The best Romanian restaurants Bucharest

This is the capital's oldest inn. Right in the middle of Lipscani, this vast caravanserai(han), built in 1808 by a wealthy Armenian merchant by the name of Manuc Bey, was the meeting point for foreign merchants passing through Bucharest (Jews, Turks, Bulgarians, Greeks...). Completely renovated in 2007, it now houses, among other shops, a restaurant serving traditional specialties. But it's above all to enjoy the ambience of the place that you come to sit here, in the central courtyard or under the brick vaults inside.

Vatra ("the home") is one of Bucharest's best traditional restaurants, not far from Cișmigiu Park. Here you can enjoy the great classics of Romanian cuisine, such as the unmissable sarmale or a good meat stew accompanied by mămăligă, comforting and generous dishes, very well executed. The setting is typical, too, decorated in a Transylvanian style: brick vaults, wooden beams and white walls decorated with traditional motifs, fabrics and objects. The restaurant is just as pleasant in summer, with a lovely terrace.

"Welcome home" could be the motto of Lente, which is much more than a restaurant. Whether you sit inside by the fireplace, piano and library, or outside in the shady courtyard, you'll feel right at home. In this cozy space, you can sip a coffee, savor well-executed Romanian dishes and even enjoy one of the many board games at your disposal. Lente regularly organizes cultural events and has a second, equally charming location on Strada Dionisie Lupu.

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.

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.

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 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).

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.

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.

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.