Gdansk is a true paradise for food lovers, with a wide choice of welcoming restaurants and charming cafés.
Polish cuisine is remarkably diverse and reflects many cultural influences, including Russian, Lithuanian, Tatar-Turkish, German, French, Italian, Jewish and Oriental traditions. This variety mirrors Poland’s eventful history and is complemented by distinctive regional specialities.
Fish dishes take centre stage in Pomerania and especially in the Baltic city of Gdansk. The city offers an impressive selection of excellent fish restaurants. The best-known historic establishment is Pod Łososiem, which serves fish delicacies alongside a varied menu. Tawerna is also recommended, while small restaurants along the Motława offer freshly caught fish at reasonable prices. One regional speciality worth trying is fried flounder.
As the capital of historic Kashubia, Gdansk also offers typical Kashubian dishes such as swede soup, goose fat with apple, onions and poultry liver, and Kashubian-style herring. Mestwin is one of the best-known restaurants specialising in this authentic cuisine.
Tawerna Dominikańska
This tavern stands in the historic heart of Gdansk directly beside the Motława and offers excellent food, a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service. Traditional Old Polish dishes are served in comfortable rooms with atmospheric music. In summer, the beer garden overlooking the river is an inviting place to relax. The restaurant is centrally located near the Hilton Hotel and major monuments, with views of the Polish Baltic Philharmonic and ships at the quay. Only fresh Baltic fish is served.
Restauracja Kresowa
At first glance, this appears to be a conventional traditional restaurant, but its menu pays tribute to Poland’s former eastern regions, including Lviv and Vilnius. Dishes include Lviv-style soup, Lithuanian cepelinai and bigos prepared according to a sixteenth-century recipe. Meals can be enjoyed on the terrace or in the stylish interior.
Pierogarnia U Dzika
This charming restaurant occupies a historic town house in central Gdansk. Despite the wild-boar decorations on its walls, no wild-boar dishes appear on the menu. The restaurant specialises instead in pierogi, both sweet and savoury, while its meat and fish dishes are also recommended.
Restauracja Gdańska
This restaurant is entirely devoted to Gdansk, reflected in both its interior and its cuisine. Ship models displayed on decorated walls evoke life in the city three centuries ago. It is one of former president Lech Wałęsa’s favourite restaurants, and guests can order his preferred dish together with a strong pepper vodka.
The menu combines historic Gdansk specialities with Polish and international cuisine. The restaurant also organises formal receptions and is open from 11 a.m. until the last guest leaves.
Brovarnia
Brovarnia is the first brewery restaurant in the Tri-City and has a rustic atmosphere. It is situated in a historic granary beside the Motława, with a beer garden and fine views of Gdansk Old Town. The ground floor serves hearty dishes with beer brewed on site, while the upper level offers more refined cuisine. The menu includes Polish classics such as pork knuckle and several varieties of smalec alongside international dishes. Beers brewed according to the German Purity Law include Brovarnia Light, Dark and Wheat Beer.
Goldwasser
Kamienica Goldwasser stands in the heart of Gdansk Old Town, only a few steps from the historic fourteenth-century Crane. This elegant riverside restaurant serves Polish and international cuisine, including homemade pierogi, Kashubian specialities and the famous Gdansk Goldwasser liqueur.
Dwór Oliwski
Dwór Oliwski combines international flavours with Polish tradition. Its extensive menu satisfies even demanding guests. The carefully restored manor house has marble decorations and warm salmon tones, while the terrace and garden provide an inviting summer setting.
Restauracja w Pałacu u Opatów
This elegant restaurant stands just outside Oliwa Cathedral and is one of Gdansk’s finest dining addresses. It occupies the eastern wing of the Baroque Abbots’ Palace, surrounded by a park reminiscent of Versailles. Chandeliers and gold-framed mirrors create a luxurious interior, while the seasonal menu combines international and Polish cuisine.
