Eating – it felt like eating Italian is the thing to do in Bucharest. More prominent than ever, Italian restaurants have taken over my hometown.
- Kane – did not let us down, amazing place just really extensive so not the type of restaurant to go back to over and over (unless you are super loaded). Wow experience though, a fine dining nostalgic take on Romanian classics like sărățele, brânza de burduf and Fetească albă. Loving the location too, as Dianei will forever be a personal favourite (since I went to high school next door).
- Mom just of Calea Victoriei on Strada Franceza has some yummy food to offer. Very eager to close on time, we were not able to order drinks after the kitchen had closed (!?) but food was great and this is definitely a place we would go back to. They had a mini version of papanași (judging by plates delivered to our neighbours) so keen to go back and try their deserts too.
- Mamizza, the mother of pizza – we accidentally came across this place a few years back as we were walking around looking for a place to stop for a bite to eat! A nice surprise, we were impressed with their starters and we have since been going back for more!
- Caru’ cu bere, a real symbol of Bucharest, a beautiful historic building dating from 1899. An old school Romanian menu and a wide selection of drinks including their own larger (made for Caru’ cu Bere following its unique recipe from 1879). We went for the smoked pork knuckle (eisbein) with sauerkraut and polenta and we came back the following day for more.
- Casa di David Herastrau – best for people watching in the evening, food is great, highly recommended, it’s a fun place to go 🙂 Most exciting toilets too, not cheap as you’d expect in this area!
- Least favourite:
- To be avoided – The dream by Cosmin Ailincai. Completely deflated after his ambitious Michelin star goal stated in his Instagram bio, we had the worst meal in Bucharest. Such a shame, as we felt the menu was interesting, the location was promising and Insta feed looked great!
Music & Drinks
- Echoes Haus on Strada Dianei, a favourite hangout for a midnight cocktail. Such a nice crowd and nice options for a refreshing long summer drink. Went back a few times and will go again.
- Expirat for live music, summer long drinks and pizza
Constanta stubbornly continues to be a ‘culinary challenged’ city, despite my hope that things will evolve and we’ll be able to find some exciting eating spots. Here is what we could find so far, not a lot, it’s ALL we have so here it goes:
- Pescaria lui Matei, Agigea: nice spot for lunch and dinner, and also food that travels well so take away is an option (they take good care and packaging is well thought through). They don’t take bookings so you have to go and queue for a table, it’s well worth the wait. An atmospheric place by the sea, I love it!
- Nazzar Turkish Restaurant Mamaia – quite expensive (a reoccurring theme) but so worth it, freshly made Turkish breads and salads and great service.
- (Once again) Italian in town
Off the beaten track escape, 2 hrs from Bucharest:
Stay and EAT at Conacul Grigorescu in Rătești, Buzău
You know it aaall! 