What We Ate in Bucharest
Bucharest might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of food adventures, but trust me—it’s a hidden gem for anyone who loves bold flavors and hearty comfort food. Between the bustling streets and historic cafés, we found everything from smoky street sausages to delicate Italian gelato, all packed with character and local charm. Here’s a taste of what fueled our day wandering Romania’s capital.
Zaganu Bistro and Romanian Craft Beer Bar
We stopped at Zaganu Bistro and Romanian Craft Beer Bar, a hotspot celebrating the best of Transylvanian craft brews. Founded in 2009, Zaganu is known for bold, flavorful beers that spotlight local ingredients. My husband ordered their hazy IPA — smooth, juicy, and just the right amount of hop punch to get us ready for the day ahead.
Centrale Pizza
We stopped at Centrale Pizza for a quick bite. My husband kept it simple with a classic Margherita — fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil. I went for the Bomba — a tasty mix of spicy sausage, tangy cheese, red onion, and a bit of chili for a gentle kick, topped with a handful of fresh rocket (or rucola, as they call it). The crust was thin and crispy, holding everything together nicely.
Casa Capsa
We stopped at Casa Capsa, one of Bucharest’s oldest and most iconic cafés, with a rich history dating back to 1852. We indulged in a Tarta Pecan, nutty and perfectly crunchy, and a Gateau l’Orange, with its glossy yellow jelly top and thin chocolate layers that balanced rich and citrusy flavors. Definitely the perfect sweet finish to our walk.
Caru’ cu Bere
We stopped at Caru’ cu Bere, Bucharest’s famous historic brewery and restaurant, known for its vibrant atmosphere and traditional Romanian dishes. We dug into some juicy mici, those garlicky, smoky little sausages that are an absolute must-try. Alongside, we had sarmale, hearty cabbage rolls filled with pork and rice, slow-cooked to tender perfection. My husband paired his meal with cold Ursus and Azuga beers, while I kept it fresh with a crisp lemonade. Both drinks hit the spot perfectly.
Gelateria La Romana
After our hearty meal at Caru’ cu Bere, we treated ourselves to a sweet finish at Gelateria La Romana, an Italian gelato chain known for its rich, creamy textures and authentic flavors. I went for the Cremino al Pistacchio, silky pistachio layered with creamy hazelnut, nutty and smooth in every spoonful. My husband chose the Caramello Salato con Noci Pecan, a decadent salted caramel with crunchy pecan nuts, perfectly balancing sweet and salty. Definitely the ideal way to cool down and satisfy our sweet tooth.
Treevi Pizza al Taglio
We grabbed a quick bite at Treevi Pizza al Taglio, a laid-back spot serving up Roman-style slices with thin, crisp crusts. My husband went for the classic pepperoni, spicy, savory and full of flavor. I picked the Funghi Pecorino, earthy mushrooms and sharp pecorino cheese in a simple but delicious combo. Perfect for a speedy, satisfying refuel before heading back out to explore Bucharest
Next Time on Our Foodie List
There’s no way we could try everything in one trip, so here’s what’s next on our must-eat list for Bucharest:
Papanasi — Romania’s famous fried doughnuts topped with sour cream and jam.
Cozonac — Sweet bread often stuffed with nuts or poppy seeds, perfect for a cozy treat.
Zacuscă — A smoky vegetable spread, great on fresh bread.
Tochitură Moldovenească — A hearty pork stew served with polenta and a fried egg.
Romanian cheeses and cured meats — Sampling local dairy and charcuterie is a must.
More gelato flavors at Gelateria La Romana — Because why stop at two?
Salata de Vinete — Smoky Romanian eggplant spread, perfect on bread or as a dip.
Placinta — Romanian savory or sweet pastries filled with cheese, potatoes, or apples.
Ciorbă de burtă — Traditional tangy tripe soup, for the adventurous eater.
Palinca — Traditional Romanian fruit brandy to toast your meal.
Final Thoughts
Bucharest’s food scene surprised us. It’s honest, hearty, and with just enough modern flair to keep things interesting. Whether you’re grabbing street snacks or sitting down for a proper meal, the city has plenty to offer. And if you’re into beer and sweets, well… you’re in luck.
