Exclusive Culinary Experiences in Zakopane: 5 Mountain Restaurants with a View
June 11, 2025
Zakopane, the pearl of the Polish Tatra Mountains, is not only a paradise for lovers of mountain hiking and winter sports. It is also a place where traditional highland cuisine meets modern culinary trends, creating an unforgettable experience for the palate. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through five unique restaurants that not only offer delicious dishes, but also breathtaking views of the majestic Tatra Mountains. Each of these restaurants is not just a place to dine, but a true culinary adventure that will remain in your memory long after you return from your vacation. Get ready for a feast for all the senses, where the traditional flavors of Podhale combine with modern culinary techniques, all surrounded by extraordinary mountain scenery.
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Restaurant Po Widoki - culinary rapture at the top of Gubałówka
Our culinary journey begins with a visit to the Po Widoki Restaurant, located at the top of Gubałówka. This is a place that by its very name promises an unforgettable visual experience, and combined with delicious cuisine, it becomes a true paradise for lovers of mountain scenery and good food.
Address: Droga Zubka 4, 34-500 Zakopane How to get there: The easiest way to get to the restaurant is to take the cable car to Gubalowka, and then take a short walk to the establishment. The cable car runs daily from early morning until late evening, making the restaurant accessible all day.
The Po Widoki Restaurant is a place that delights not only with the panorama of the Tatra Mountains, but also with a menu inspired by local culinary traditions. The chef masterfully combines traditional highland flavors with modern culinary techniques, creating dishes that are a feast for both the palate and the eyes.
The restaurant's specialty is kwaśnica - a traditional highland soup, which here gains a new, sophisticated face. Also worth trying are dumplings with local cheese and wild bear garlic, or trout from mountain streams, served with sour milk emulsion and fennel.
For families with children, the restaurant has prepared a special menu tailored to the youngest palates. Toddlers can enjoy the taste of homemade pancakes with fruit or mini burgers with regional cheese.
Prices at Restaurant Po Widoki are in the medium to high range, which is typical for a location with such a unique location. However, it is worth remembering that you are not only paying for the food, but also for the unforgettable views and atmosphere.
The restaurant is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with the last orders taken at 9:30 p.m. During the summer and winter seasons, it is recommended to book a table in advance, especially if you want a window seat with the best view.
It is worth noting that the After Views Restaurant is not just a place for lunch or dinner. It's also an ideal space for an afternoon coffee with dessert, during which you can enjoy the view of the sunset over the Tatra Mountains. Local apple pie or cheesecake with cranberries are the perfect complement to this magical moment.
For those planning a visit to the restaurant, it is worth remembering to dress appropriately - although the restaurant is located in a building, due to the altitude, temperatures can be lower than in the center of Zakopane. It's a good idea to bring a warmer jacket or sweater, especially if you plan to dine on the outdoor terrace.
Taste print shop Cristina and Highland Brewery - a fusion of tradition and modernity
Continuing our culinary journey through Zakopane, we move to the city center, where two unique places await us: Cristina's Taste Printing House and Highland Brewery. Both establishments, although different in character, have one thing in common - a passion for creating unforgettable culinary experiences using local ingredients and traditional recipes in a modern way.
Cristina's Taste Printing House Address: 7 Niepodległości Square, 34-500 Zakopane How to get there: The restaurant is located in the heart of Zakopane, just a few minutes' walk from Krupówki. It is easily reached on foot from most hotels in the city center or by using local public transportation.
Cristina's Drukarnia Smaku is a place that impresses from the threshold with its industrial yet cozy decor. The name of the restaurant refers to the history of the building that once housed a printing house, which is reflected in the original design elements.
The menu of Drukarnia Smaku is a true journey through the flavors of Podhale in a modern edition. The chef combines traditional highland ingredients with molecular gastronomy techniques with extraordinary creativity, creating dishes that surprise not only with their taste, but also with their form of serving.
We particularly recommend the tartare of local lamb, served with oscypek foam and roasted nuts, or the trout from mountain streams accompanied by topinambur puree and sour milk emulsion. For dessert, try a modernist interpretation of the classic apple pie, which delights not only with its taste, but also with its form of presentation.
Cristina's Taste Print Shop also offers a tasting menu, which is an excellent option for those wishing to experience the full culinary artistry of the chef. The menu changes seasonally, always reflecting the best local ingredients available at any given time.
Prices at the restaurant are in the higher range, but the quality of the dishes and the exceptional dining experience fully justify the price. The restaurant is open daily from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with advance reservations recommended, especially during the summer and winter seasons.
Highland Brewery Address: Krupówki 40, 34-500 Zakopane How to get there: Góralski Browar is located on Zakopane's main pedestrian street, Krupówki. It is easily accessible on foot from most points in the city center.
Góralski Browar is a place that combines the tradition of brewing beer with modern cuisine inspired by the flavors of Podhale. The restaurant impresses from the entrance with its spacious interior, combining elements of traditional highlander style with modern touches.
The main attraction of the Highland Brewery is, of course, the beer brewed on site. The offer includes classic beer styles as well as original recipes inspired by mountain herbs and fruits. We especially recommend tasting the different types of beer to experience the full flavor of the brewery's offerings.
As for the menu, the Highland Brewery offers dishes that pair perfectly with beer, but are also culinary masterpieces in their own right. Try the beer-roasted ribs, served with caramelized beets and smoked potato puree, or the lamb and goat cheese burger.
For those who prefer lighter options, we recommend a salad with regional oscypek, roasted nuts and a dressing of local honey. For dessert, don't miss the hot apple pie with a scoop of lavender ice cream - a combination of tradition and modernity at its best.
Highland Brewery is a family-friendly place. There is a special menu and a play area for children, allowing parents to enjoy their meal and beer tasting in peace.
Prices at the Highlander's Brewery are moderate, which, combined with the high quality of the dishes and the unique atmosphere, makes this place very attractive. The restaurant is open daily from 12:00 pm until the last guest, with the kitchen operating until 10:00 pm.
Both Drukarnia Smaku Cristina and Góralski Browar are places that represent the new face of Zakopane gastronomy - respecting tradition, but boldly looking to the future. These are ideal locations for those seeking a culinary experience that goes beyond the stereotypical idea of highland cuisine.
Karczma Zapiecek and Góralska Tradycja - authentic flavors of Podhale
At the end of our culinary journey in Zakopane, we will visit two places that are the quintessence of highland culinary tradition: Karczma Zapiecek and Góralska Tradycja restaurant. Both of these establishments offer an authentic experience of Highlander cuisine, while providing the comfort and high quality service expected by today's guests.
Karczma Zapiecek Address: Krupówki 43, 34-500 Zakopane How to get there: The inn is located in the heart of Krupówki, Zakopane's main pedestrian zone. It is easily accessible on foot from most hotels in the city center.
The Zapiecek Inn is a place that takes us back in time to a traditional highlander room. The interior decorated with attention to every detail - wooden walls, traditional highland decorations, cozy fireplaces - creates a unique atmosphere conducive to savoring the flavors of Podhale.
The menu of the Zapiecek Inn is a veritable treasure trove of traditional highlander dishes. Among the restaurant's specialties are:
- kwaśnica - a traditional highlander soup based on sauerkraut and ribs, served with potatoes.
- Moskole - pancakes made of oat flour, served with bryndza or garlic butter.
- Placek po zbójnicku - a huge potato pancake covered with venison stew.
- Roast mutton - served with grits and a set of salads.
For those looking for lighter options, the inn also offers salads with regional oscypek or trout from mountain streams. Desserts are worth noting - hot apple pie with vanilla ice cream or cheesecake with cranberries are the perfect culmination of the meal.
The Zapiecek Inn is friendly to families with children. There is a special menu and a play area for the youngest. On weekend evenings you can listen to live traditional highlander music, which further enriches the atmosphere of the place.
Prices at the Zapiecek Inn are moderate, which, combined with large portions and authentic taste, makes the place very popular with both tourists and locals. The inn is open daily from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, with advance reservations recommended during the high season.
Highland Tradition Address: Krupówki 29, 34-500 Zakopane How to get there: The restaurant is located at Krupówki Street, in close proximity to the Zapiecek Inn. It is easily accessible by walking from most points in the center of Zakopane.
Góralska Tradycja is a restaurant that, as the name suggests, focuses on authenticity and nurturing the culinary heritage of the region. The restaurant's interior combines elements of traditional highlander style with modern touches, creating a cozy and elegant atmosphere.
The menu of the Highland Tradition is a carefully selected selection of dishes, representing the best of Podhale cuisine. Among the specialties worth mentioning:
- garlic soup served in bread - aromatic and warming.
- beer-baked pork knuckle - tender and juicy, served with fried cabbage and baked potatoes.
- dumplings with lamb - delicate pastry filled with juicy stuffing, served with mushroom sauce.
- Grilled oscypek - served with cranberries and grilled vegetables.
The restaurant is also famous for its excellent desserts. Particularly recommended are the Papal creamer - a tribute to John Paul II's favorite dessert, and the regional cold cheesecake with raspberry sauce.
The Highland Tradition also offers a tasting menu, which allows you to experience a cross-section through the region's traditional cuisine in a modern twist. This is an excellent option for people who want to try many different flavors in one visit.
The restaurant is family-friendly, offering a children's menu and high chairs. On weekend evenings, there are performances by a highland band, further enhancing your stay and immersing you in the local culture.
Prices at the Highlander Tradition are slightly higher than at the Zapiecek Inn, but the quality of the products and the level of service fully justify the difference. The restaurant is open daily from 12:00 to 22:00, with advance reservations strongly recommended during the high season.
Both Karczma Zapiecek and Góralska Tradycja are places that allow you to experience the authentic flavors of Podhale in a comfortable environment. They are ideal locations for those who want to experience traditional highland cuisine, while enjoying a high standard of service and a pleasant atmosphere.
To sum up our culinary journey in Zakopane, it is worth noting that each of the described restaurants offers a unique experience, combining the flavors of the region with beautiful views and an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether you choose a modern interpretation of highland cuisine or traditional dishes in an authentic way, you can be sure that you are in for a feast not only for your palate, but for all your senses. Zakopane is a place where culinary tradition meets innovation, creating experiences that remain in the memory for a long time.
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