The best restaurants Bucharest

The name of this restaurant, "Des larmes et des saints" in French, is taken from a work by the philosopher and writer Emil Cioran. This literary reference is not surprising given that the restaurant was founded by Mircea Dinescu, himself a poet and journalist. The meticulous decor, mainly made of recycled wood, reflects what is served: classics of Romanian cuisine revisited and elegantly served. Over the years, this restaurant has become a must in the old town center, and is a firm favorite with the locals.

Part cultural venue, part restaurant, Acuarela is a fresh, colorful little corner of paradise. The terrace is a haven of peace, with its yellow van and multicolored umbrellas. The interior, with its quirky decor and multitude of frames on the walls, is just as charming. Here, you can let your creativity run wild with all kinds of manual activities, as well as enjoying the many cultural events on offer: photo exhibitions, theater, jazz concerts and more. The à la carte menu features simple, homemade dishes such as burgers and salads.

An address created by the talented young chef Alex Petricean: this former fencing champion successfully converted to self-taught gastronomy, after a stint on "Masterchef" (where he finished third!). He has become one of the champions of the "new Romanian cuisine", which aims to bring local flavors up to date. The menus change frequently, and the dishes are refined and inventive, using carefully selected seasonal local produce. All this in an attractive vintage decor with Romanian touches.

The "Âtre de la nation" is located just north of the city, beyond Otopeni airport, in the village of Balotești, on the road to Brașov. A restaurant well worth a visit, as much for its refined gastronomy as for its setting, which immerses you in the historic atmosphere of the Romanian Principalities, with vaulted walls, solid wood furniture and candle chandeliers. This is one of the best restaurants for traditional cuisine. Dishes are prepared according to Romanian tradition and in a modern interpretation.

Perched on the ^36th floor of a modern tower, 136 meters above the ground, this is the city's highest restaurant. The extraordinary view over the meandering Lake Floreasca will take your breath away, but certainly not your appetite! The dishes, of Romanian, French and other inspiration, are refined: duck confit, Argentine beef fillet, grilled sea bass... The varied breakfasts are a good option for those who want to enjoy this exceptional setting at a slightly lower cost.

Listed as a historical monument, this sumptuous neo-Romanian-style residence, built at the end of the 19th century by the famous architect Ion Mincu, was at the time a popular restaurant for the local aristocracy. Today, Casa Doina still serves a sophisticated Romanian cuisine, rhythmed by the seasons and high in flavor, as well as a wide variety of international dishes or specialties based on fresh fish. The establishment, with its elegant and authentic atmosphere, also has a beautiful garden full of flowers and trees.

This family-run restaurant enjoys a quiet, prestigious location among the embassies and grand mansions of a chic neighborhood. Open since 1996, it's a small institution of its kind. The menu covers all the great classics of German cuisine, from pork knuckles to sauerkraut, sausages and apple strudel... The dishes are hearty and the beers, German of course, are excellent. The decor is typical and the garden is particularly pleasant in summer. Make sure you book in advance, as the dining room is very small.

This elegantly old-fashioned restaurant aims to "put Romanian gastronomy back on the map of Europe". Both the decor and the menu take you back to the days between the two world wars, before communism took its toll on the country's gastronomy. Here, you'll enjoy classic Romanian dishes such as sarmale, but also rarer, even forgotten dishes from old recipe books. There's another Zexe in Bucharest, in Regele Mihai 1 Park (ex Herăstrău).

Just a stone's throw from bustling Calea Victoriei, this bistro offers an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of the city. On sunny days, you can sit in the large paved courtyard under the trees. The garlands hanging from the branches and the mismatched furniture give it the air of an urban guinguette. The interior, too, is full of charm: it's one of Bucharest's beautiful middle-class residences, rearranged in a stripped-down vintage style that preserves the soul of the place. On the menu: dishes with a French accent, using fresh, seasonal local produce.

A trendy bar-restaurant with a vintage design, where quality is the order of the day. On the menu, you'll find tapas, gourmet burgers and original salads, as well as some inventive dishes: beef fillet with potatoes and mushroom-truffle sauce, salmon teriyaki, South African curry... It's also a good place for a drink: the cocktails are excellent and plentiful. There's also a wide choice of local craft beers, whiskies, gins, softs and wines (mainly Romanian). Service is impeccable.

A small street food stall that can be found all over the capital, but also in other cities around the country. There's something for every taste: sandwiches, ștrudel and some of the best covrigi in town: you'll find the classic savory ones, with sesame or poppy seeds, but also sweet ones, with cherry or chocolate, and filled rolls (with sausage, ham, mozzarella, olives...). The pizzas are also pretty good. Simple, fast, tasty and inexpensive.

In a quiet street north of Calea Victoriei, this restaurant occupies a superb boyar house in oriental style. Inside, the warm and elegant wood paneled interior recreates an atmosphere of the inter-war period. You will eat a very good Romanian cuisine, but also specialities from the European gastronomy, such as coq au vin, mussels or, for dessert, savarins. The service is fast and attentive. The establishment has a beautiful terrace, which unfolds at the front of the house.

This restaurant occupies an old bourgeois house in the Icoanei district, decorated with revisited folk motifs. It takes its name from the venerable tree that occupies the center of the vast terrace in the courtyard. Here you'll find Romanian cuisine staples (mămăligă with cheese and cream, homemade zacuscă, etc.), soups, a wide selection of salads and all kinds of meats prepared in all sorts of ways. The food is good, the prices reasonable and the portions generous. Traditional musicians perform regularly.

You enter through a slightly hidden door in the vibrant and trendy Agora Floreasca. Once you've climbed the few steps to the first floor, you'll discover a huge designer loft in which designer Alexandru Popescu has collected pieces from his many travels (wooden sculptures, ropes on the ceiling, tapestries...). This multicultural inspiration is reflected in a highly creative menu that blends flavors from the four corners of the globe. The cocktails are among the best in town. A delightful experience for the eyes and the taste buds.

In the midst of the tourist traps and pretentious, often short-lived restaurants in the old town, it's not easy to make the right choice, but if you're looking for an authentic restaurant at very affordable prices, La Mahala is a sure bet. This bodega (which has nothing Spanish about it) is a little hidden away, but once you've passed the porch, you'll feel right at home. The menu features Romanian dishes (soups, meats, fish and salads) served in a simple, popular atmosphere to the sound of old Bucharest romances.

If the taco were Romanian, it would have been born in this restaurant. Here, tacos come in all shapes and sizes, from the most classic to the most inventive, such as the shrimp and mango taco. The chef prepares the patties from his own corn before baking them in a traditional Mexican oven. Apart from the chillies, which come from Mexico, the recipes are based mainly on local produce, which is why the menu varies according to the season. A very good address, but beware, the restaurant doesn't take reservations and is often full!

A pocket-sized, quality restaurant, perfect for snacks, brunches or quick lunches. The menu is reduced: soups, gourmet bread, fried eggs, a salad and two desserts. Vegetarians and vegans will benefit from it. The dishes are prepared with local products and the small restaurant also offers a good selection of homemade beers and Romanian wines, as well as homemade lemonades. The setting is pleasant, cosy and vintage: enough to make you want to hang out a little longer.