The Zapiecek Inn, located in the very center of Zakopane at Krupówki 43, is a place that for years has been the quintessence of Podhale culinary culture. The name 'Zapiecek' is not accidental - it alludes to the traditional place in a highlander's hut, where the household would gather to warm up by the stove and enjoy homemade dishes. This historical symbolism perfectly reflects the atmosphere in the inn.

The interior of Karcma Zapiecek is a real trip back in time. Hand-carved wooden furniture, characteristic of the Zakopane style, old farm tools hung on the walls and traditional highland decorations create an authentic atmosphere. According to local stories, some of the decor comes from original highlander huts from the early 20th century, which adds historical depth and authenticity to the place.

Karcma Zapiecek's menu is a veritable treasure trove of traditional Podhale flavors. The flagship dish is kwaśnica na wędzonce - a sour soup made from sauerkraut with smoked meat, the recipe of which has been passed down in highlander families for generations. You should also try moskola - traditional potato pancakes served with bryndza or goulash. For meat lovers, a must-try item is lamb prepared according to a traditional recipe, which, according to legend, was the favorite dish of Tatra bandits.

An interesting fact is that Karcma Zapiecek cultivates the tradition of 'zbójnicka biesiada' - evenings with live music, during which a highlander band makes the time pleasant for guests by playing traditional melodies. According to local stories, similar feasts were held by brigands after successful expeditions, sharing booty and celebrating at lavishly set tables.

As for the price, Karcma Zapiecek ranks in the middle category. For a full meal consisting of a starter, main course and dessert, you have to pay about an average amount, which, considering the location in the center of tourist Zakopane and the quality of the food served, represents good value for money.

Karcma Zapiecek stands out from other Zakopane restaurants primarily because of its authenticity. Unlike many places focused mainly on tourists, here you can experience true highland hospitality and taste dishes prepared according to traditional recipes, without unnecessary modifications. This is a place where the history and tradition of Podhale are not just a marketing element, but a true philosophy of running a restaurant.

Góralski Browar, located at Krupówki 40, is a place that uniquely combines highland tradition with a modern approach to gastronomy. Established in 2015, it quickly gained recognition among both tourists and Zakopane residents. The history of the place is fascinating - the building that houses the restaurant was once part of Zakopane's historic buildings, and during the renovation many of the original architectural elements were preserved, blending them into the modern decor.

As the name suggests, the Highland Brewery specializes in the production of craft beers, brewed on site according to original recipes. It is worth knowing that brewing traditions in Podhale date back to the 17th century, when local highlanders brewed beer for their own use, using crystal clear water from Tatra springs. Today, Góralski Browar continues this tradition, offering several types of beer, including the unique 'Zbójnickie' - a dark beer with an intense flavor with caramel and chocolate notes.

The restaurant's menu is an interesting combination of traditional highland cuisine and modern culinary trends. The flagship dish is the 'Robber's Board' - a rich assortment of grilled meats, cold cuts, cheeses and side dishes, ideal for sharing in a larger group. According to local legend, the name alludes to the feasts held by Tatra bandits after successful expeditions. Another interesting dish is 'Trout po zbójnicku'. - a locally farmed fish, prepared according to a recipe that is said to have been passed down in secret among highlanders for generations.

Price-wise, the Highland Brewery is in the medium to high category. You have to pay more for a full meal with beer tasting than at a typical highlander inn, but the quality and uniqueness of the experience fully justify the price.

Just a few dozen meters away, at Krupówki 1, is Gazdowo Kuźnia Karczma - a place with an equally rich history and tradition. The name 'Gazdowo Kuźnia' refers to the old village forges, which were not only a place where blacksmiths worked, but also a meeting point for the local community. The building that houses the inn was indeed once a forge, as evidenced by surviving pieces of equipment, such as a blacksmith's bellows and an anvil, now part of the decor.

The interior of Gazdowo Kuźnia is a real trip back in time. Dark wooden beams, stone walls, traditional highland decorations and a hearth burning in the central place create a unique atmosphere. According to local accounts, some elements of the decor come from original highlander huts from the early 20th century.

Gazdowo Kuźnia's menu is classic highland cuisine at its best. It's worth trying the 'Gazdowski Chops' - a specialty of the establishment, which, according to legend, was the favorite dish of Zakopane's gazds (landlords). It's a juicy pork chop, stuffed with oscypek and bacon, served with traditional side dishes. Another recommended dish is 'Kwaśnica Gazdowska' - a version of the traditional soup enriched with additional ingredients according to a recipe passed down in the owners' family for generations.

Price-wise, Gazdowo Kuźnia ranks in the middle category, offering good quality dishes at affordable prices, which, combined with its central location and unique atmosphere, makes this place very attractive to tourists looking for an authentic highland culinary experience.

Away from the crowded Krupówki, at 7 Niepodległości Square, there is a real gem of Zakopane gastronomy - Cristina's Taste Printing House. This restaurant, although less known among tourists visiting Zakopane for the first time, enjoys an excellent reputation among regulars and locals. The history of the place is fascinating - the building that houses the restaurant was once a printing house, where local newspapers and guides to the Tatra Mountains were printed in the 1930s. During the renovation, many original elements were preserved, such as the old printing presses and metal fonts, which are now part of the unique decor.

Cristina's Drukarnia Smaku stands out from other Zakopane restaurants primarily because of its approach to regional cuisine. Rather than replicating the usual schemes, the chef offers creative interpretations of traditional dishes, preserving their essence, but adding a modern twist. The menu changes seasonally, depending on the availability of local products, a rarity among restaurants in the tourist center of Zakopane.

Among Drukarnia Taku's flagship dishes, it is worth mentioning 'Tatra Impressions' - a composition of regional cheeses, including oscypek and bundz, served with jams made from forest fruits harvested in the Tatra Mountains. According to local legend, the jam recipe comes from an herbalist who lived in the Koscieliska Valley at the turn of the 20th century and was famous for her ability to use the gifts of Tatra nature.

Another recommendable dish is 'Trout from the Potok'. - fish from local farms, prepared according to a recipe inspired by traditional smoking methods used by highlanders. An interesting fact is that the restaurant cooperates with local breeders and producers, thus supporting the local community and promoting the idea of sustainable gastronomy.

The interior of Drukarnia Smaku is a harmonious combination of industrial elements, referring to the building's printing past, with highland accents. Warm wood, soft fabrics and cozy lighting create an atmosphere conducive to long, unhurried meals. Unlike the noisy, bustling inns at Krupówki, here you can enjoy peace and intimacy, which is especially appreciated by couples and people seeking respite from the tourist hustle and bustle.

As for the price, Cristina's Taste Printing House ranks in the medium to high category. For a full meal consisting of a starter, main course and dessert, you have to pay more than in a typical mountain inn, but the quality of the products, the creativity of the dishes and the unique atmosphere fully justify the price.

Also worth mentioning is the extensive wine list, which is a rarity among Zakopane restaurants. Drukarnia Smaku's sommelier carefully selects wines that perfectly match the dishes served, including local Polish wines, which are gaining increasing recognition among connoisseurs.

In summary, Cristina's Drukarnia Smaku is a place for those who are looking for something more than a typical tourist inn in Zakopane. It is a restaurant with character, history and philosophy, which offers a creative take on regional cuisine without losing sight of tradition and local identity. It's the perfect place for a special occasion or just to take a break from the tourist hustle and bustle, away from the crowded Krupówki, but still in the heart of Zakopane.