Kazimierz Dolny is a place where traditional Polish cuisine flourishes in its full glory, and the best example of this is the U Fryzjera restaurant. This restaurant, located at 2 Stanislaw Ignacy Witkiewicz Street, is a real gem on the culinary map of the city. The name of the restaurant is not coincidental - years ago, a barber shop operated in this place, and the current owners decided to preserve this historical identity. The interior is decorated with old hairdressing tools and photographs, creating a unique atmosphere combining the past with the present.

The menu at U Fryzjera is a real feast for lovers of Polish cuisine. The pierogi served here, prepared according to traditional recipes, melt in the mouth. Particularly recommendable are pierogi with venison, which are a local specialty. It is also worth trying sour soup served in bread - this dish not only delights with its taste, but also with its form of serving. Prices in the restaurant are at an average level, which, combined with the high quality of the dishes and the unique atmosphere, makes the place unflaggingly popular among tourists and locals.

Another place that impresses with its combination of history and culinary tradition is the Old Bathhouse Restaurant at 21 Senatorska St. As the name suggests, the establishment is located in the building of the former city baths, which gives it a unique character. Brick walls, wooden ceiling beams and stylish accessories create a cozy atmosphere ideal for a romantic dinner. Legend has it that in the basement of the building there are secret passageways connecting it to the Kazimier castle, which adds additional charm and mystery to the place.

The Old Bathhouse is famous for its dishes prepared from local products. The chef places special emphasis on seasonality - the menu changes depending on the season, so guests can always count on fresh ingredients of the highest quality. In autumn, it's worth trying dishes with mushrooms harvested in the surrounding forests, and in summer - dishes made from local vegetables and fruits. The restaurant's specialty is Vistula pike-perch served with buckwheat groats and chanterelle sauce - a dish that perfectly reflects the character of regional cuisine. Prices at Stara Łaźnia are slightly higher than at other restaurants, but the quality of the food fully compensates for this.

Filiks Restaurant, located at 23 Sadowa Street, is another place that delights with traditional Polish cuisine. The restaurant has been in business for more than 20 years, and over that time has developed a reputation as one of the best restaurants in the city. The interior is decorated in a rustic style, with wooden furniture and elements referring to local craftsmanship. In summer, guests can enjoy the cozy garden, which offers a view of the picturesque hills of Kazimierz.

Filiks is primarily famous for its meat dishes prepared according to traditional recipes. Duck with apples, pork knuckle in beer or ribs in honey are items you should definitely try. Also noteworthy is hunter's bigos - a dish that, according to local legend, was the favorite dish of King Casimir the Great during his visits to the city. Prices at Filiks are moderate and portions are very generous, making the restaurant an excellent choice for those looking for good value for money.

Although firmly rooted in Polish tradition, Kazimierz Dolny also offers a wide selection of international cuisine. A prime example is the Kaslik restaurant at 24 Nadrzeczna Street, which takes guests on a culinary journey to Lebanon. It is the only Lebanese restaurant in the city, which makes it a unique spot on the gastronomic map of Kazimierz. The interior is decorated with oriental patterns, colorful fabrics and traditional Lebanese ornaments, creating an authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere.

Kaslik's menu is a true feast for the senses. Hummus, tabbouleh, falafel or baba ghanoush are just some of the delicacies you can try here. Particularly recommendable is the mezze - a set of assorted appetizers, ideal for sharing among friends. The chef, who gained his experience in Beirut, ensures that the flavors are authentic, using original spices and ingredients. Prices at Kaslik are at a medium level, which, combined with exotic flavors and a unique atmosphere, makes the restaurant very popular with tourists looking for a culinary experience beyond the Polish tradition.

Another place that stands out from traditional restaurants is JATKI_Trzecy Księżyc FOOD & DRINKS MUSIC BAR at Maly Rynek 1. This establishment combines the functions of a restaurant, bar and cultural meeting place, making it a unique spot on the map of Kazimierz. The name refers to the historical function of the building - it used to house butcheries, or meat stalls. Today, the interior impresses with its industrial design with elements referring to the history of the place.

The menu at JATKI_The Third Moon is a fusion of Polish and international cuisine. The chef experiments with traditional recipes, creating modern interpretations of classic dishes. Beef tenderloin tartare with marinated chanterelles and truffle mayonnaise or risotto with boletes and Parmesan cheese are worth trying here. The restaurant is also famous for its cocktails - the bartenders prepare original concoctions, often using local ingredients such as honey from local apiaries or fruit from Kazimier orchards. Prices at JATKI_The Third Moon are slightly higher than at other establishments, but the unique culinary experience and artistic atmosphere fully compensate for this.

An interesting option for those looking for simpler but equally tasty dishes is Bajgiel at 4A Lubelska Street. It's a small place specializing in bagels - yeasty ring-shaped buns that came to Poland with Jewish settlers. Kazimierz Dolny has a rich history associated with Jewish culture, and Bajgiel draws on this tradition by offering dishes inspired by Jewish cuisine.

The menu includes various versions of bagels - with smoked salmon and cream cheese, with pastrama and mustard, with hummus and vegetables or with traditional egg paste. The restaurant also offers soups, such as Jewish broth with dumplings or chickpea cream. Prices at Bagel are affordable, which, combined with its quick service and central location, makes it an ideal lunch spot while exploring the city. The interior is small but cozy, with elements reminiscent of Kazimierz's Jewish history.

It is worth mentioning that Kazimierz Dolny was an important center of Jewish culture before World War II, and the local cuisine drew inspiration from this tradition. The bagel, although a modern establishment, is a kind of tribute to this part of the city's history. According to local stories, the bagel recipe used in the establishment comes from a Jewish family that ran a bakery in Kazimierz before the war.

One of the most recognizable establishments in Kazimierz Dolny is Akuku Restaurant, located at 3 Krakowska St. It is a place that delights not only with the taste of its dishes, but also with its unique location. The restaurant's terrace offers a beautiful view of the market square and historic townhouses, making Akuku the perfect place for a romantic dinner at sunset. According to local legend, the name of the restaurant refers to the cry of delight that a painter gave when he first saw the panorama of Kazimierz from this spot.

Akuku's menu is a combination of traditional Polish cuisine and modern culinary trends. The chef relies on seasonal ingredients, often sourced from local suppliers. In spring and summer, try the botwinka cooler with quail egg and sour cream here, and in autumn, the creamy pumpkin soup with roasted seeds and truffle oil. A must-order dish is pork tenderloin in a sauce of local chanterelles, served with dumplings and glazed carrots. For dessert, I recommend the cheesecake with white chocolate and raspberry sauce - according to regulars, this is the best cheesecake in all of Kazimierz. Prices at Akuk are at an average level, while the quality of the food and service make the restaurant enjoy excellent reviews among tourists and locals.

Comparing all the described restaurants, it is worth noting several aspects that can help you choose the perfect place for a meal. In terms of authenticity of Polish cuisine, U Fryzjera and Restauracja Filiks lead the way, offering traditional dishes at affordable prices. Stara Łaźnia stands out for its unique, historic interior and seasonal menu, but prices are a bit higher here. For those looking for international flavors, the best choice would be Kaslik with Lebanese delicacies or JATKI_The Third Moon with its fusion menu and cocktails. Bajgiel is an ideal option for a quick lunch at an affordable price, while Akuku impresses with its view and modern approach to Polish cuisine.

In terms of location, Akuku and JATKI_The Third Moon are the most central, being located near the market. U Fryzjera, Stara Łaźnia and Bajgiel are also centrally located, within walking distance of the city's main attractions. Filiks Restaurant and Kaslik are a little farther from the center, but still within walking distance.

In terms of atmosphere, the Old Bathhouse and Akuku offer the most romantic atmosphere - the former because of its historic interior, the latter because of its beautiful view. JATKI_The Third Moon is the best choice for those looking for evening entertainment, as the establishment often hosts concerts and cultural events. U Fryzjera and Restauracja Filiks are places with a family atmosphere, ideal for dinner with a larger group. Kaslik delights with its oriental flair, while Bajgiel offers a laid-back cafe atmosphere.

It is also worth mentioning Kazimierz's hidden culinary treasure - local pastry shops. Although they are not restaurants in the full sense of the word, they are an important part of the city's gastronomic map. Especially famous are Kazimierz's cockerels - gingerbread cakes in the shape of a rooster, which, according to tradition, have been baked here since the 17th century. Legend has it that the recipe for these delicacies was brought to Kazimierz by an Italian baker who fell in love with the daughter of a local miller and settled in the city permanently.

Kazimierz Dolny is a place where history is intertwined with the present, and traditional cuisine meets modern culinary trends. Whether you are looking for authentic Polish flavors, international delicacies, or just want to have a good meal in beautiful surroundings, this picturesque town on the Vistula River is sure to meet your expectations. Each of the described restaurants has its own unique character and offers a unique dining experience that will stay in your memory for a long time.