The Old Town in Krakow is not only historic architecture and tourist attractions, but also a real treasure trove of culinary experiences, especially for brunch lovers. Two establishments here deserve special attention: NAPNAPCAFE and Tomasz's Milkbar.

NAPNAPCAFE, located at 5 Zwierzyniecka Street, is a place that has won the hearts of Cracovians and tourists since it opened in 2015. The restaurant is distinguished by its minimalist Scandinavian design, which creates a cozy atmosphere conducive to long, lazy mornings. The history of the place is fascinating - it was built in a tenement that before the war belonged to a well-known Cracow family of confectioners, which in a way determines its culinary character. NAPNAPCAFE is primarily famous for its excellent coffee, imported from small, carefully selected roasters from all over Europe. The brunch menu includes classics such as eggs benedict and French toast, as well as more original offerings, such as shakshuka with local vegetables or oatmeal with caramelized pears and nuts. Prices here are at the medium level, which, combined with the high quality of the ingredients, makes this place very attractive.

Just a few minutes' walk from the main square is Thomas's Milkbar, a place that remarkably combines the tradition of old-time milk bars with modern brunch cuisine. The place, operating at 24 Świętego Tomasza Street, draws on the history of post-war milk bars, which were an integral part of Polish culinary culture. However, unlike its historical prototypes, Milkbar Tomasza offers dishes at a much higher level. The interior of the establishment is an interesting combination of nostalgia for the communist era with modern touches. Noteworthy is the fact that the decor uses original furnishings from old milk bars, which creates a unique atmosphere. The menu includes traditional Polish breakfasts, such as scrambled eggs on butter or pancakes, as well as international offerings. Particularly recommendable are their potato pancakes served with a variety of toppings, as well as homemade baked goods. Prices here are lower than at NAPNAPCAFE, making Tomasz's Milkbar more accessible to a wider range of customers.

Comparing the two establishments, NAPNAPCAFE stands out for its more refined menu and elegant decor, which attracts mainly young professionals and tourists looking for trendy places. Tomasz's Milkbar, on the other hand, offers a more homely culinary experience at more affordable prices, making it popular with tourists looking to explore Polish flavors as well as locals. What both establishments have in common, however, is a passion for good food and attention to the quality of ingredients.

It is interesting to note that both NAPNAPCAFE and Tomasz's Milkbar are located in buildings with a rich history. The tenement at 5 Zwierzyniecka Street remembers the Austro-Hungarian era, while the building at 24 Świętego Tomasza Street witnessed many historical events, including the period of the German occupation, when one of the borders of the Krakow ghetto was located in this area.

Kazimierz, the former Jewish quarter of Krakow, is today one of the most vibrant areas of the city, where tradition meets modernity. It is here, among the narrow streets and historic houses, that Chałka Resto Bar is located - a place that uniquely relates to the culinary heritage of this part of the city.

Chałka Resto Bar, located at 8 Beer Meiselsa Street, is a relatively new spot on the brunch map of Cracow, but has already managed to win recognition among locals and tourists alike. The name of the establishment is not accidental - it refers to traditional Jewish bread, which is one of the flagship products of the place. The history of the building itself, which houses the restaurant, dates back to the 17th century, when Kazimierz was a separate town with its own market square and town hall. According to local accounts, this was the location of a small bakery run by a Jewish family before the war, which adds authenticity to the restaurant's concept.

The interior of Chałki Resto Bar is a harmonious combination of industrial elements with warm wooden accents. Attention is drawn to the original 17th century bricks, which were uncovered during the renovation, and to the large bread oven, which is the centerpiece of the open kitchen. Chałka's brunch menu is a true journey through the flavors of Jewish and Polish cuisine in a modern twist. The flagship dish is, of course, French challah - fluffy bread served with a variety of toppings, from classic butter and jam to more sophisticated combinations with avocado, poached egg or smoked salmon. Also noteworthy are shakshuka, prepared according to a traditional recipe with local vegetables, and bagels with homemade cottage cheese and herbs. Prices at Chalka are at the average level, which, combined with the generous portions, is good value.

Moving a little further away from the center, but still staying in the atmosphere of historic Krakow, we arrive at MO-JA cafe & bistro at 14 Starowiślna St. This establishment, in operation since 2017, has quickly become a favorite hangout for Krakow's bohemians and students. MO-JA is housed in a restored early 20th-century building that belonged to a Jewish merchant before the war. The interior of the premises is an eclectic mix of vintage and modern, with distinctive industrial lamps and recycled furniture giving the place a unique character.

MO-JA cafe & bistro is famous for its creative approach to brunch. The menu includes classics such as eggs benedict and French toast, as well as the chef's own compositions. Of particular note are the vegan options, which make up a significant portion of the menu - from banana pancakes to oyster mushroom burgers. The restaurant is also famous for its excellent coffee, which it roasts in its own micro-roaster, a rarity on the Cracow dining scene. Prices here are slightly higher than at Chałka Resto Bar, but the quality of the products and the creativity of the dishes fully justify it.

An interesting fact about MO-JA cafe & bistro is that the establishment regularly organizes cooking workshops, where you can learn how to prepare perfect poached eggs or homemade preserves. This is a reference to the pre-war tradition of sharing culinary knowledge, which was particularly alive in the Jewish community of Kazimierz.

Comparing the two establishments, Chałka Resto Bar offers a more traditional approach to brunch, firmly rooted in local culinary history, while MO-JA cafe & bistro focuses on innovation and experimentation with different flavors. Challah mainly attracts tourists seeking an authentic culinary experience, while MO-JA is more popular with a younger, local clientele. However, both places are united by a passion for good food and a respect for Krakow's culinary traditions.

Walking slightly away from the historic center of Krakow, in a northerly direction, we arrive in the Kleparz district, where at 23 Pędzichów Street you will find Bread & Butter Breakfast & Brunch Krakow - a place that represents the most modern approach to brunch culture in the city.

Bread & Butter, opened in 2018, has quickly become a mecca for true brunch enthusiasts. The restaurant is housed in a restored 1930s building that belonged to a well-known Krakow baker before the war. This historical continuity is not coincidental - the owners of Bread & Butter decided to continue the baking traditions of the place, but with a modern twist. The interior of the establishment is minimalist elegance with industrial elements - open space, large windows letting in plenty of light, raw bricks and wooden tables create a cozy but modern atmosphere.

The Bread & Butter menu is a true celebration of brunch at its most contemporary. The restaurant is especially famous for its own bread baked on site according to traditional recipes, but using modern fermentation techniques. The flagship dish is avocado toast in various guises - from the classic version with a poached egg to more sophisticated combinations with smoked salmon, ricotta or pomegranate. Also noteworthy are breakfast rolls - colorful compositions full of superfoods, fruits and homemade granola, which are not only delicious, but also extremely photogenic, making them popular with social media users.

Bread & Butter also stands out for its approach to coffee - it is the only establishment on this list to have its own coffee program, which regularly brings in beans from small growers from all over the world. As a result, customers can try unique, limited edition coffees not available elsewhere in Krakow. Prices at Bread & Butter are higher than at other establishments, making it a place for more discerning customers who value quality and originality.

An interesting fact about Bread & Butter is that the establishment regularly organizes so-called 'Brunch Clubs' - events during which guests can try a special, tasting brunch menu, not available on a daily basis. These gatherings draw on the tradition of pre-war 'literary breakfasts', which were held in Krakow's cafes and brought together the local intelligentsia.

Comparing all five establishments featured in this ranking, there are some trends and differences. NAPNAPCAFE and Tomasz's Milkbar, located in the heart of the Old Town, offer a more classic approach to brunch, with a strong emphasis on traditional Polish flavors. Chałka Resto Bar and MO-JA cafe & bistro, operating in Kazimierz, combine tradition with modernity, drawing inspiration from the neighborhood's rich culinary heritage. Bread & Butter, on the other hand, represents the most modern approach, focusing on innovation and culinary experimentation.

As for prices, the cheapest option is Thomas's Milkbar, where you'll pay around PLN 30-40 for a full brunch. NAPNAPCAFE, Chałka Resto Bar and MO-JA cafe & bistro are in the middle price range (40-60 PLN), while Bread & Butter is the most expensive option, with prices reaching 70-80 PLN for a full brunch with coffee.

Also worth noting are the differences in the atmosphere of these places. NAPNAPCAFE and Bread & Butter mainly attract young professionals and hipsters, Tomasz's Milkbar is popular with tourists and older Cracovians, Chałka Resto Bar attracts lovers of history and traditional cuisine, and MO-JA cafe & bistro is a favorite of artistic bohemians and students.

Regardless of your preference, each of these establishments offers a unique brunch experience worth experiencing during your visit to Krakow. In their own way, each of these places contributes to building a new culinary tradition in the city, while respecting its rich gastronomic history.