Everything you need to know about dining in this city
Prime tables fill on Friday and Saturday evenings, so book ahead for 18:00 - 20:00. Midweek dinners are easier, and late lunches around 14:00 - 16:00 are typically calm. Counter seating and omakase-style tastings benefit from reservations a day or two in advance. Old Town gets busier in peak tourist months; shoulder seasons feel quieter.
Tipping is discretionary; rounding up or adding around 10% is appreciated for good service. Contactless payment is widely accepted. Use soy sauce sparingly and avoid placing ginger on nigiri-enjoy it between bites. If unsure, ask about daily fish, whether wasabi is already on the rice, and recommended orders for the table size.
Expect quick lunch sets around 35 - 60 PLN per person, often with miso or a soft drink. A casual dinner of maki plus a few nigiri lands near 60 - 120 PLN. Chef’s sets or tastings range 150 - 300+ PLN depending on fish and course count. Extras like sashimi platters or sake flights raise totals.
Stare Miasto (Old Town) concentrates many options near landmarks and hotels. Kazimierz offers intimate rooms and creative menus ideal for evening strolls. Podgórze and Zabłocie bring modern spots along the river. Around Krowodrza and Bronowice, expect student‑friendly choices, delivery‑focused kitchens, and competitive pricing a short ride from the center.
Find answers to common questions about dining in Krakow
Walk-ins often work midweek, but reservations help on weekends and at smaller counters with limited seating. Book ahead for peak hours, larger groups, and any chef’s tasting. If timing is flexible, consider a late lunch or early dinner; waits tend to be shorter outside 18:00 - 20:00 in central districts.
Many menus include vegetable rolls, inari, tofu, and pickled or grilled seasonal produce. Look for notes about vegan mayo or miso without fish stock, and ask staff to adjust sauces. Neighborhoods like Kazimierz and student areas often showcase plant‑forward choices, with clear labeling and easy swaps on combination sets.
Start with a small nigiri flight to gauge rice, knife work, and seasoning. Add a contrasting maki-one clean and simple, one with a bolder sauce. Round out with a seasonal special, miso, or a light salad. Sharing a sashimi plate lets the table compare textures without filling up on rice.
Both appear. Classic nigiri and sashimi anchor many menus, while rolls may incorporate local vegetables, herbs, or house sauces. Some chefs offer concise tastings with restrained seasoning; others explore playful combinations. If personal preference leans traditional, ask for simpler cuts and light soy; staff can steer you accordingly.
Signs include warm‑to‑body rice, tidy knife cuts, and fish with a clean sheen and neutral aroma. The menu often lists daily specials or limited items. Staff can describe sourcing and preparation without hesitation. Balanced seasoning-neither overly sweet nor salty-usually indicates attention to rice and vinegar ratios.
It’s common, especially for maki and set boxes that travel well. Nigiri and delicate toppings are best eaten soon after preparation, so check estimated delivery times. Request soy, ginger, and wasabi packed separately, and keep boxes cool but not icy. For longer trips, choose sturdier rolls over soft or warm items.
Krakow’s sushi scene blends classic nigiri, sashimi, and maki with a spectrum of experiences, from intimate counters to relaxed, casual spots. In and around the Old Town and Kazimierz, menus typically pair tidy sets and chef-led tastings with creative rolls, small plates, and light sides. Many kitchens emphasize good rice, clean cuts, and seasonal specials. Lunch deals are common, while evenings skew toward longer, shareable orders. For those planning group meals or specific diets, vegetarian and gluten‑aware options appear on a growing number of menus. Use myForager to sort quickly with smart filters, estimated price ranges, and tags that surface the right places fast. Whether it’s a quiet date, a pre-theatre bite, or a leisurely weekend dinner, the city offers plenty of ways to enjoy precise technique without formality.
Get product updates, launch news and exclusive tips