Polish food is typical of Central Europe, hearty and filling, with the emphasis on meat, potatoes and dumplings, thick soups and sauces but little or no vegetables. A lot of the traditional food is prepared with lard or a meat-based stock, so vegetarians beware. Goulash and pepper casseroles are popular, but popular dishes include barszcz (beetroot soup) and bigos (sauerkraut and meat).

The choice of restaurants in Krakow has increased and diversified at a fast rate. In the Market Square alone you will find French, Italian, Jewish and International restaurants in addition to the traditional Polish. In the Old Town several cellars and state rooms of the old palaces have been carefully renovated to provide elegant restaurants with a cosmopolitan feel. Cafes and bars in the Old Town are also plentiful.

In addition to the extensive choice in the old town, the listings in the bimonthly ‘Krakow in Your Pocket’ will give you ideas of where to dine further afield in the city.