In the very center of Lublin's old town, at Rynek 9, is the Perliczka restaurant - Polish hospitality, whose name refers to the historic Perła Brewery, one of the most important points on the city's culinary map. This brewery, located in a former monastery, is an important part of Lublin's heritage, and the Perliczka restaurant continues this tradition, serving dishes inspired by local cuisine. The restaurant's interior is decorated in a style reminiscent of the city's historic character, with decorative elements reminiscent of the region's centuries-old brewing tradition.

Perliczka's menu is a true journey through the flavors of the Lublin region. Here guests can enjoy traditional dumplings with various fillings, prepared according to old recipes passed down from generation to generation. Particularly recommendable are the dumplings with buckwheat groats and cottage cheese, which are a culinary hallmark of the region. The restaurant is also famous for its meat dishes, among which game dishes, prepared with local herbs and spices, are leading the way. Prices at Perliczka can be described as average, which, combined with the high quality of the food served, makes this place attractive to a wide range of guests.

Just a few steps away, at 2 Grodzka Street, is the Magia Restaurant, which, as the name suggests, offers a magical culinary experience. The restaurant, located in a historic building, delights not only with the taste of the served dishes, but also with its unique atmosphere. The interior of the restaurant has been decorated with attention to every detail, referring to the rich history of Lublin, including legends related to the Crown Tribunal, which was located nearby.

One of the most distinctive dishes served at Magia Restaurant is the onion roll, a traditional baked product originating from Jewish cuisine, which has become a culinary symbol of Lublin. This round roll with onions and poppy seeds has a fascinating history dating back to the 16th century, when the Jewish community was a significant part of the city's population. According to local legend, the onion roll was invented by a poor Jewish baker who wanted to create a cheap and nutritious baked good for the residents of the Jewish quarter. Today, the onion roll is on the List of Traditional Products and is protected as a regional culinary heritage.

In addition to cebulam, Magia Restaurant offers a wide selection of traditional Polish soups, among which sourdough sourdough sour soup with white sausage and egg is particularly noteworthy. This dish, prepared according to a traditional recipe, perfectly reflects the character of Lublin cuisine - simple, filling and based on local products. Prices at Magia Restaurant are slightly higher than at Perliczka, which is due to the exclusive nature of the establishment and the exceptional quality of the dishes served.

A little less known, but equally noteworthy place on the culinary map of Lublin is the Green Plate Restaurant, located at 3 Królewska Street. This cozy establishment, located in close proximity to the Krakow Gate - one of the city's most important monuments - specializes in dishes inspired by borderland cuisine, which is an important element of the region's culinary heritage. The history of the Eastern Borderlands is closely linked to Lublin, which for centuries was an important point on the trade route between East and West, a fact reflected in the local cuisine.

The Green Plate is primarily famous for forshmak, a traditional Borderland dish that came to Lublin with the inhabitants of the former eastern areas of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This aromatic dish, which is a combination of meat, vegetables and spices, perfectly captures the character of borderland cuisine - rich in flavors and aromas, with distinct eastern influences. You should also try the local kartacze - potato dumplings stuffed with meat, which are another example of culinary influences from the East.

The restaurant also offers a wide selection of liquors, including biłgoraj's cranberry and maline liquor, which are on the List of Traditional Products. These local liquors, produced according to traditional recipes, perfectly complement the dishes served here. Prices at Zielony Talerzyk can be described as average, which, combined with authentic flavors and a cozy atmosphere, makes this place an ideal choice for those seeking a true culinary experience.

Another place that deserves the attention of lovers of traditional Polish cuisine is Pyzata Chata at 5 Okopowa St. This restaurant, inconspicuous from the outside, hides real treasures of the culinary heritage of the Lublin region. The interior of the establishment has been decorated in a style reminiscent of a traditional Polish cottage, which creates a unique, homely atmosphere conducive to savoring the dishes served here.

The specialty of Pyzata Chata is, as the name suggests, dumplings - round noodles made of potato dough, stuffed with meat or other fillings. This traditional dish, characteristic of eastern Poland, has its roots in peasant cuisine, where simple, filling dishes prepared from readily available ingredients were valued. At Pyzata Chata you can taste different variations of this delicacy, including a version with venison, which refers to the rich hunting traditions of the region.

In addition to chubbies, the restaurant also offers other traditional dishes, such as potato pancakes with stew or beer-baked pork knuckle - a reference to Lublin's brewing traditions. It's worth mentioning that Lublin has a long history of beer production, dating back to the Middle Ages, when the city was famous for its high-quality beverages brewed by local craftsmen. Prices at Pyzata Chata are affordable, which, combined with the large portions and homemade nature of the food served, makes this place popular with locals and tourists alike.

On the outskirts of the city center, at 16 Nadbystrzycka Street, is Chata Swojsko Strawa - a restaurant that uniquely combines tradition with modernity. The restaurant, despite its location away from the main tourist routes, attracts guests with its authentic flavors and unique approach to the region's culinary heritage. The interior of the restaurant refers to the traditional Lublin countryside architecture, with decorative elements reminiscent of the rich agricultural history of the Lublin region.

Chata Swojsko Strawa specializes in dishes inspired by peasant cuisine, which for centuries formed the nutritional basis of the region's inhabitants. Particularly recommendable are the local soups, including zalewajka - a traditional potato soup soured with sour soup, whose history dates back to the times when potatoes and grain products were the basis of sustenance in the villages of Lublin. It is also worth trying duck in Lublin style - a dish that refers to the rich traditions of poultry breeding in the region, while reflecting the influence of court cuisine, which for centuries shaped the culinary tastes of the inhabitants of Lublin region.

An interesting aspect of the Swojsko Strawa Cottage's offer is the culinary workshops, during which guests can learn how to prepare traditional dishes such as pierogi or onion soup. These interactive classes provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about the region's culinary heritage and understand the processes that have shaped local cuisine over the centuries. Prices at the Swojsko Strawa Cottage can be described as average, which, combined with the educational aspect of the offer, makes this place attractive to those interested not only in taste, but also in culinary history and tradition.

To sum up our culinary journey in Lublin, it is worth noting the diversity of the city's gastronomic offerings, which reflect its rich multicultural history. Each of the restaurants described has its own unique character and specialization, allowing guests to discover different aspects of the region's culinary heritage.

In terms of prices, the most affordable is Pyzata Chata, offering traditional, homemade dishes at attractive prices. Slightly more expensive, but still in the middle range, are Perliczka, Zielony Talerzyk and Chata Swojsko Strawa, which combine tradition with modernity and offer high-quality dishes. The highest prices, though still in the medium to higher range, can be found at Magia Restaurant, which is due to its exclusive nature and location in the heart of the Old Town.

In terms of the authenticity of the dishes served, all of the described establishments deserve recognition, but Chata Swojsko Strawa and Zielony Talerzyk stand out in particular, with dishes rarely found in other restaurants, and referring to the often forgotten culinary traditions of the region. In terms of atmosphere and decor, on the other hand, the most unique experience is offered by Perliczka and Magia Restaurant, whose interiors allude to the city's rich history and create a unique atmosphere conducive to culinary discoveries.

Regardless of the place you choose, a culinary journey through Lublin is a fascinating adventure, during which you can not only enjoy delicious dishes, but also learn about the history, traditions and legends associated with this unique city. Every bite is a story about the centuries-old heritage that still shapes the identity of Lublin and its residents.