Bucharest in 2026 pairs ancestral food traditions with an energetic modern dining culture.
Old Town, also known as Lipscani, acts as the epicenter of the capital’s restaurant scene.
Travelers looking for a wider curated selection across Romania can read through Top Restaurants in Town for additional dining inspiration beyond the venues highlighted here.
Walkable streets connect historic taverns, contemporary bistros, and lively nightlife venues.
Architecture dating back centuries creates an atmospheric backdrop for lunch, dinner, or late evening gatherings.
Best restaurants in Bucharest capture distinct sides of town’s food culture.
Traditional Romanian cooking, creative reinterpretations of classic dishes, and Mediterranean or Middle Eastern influences all find a place within a few blocks of one another.
1. Caru’ cu Bere (Est. 1879)
Caru’ cu Bere ranks among Bucharest’s most historic and famous restaurants, established in 1879 and located in Old Town on Strada Stavropoleos, combining restaurant and brewery traditions with over a century of continuous operation.
Elaborately decorated interiors display vaulted ceilings, stained glass, carved wood, and painted details that create a dramatic atmosphere reminiscent of late nineteenth-century design.
Historic interior details that shape the space include:
- Painted murals and carved wooden paneling that trace back to original architectural motifs
- Stained glass panels that filter sunlight into warm hues
- Vaulted ceilings that elevate the spacious dining rooms
Menu maintains a focus on Romanian gastronomy, presenting generous portions meant for sharing.
Signature choices include roasted pork knuckle paired with mămăligă and ciorbă de burtă, a classic tripe soup seasoned with garlic and vinegar, both appreciated for authentic flavor profiles.
House beer brewed on site enriches the meal experience and connects food with local brewing traditions.
Additional elements visitors often notice are:
- A selection of house brewed Romanian beers and traditional spirits
- Classic desserts and seasonal menu additions that complement main courses
- Live music at certain times that adds a lively backdrop to dinner
Daily service covers a broad schedule, with opening hours typically 10:00 AM to midnight most days of the week, encouraging both early meals and late evening gatherings.
2. Hanu’ lui Manuc (Since 1808)
Hanu’ lui Manuc dates back to 1808 and remains one of the oldest functioning inns in Bucharest. T
The address places it in the heart of Old Town at Strada Franceză 62–64, 030106 București, within walking distance of major historic streets and squares.
Large wooden balconies overlook a spacious interior courtyard, creating a setting that preserves early nineteenth century architectural character.
Structural elements define the experience inside the inn:
- Central open courtyard surrounded by two levels of wooden galleries
- Traditional façade that maintains original proportions and historic design
- Multiple dining rooms suited for private events, group dinners, and casual meals
Operating hours generally extend daily from late morning until late evening, often around 10:00 AM to midnight, allowing flexibility for lunch, dinner, or extended gatherings.
Central location makes it convenient for visitors spending time in Lipscani.
Menu focuses on Romanian and Eastern European cuisine rooted in long standing culinary customs. Grilled meats, slow cooked stews, and traditional main courses dominate the offerings. Large platters encourage communal dining, a common practice in Romanian food culture.
Popular menu categories include:
- Mixed grill platters featuring pork, chicken, and sausages
- Sarmale prepared in traditional style with cabbage and minced meat
- Hearty soups and stews designed for substantial meals
3. Taverna Covaci
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Taverna Covaci operates in Old Town at Strada Covaci 3, 030167 București, positioned among lively pedestrian streets.
Interior décor leans toward rustic simplicity, with wooden tables and straightforward design choices that prioritize comfort over formality.
Daily schedule typically runs from late morning through late evening, often covering lunch and dinner hours without interruption.
Casual environment encourages spontaneous visits without elaborate planning.
Kitchen focuses on Romanian comfort food prepared in a classic style.
Mici, grilled skinless sausages seasoned with garlic and spices, arrive hot off the grill and paired with mustard. Traditional soups provide a warm start to many meals, especially during colder seasons.
Portion sizes suit group dining, allowing guests to sample multiple dishes at once. Local residents frequent Taverna Covaci for reliable flavors and a setting grounded in town’s everyday dining habits making it one of the best restaurants in Bucharest.
4. Lacrimi și Sfinți
Lacrimi și Sfinți is located near Old Town at Strada Șepcari 16, 030167 București, positioned slightly away from the busiest pedestrian routes. Interior spaces combine modern touches with traditional elements, while terrace seating creates a relaxed neighborhood feel during warmer months.
Operating hours generally cover lunch and dinner service, often starting around midday and extending into late evening.
Smaller scale setting contributes to a more intimate dining atmosphere compared to larger historic venues nearby.
Menu reinterprets traditional Romanian recipes with refined presentation.
Signature dish features goose, veal, and pork sarmale cooked in white wine and paired with polenta and sour cream. Classic ingredients remain central, yet preparation and plating introduce a contemporary touch.
Other notable aspects of the menu include:
- Seasonal reinterpretations of Romanian staples
- Carefully selected Romanian wines paired with main dishes
- Desserts that modernize familiar flavors
Guests seeking Romanian cuisine with subtle innovation often select Lacrimi și Sfinți for its careful balance between established recipes and updated presentation.
5. Simbio
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Simbio operates at Strada Negustori 26, 023951 București, situated slightly outside the densest part of Old Town yet easily accessible by foot or short ride.
Garden terrace remains one of its defining features, especially popular during spring and summer.
Opening hours typically begin in the morning and extend into the evening, making it suitable for brunch, lunch, and casual dinners. Weekend mornings attract a steady local crowd.
Brunch menu anchors Simbio’s reputation. French toast topped with fresh fruit and powdered sugar ranks among the most ordered dishes.
Shakshuka, avocado based plates, and other contemporary breakfast items cater to diners interested in global food trends.
Casual atmosphere and energetic crowd define Simbio as a key address for modern dining culture in Bucharest.
6. Aubergine
Aubergine is located in Old Town at Strada Smârdan 33, 030075 București, placing it steps away from historic taverns and nightlife venues.
Interior design combines warm lighting with refined décor, creating a cozy yet polished environment suitable for relaxed dinners.
Operating hours generally extend from late morning or early afternoon into late evening, covering both lunch and dinner periods. Central position makes it convenient for visitors moving between sightseeing stops.
Menu introduces Mediterranean, Egyptian, and Lebanese influences into the Old Town restaurant scene. Vegetarian and meat focused options coexist, offering range without relying solely on traditional Romanian dishes.
Signature directions in the kitchen include:
- Eggplant based dishes inspired by Middle Eastern cooking
- Grilled meats seasoned with aromatic spices
- Vegetarian plates featuring legumes, tahini, and fresh herbs
Travelers seeking best restaurants in Bucharest that are alternatives to classic Romanian menus often turn to Aubergine for a broader culinary experience within walking distance of historic venues.
7. Old Town Resto
Old Town Resto operates in the Lipscani area at Strada Franceză 13, 030103 București, situated in a quieter section of the district.
The interior atmosphere feels warm and relaxed, suitable for visitors who prefer a calmer meal away from heavily trafficked streets.
Opening hours usually extend from late morning through evening, allowing flexible dining options throughout the day. Moderate size keeps service attentive and approachable.
The menu centers on Romanian classics prepared with attention to detail. Soups, grilled meats, and traditional mains form the core structure of the offerings.
Balanced seasoning and consistent preparation contribute to its positive reputation among visitors.
High ratings among local guides and visitors support its position as a dependable choice for authentic Romanian flavors in Old Town.
Summary
Bucharest’s Old Town ranks among the most exciting dining districts in Eastern Europe fostering top restaurants in town.
Heritage restaurants operate side by side with contemporary and global concepts, all within a compact and walkable area.
Visitors in 2026 can expect a full spectrum of dining options rooted in history and open to fresh ideas, all accessible along the lively streets of Old Town.
