The best bars and cafés Bucharest

An apothecary-style tea room, with wooden shelves up to the ceiling, featuring a wide selection of teas, coffees, infusions and rooibos. These are also sold in bulk. Old-fashioned sweets such as candied fruit and caramels are displayed on the counter. The decor, too, is old-school: sewing machines as tables, old sepia photos on the wall, vintage placemats and crockery... What's more, the prices are reasonable and the music soothing. A gentle bubble amidst the hustle and bustle.

You'll find this chain at various locations in the capital, including Calea Victoriei. The French touch is there as soon as you step through the door: it smells of warm croissants, the pastries are pure butter, the decor is vintage and the radio plays old hits that will sound familiar to your ears. It's a pleasant place to sip a coffee, hot chocolate or fresh fruit juice, while enjoying a viennoiserie. You can also grab a bite to eat at any time of day: salads, sandwiches, quiches or even shepherd's pie are all on the menu.

In a small street near Lipscani, away from the crowds, this café has an industrial look, which doesn't prevent it from being warm: exposed brick and concrete walls, large bay windows, wooden slats on the floor and colorful touches. A small terrace stretches out on the sidewalk in front. It serves speciality coffees, burnt on site, as well as Romanian craft beers and milk drinks, plus a number of dishes (bagels, burgers, salads, etc.) and sweet treats (croissants, tarts, muffins, etc.). A good place for a rejuvenating break.

Not far from the historic center, but away from the hustle and bustle of Lipscani, this friendly wine bar offers a wide choice of carefully selected local and international vintages (over 100 references). Romanian wine tastings are organized regularly, and you can accompany your glasses with succulent cheese and charcuterie platters. The staff are extremely friendly and professional, knowing what they're selling and giving good advice. You can also buy bottles on the spot.

Above all, it's the setting that makes it all worthwhile: the beautiful, wood-panelled hall of the Gambrinus brasserie takes you back to the heyday of Bucharest in the early ^20th century. Launched in 1901 by the famous playwright Caragiale, it was one of the meeting places of the intellectual elite. Destroyed, the brewery reopened in the 1940s, on the first floor of the Hotel Cișmigiu, where it still stands. Refurbished in 2013, it has regained its splendor. The beer, made to a traditional recipe, is good, but not produced on site.

Right in the heart of Lipscani, the bar district, this bar stands out from its neighbors for its relaxed, warm and rocking atmosphere. The bar's name could be translated as: "A few gentlemen and their sons". The clientele is mainly made up of young Romanians. The wooden interiors are decorated with portraits of revolutionaries. Punk-rock concerts are held regularly. You'll find a wide choice of beers. There's also a pleasant terrace for sunny days.

Right across from the National Bank, this café has a certain reputation in the capital. The decor is extraordinary, with sculpted vaults, umbrellas hanging from the ceiling and paintings on the walls. The terrace is very pleasant in summer. In winter, don't miss the incredible, gigantic hot chocolate, topped with ice cream, marshmallows and sweets of all kinds. The à la carte menu includes burgers, salads, club sandwiches and quesadillas, all made with fresh ingredients. The place is also renowned for its weekend brunches.