Everything you need to know about dining in this city
Peak dining runs 18:00 - 21:00, especially along the Motława waterfront and in Old Town. Summer weekends and holiday periods fill up fast; booking helps. Lunch is calmer from 12:00 - 15:00. In colder months, evenings are quieter, but popular spots still recommend reservations for groups.
Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted; carry some PLN for small cafes. Tap water is safe, but still or sparkling is often ordered. Bread baskets may be charged. Menus frequently include English. To ask for the bill, say “proszę o rachunek.” Smoking indoors is prohibited.
Typical spend per person: 25 - 50 PLN for soup, small plates, or a pastry and coffee; 50 - 100 PLN for a main with a soft drink; 100 - 200 PLN for three courses or seafood; 200+ PLN for tasting menus and wine. Waterfront terraces and prime addresses trend higher.
Old Town and the riverfront see the densest mix, from cellar dining rooms to modern spots. Granary Island is lively with new builds and terraces. Brabank and the Shipyard area bring contemporary kitchens. Wrzeszcz clusters cafés and bistros; Oliwa offers calmer, leafy options near the park.
Find answers to common questions about dining in Gdansk
Look for Baltic touches: herring in cream or oil, warming fish soup, and cod or salmon grilled or baked. Polish staples include pierogi, żurek (sour rye soup), bigos, and potato pancakes. In autumn, kitchens often feature wild mushrooms. For dessert, try apple-based pastries or makowiec (poppy-seed cake).
Most places list vegetarian mains and starters, and vegan options are increasingly common in central districts. Menus often mark allergens and gluten-free choices. Ask staff about broths or sauces if you avoid dairy or meat. Chefs can sometimes adapt dishes when requested politely, especially during quieter service times.
Booking helps on summer weekends, holidays, and for waterfront or fine‑dining rooms. Walk‑ins at lunch are often seated quickly. If a desired slot is full, try earlier or later times, bar seating, or get on a waitlist. Many venues accept online reservations; calling day‑of can also uncover cancellations.
Central kitchens typically open from late morning or noon, with dinner service from around 18:00. Many close their kitchens by 22:00 - 23:00, though drinks may continue later. Some venues pause between lunch and dinner, especially outside peak season. Sunday and winter hours vary, so always check current times before heading out.
Tipping is appreciated rather than mandatory. Rounding up or adding about 10% is common for good service. Check whether a service charge is included before adding more. When paying by card, ask the server to add a tip to the total. For cash, leave the difference or say that change isn’t needed.
Old Town and the waterfront are walkable. Trams and buses connect Wrzeszcz, Oliwa, and the Shipyard area efficiently, and tickets are easy to buy at machines. Ride‑hailing and taxis are widely available. Parking near the center is limited in summer. Dress for breezes if you plan to sit on terraces.
Gdańsk’s restaurant scene combines Baltic heritage with modern creativity. In the Old Town and along the Motława, visitors find everything from contemporary Polish cooking and seafood to Italian comfort food and global flavors. Many places lean seasonal, highlighting fish, forest mushrooms, and regional produce, while bakeries and wine-focused bistros add variety. Casual spots sit beside refined dining rooms, so it’s easy to plan anything from a quick pierogi lunch to a long, celebratory dinner. Summer brings lively terraces and longer waits; shoulder seasons feel calmer, yet reservations still help on weekends. With myForager, use smart filters, price ranges, and instant discovery to narrow choices quickly without scanning endless tabs. Expect widely accepted card payments, English-friendly service in tourist areas, and kitchens that typically run late into the evening, though hours can vary by day. Whether staying near the waterfront or exploring Wrzeszcz and Oliwa, there’s a satisfying mix of ambiance, cuisine styles, and budgets.
Get product updates, launch news and exclusive tips