar, tasting everything from local dishes to international bites, and every place has its own story.

    Your post really captures that explore-through-food spirit. It’s not just about eating—it’s about discovering a city one bite (and one drink ) at a time. Super engaging, super relatable, and honestly makes me want to plan a trip there just to follow this exact route!

    Like

    • Thank you. I’ve never been to Kathmandu but one day I hope to! I hope you make it to Bucharest in the future. This blog post of mine is one of my most viewed, proving to me that many people wish to visit but not many have been before or written about it if they did!

      All the best, Sophie

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