18 Restaurants You Must Visit in Gdańsk (According to a Local)

So, after my guide where I listed all the best things to do in Gdańsk based on my experience living in the area for over 12 years, I’m back with yet another Gdańsk guide. This time, I decided to put together a list of the best restaurants you should try on your trip to Gdańsk.

I’ve tried so many different places over the years that it was really hard to narrow it down, but I ended up with a mix of everything – my favourite place to try some pierogi, a restaurant that feels like visiting your grandma’s place, and a lot of different international options.

Just to be upfront – I’m not really a massive fan of fine dining, so unless it’s a special occasion, I usually go for more casual places. However, I still included a few fine dining restaurants in Gdańsk that you really can’t go wrong with, if that’s the kind of experience you’re after.

This is just a starting point, and as I keep trying more and more places, I’ll be updating this guide regularly. So if you want to stay up to date, make sure to add this post to your bookmarks or Pinterest board. Let’s dive in!

Note: If you want to try traditional everyday Polish food – the kind people actually eat at home – your best bet is to visit a milk bar (bar mleczny). I’m currently working on a full guide to the best milk bars in Gdańsk, and I’ll link it here as soon as it’s ready!

Best restaurants to visit in Gdańsk

Mandu

📍 ul. Kaprów 19D (Oliwa), ul. Elżbietańska 4/8 (close to the main train station)

Whenever someone asks me where to eat in Gdańsk, this is always the first place I recommend. There are usually queues out the door, so if you’re not a fan of waiting, I’d suggest making a reservation in advance. Some people say it’s overrated for a restaurant that “just serves pierogi” – but I’m firmly in the camp that Mandu makes the best pierogi in Gdańsk, and the crowds are totally justified.

As odd as it sounds, I actually found out about this place from… Jared Leto. Yep, you read that right. I remember reading an article that before 30 Seconds to Mars played a concert in Gdańsk back in 2015, he stopped by Mandu and ate an obscene number of pierogi. Being a fan of the band (and knowing how much Jared loves his pierogi), that was all the recommendation I needed.

Even though I was on a student budget at the time, I made it my mission to try it – and the rest is history. I’ve brought pretty much every guest here over the years, and even celebrated my first graduation at Mandu.

What I love most is how huge the menu is. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, craving something traditional or more adventurous, they’ve got you covered – including some flavour combinations created by Masterchef contestants. If it’s your first visit, I’d start with one of the traditional boiled pierogi, either with hand-minced meat or white cottage cheese and potatoes.

My personal favourite are probably the oven-baked ones with beef and thousand island sauce. And when it comes to dessert, you can’t beat the chocolate dumplings filled with white chocolate and raspberries. Honestly, just writing about them is making me want to go back right now.

Palec do Budki 2.0

📍 ul. Hemara 13 (Garnizon), original location: ul. Śląska 17a

I feel like ranking pizza can be a bit tricky, because at some point it just gets really hard to stand out. Once you’re using top-quality ingredients and have a decent oven, chances are the pizza will taste good. And personally, I’m not that into wild flavour combinations – sometimes you just want a proper classic, you know?

That being said, even though I joined the hype a little late, the pizza at Palec do Budki 2.0 instantly shot to the top of my list.

They’ve got two locations: the original one in the Przymorze district (and if you head there, definitely leave room for a dessert from Must Bake just down the road!), and a second one in the Garnizon area of Wrzeszcz. I’ve only been to the Garnizon spot so far, and I love the moving installation in the middle – it looks like a hand spinning pizza dough in the air. It’s so cool!

As is usually the case with the best pizza joints, there are often queues out the door – so I’d recommend either booking a table, going at a quieter time, or just being ready to wait. If you’re up for something a bit different, try the Liberta pizza with mango pulp (and that’s coming from someone who normally hates mixing fruit with meat). Otherwise, you really can’t go wrong – it’s that good.

Eliksir

📍 ul. Hemara 1 (Garnizon)

If you’re after a fine dining experience, Eliksir is the place to go in Gdańsk.

As the name suggests, cocktails are their specialty. You can pick something from the menu, or ask the bartender to make something based on your preferences. With over 400 different liquors behind the bar, they can either recreate a classic or invent something entirely new just for you.

It’s actually the place that introduced me to the Ramos Gin Fizz, a cocktail that originated in 19th-century New Orleans. Back then, bartenders had to shake it for 10–15 minutes, and legend has it the bar even hired extra “shaker men” to keep up with demand. These days, most places take shortcuts and shake it for under a minute – but at Eliksir, they still do it the proper way.

You can also order a tasting set of five cocktails. As for the food, they offer à la carte options as well as tasting menus. You can choose a shorter or full tasting menu, and for an extra fee, pair each dish with a matching cocktail. It’s worth noting that the full tasting menu can take a few hours, so you’ll need to book ahead.

We’ve only ever gone for à la carte, but the food was incredible – and the drinks even more so. When I heard they’d been added to the Michelin Guide in 2024, I wasn’t the least bit surprised. In fact, they were the first restaurant in Poland to receive a green Michelin star, awarded to restaurants that follow environmentally friendly, sustainable practices. Yes, this place is definitely on the pricier side, but absolutely worth it.

Canis

📍 ul. Ogarna 27/28

If you’re after a more upscale dining experience, this is another one of my favourite spots in Gdańsk. I love it not just for the incredible food, but also for the fascinating history behind the building.

It’s one of the few that actually survived the war, and over the years, it’s been everything from a hotel and a Masonic lodge (spot the compass symbol on the façade!) to a bank, a café, and even a library.

At the bar, you’ll still see the original columns decorated with 24-carat gold. When we tried to get a closer look and snap a photo, one of the waiters noticed and kindly offered to show us some old pictures of the building – which was such a thoughtful gesture!

What I really appreciate is the attention to the little things. We were welcomed with a basket of bread, butter they make in-house, and some ham to start. The menu changes with the seasons – when we last visited, we had an absolutely delicious burger made with Wagyu beef.

There are only a few dishes in each category, so you know everything is fresh. You can really taste the quality, but the prices are still more reasonable than most restaurants at this level.

Oh, and one more thing – there’s live music every evening at 7 pm (except Sundays). And remember, if you’re planning to go during peak hours, it’s definitely worth booking a table in advance.

Ostro

📍 ul. Długie Pobrzeże 15

Ostro is the kind of restaurant where you’ll know you’ve arrived before you even spot the sign – the ridiculously long queues outside give it away. They’re known for their Neapolitan-style pizza, and back in 2023, they were ranked the best pizzeria in Poland in the prestigious Top 50 Pizza guide.

They only accept walk-ins, so if you’re visiting during summer, be prepared for a wait. Now, when it comes to the pizza itself, I’m not sure I’d personally rate it higher than the one at Palec do Budki – but it’s definitely up there, and it’s in a more convenient spot if you’re mostly sticking to the Main City.

And here’s a little tip from a local: if you don’t fancy queueing, they’ve got two more restaurants just a short walk away. 😉 The first is Ostro Sharing, where you can order all the Ostro classics. Right next door is Calma Pasta Fresca, which serves pizza and pasta with a different menu – but it’s run by the same owners, so the quality is just as high. Best of all, you can book both online, so there’s no need to wait or stress about calling someone – which I personally hate doing, even more so in a foreign country!

Nie/Mięsny

📍 ul. Jaskółcza 24

This place isn’t just one of my favourite vegetarian restaurants – it’s one of my favourite restaurants in Gdańsk, full stop. I used to work just down the street from Nie/Mięsny, so my friends and I would often pop in for lunch or a chat over a plate of their chips with za’atar (which are absolutely divine, by the way!).

If you visit, you’ll spot an old-school sign above the door that says Mięsny. For 30 years, this space was home to a mięsny – the Polish word for a type of shop that sells meat. The word mięsny can also mean “meaty” or refer to meat-based dishes – so when the new owners added nie in front of it, they created a fun play on words: Nie/Mięsny, or “non-meaty.”

That split shows up in the menu too. There’s a “non” section with vegetarian options, and a “meat” section for meat-eaters. The food is inspired by the flavours of the Middle East, especially the Maghreb. My personal favourite is the halloumi burger – I’m not even exaggerating when I say it might’ve been the thing that convinced me to eat less meat in the first place. And I like to pair it with their colour-changing lemonade – I feel like a kid every time I order it, and I love it.

They also do breakfast, and if you’re a croque madame fan like me, you’ll want to try their version with cheese, béchamel, black truffle paste, and a fried egg on top. Not the best I’ve had, but it was an interesting combination of flavours.

Mexicaga

📍 ul. Tartaczna 5

One thing you should probably know about me is that Mexican food is one of my ultimate comfort foods. So when our favourite Mexican place in Gdańsk shut down, we were determined to find the next best thing.

Honestly, I was surprised how little attention this place gets – because from the moment we tried it, my boyfriend and I both agreed it was probably our new favourite.

Small world – it turned out that one of my colleagues actually worked there as a waitress. She told me the portions were really big and suggested either ordering a smaller size or sharing a burrito. I wasn’t so sure – I love Mexican food, so I decided to just go for a full one… and yeah, turns out she was right.

The portions are seriously huge – which is good to know, especially since the prices are definitely on the higher side. I’m also a big fan of their Mexican chips – they’ve got just the right amount of spice and are a nice change from the usual ones.

Now, I’ve never actually been to Mexico, so I can’t say how it compares to the real deal – but if you’re in Gdańsk and craving tacos, this is where I’d send you. If we lived a bit closer, we’d definitely be there more often.

Hora de España

📍 ul. Wały Jagiellońskie 28/30

Now, if you’re visiting Gdańsk from Spain, I probably wouldn’t send you out for tapas first thing. But if you’re missing Spanish food, or just love sharing small plates, Hora de España is a solid choice.

I remember that shortly after it opened, it was nearly impossible to get a table without a reservation, as the space was pretty small. They’ve since expanded, so it might be easier now.

It might not look like it, but the portions are seriously filling. We ordered a few starters, followed by a paella for two – and we could barely make a dent in it because we were already stuffed!

There’s a wide variety of both cold and warm tapas, as well as tapa sets. You’ll also find Spanish-style pasta, pinchos, steak, and other mains. Everything we had was fresh and really high quality.

If you somehow still have room for dessert, one of my favourite pastry shops in Gdańsk – Le Delice – is literally next door. I highly recommend popping in, whether it’s for a coffee break or breakfast the next day.

Bar Leon

📍 ul. Stągiewna 5/1

Speaking of dishes to share, this is probably my favourite place in Gdańsk. I threw my birthday party there one year and instantly fell in love. This was exactly the kind of spot Gdańsk was missing – the cuisine is inspired by the Middle East, and the idea is to order different plates and share everything around the table. The restaurant has two levels, with an open kitchen and bar downstairs, and it’s super cosy, with warm lighting that makes it feel really inviting.

We ordered a mix of dishes to share, and everything was bursting with flavour and felt so fresh. I think the clear favourite was the baked feta wrapped in kataifi pastry – those delicate, thin strands of dough that look a bit like shredded filo – topped with rose petals and crushed pistachios. It was incredible. We also had the oven-baked cauliflower (which I always order at Middle Eastern restaurants), and it was great too – although the one I had at Joel in Warsaw still holds the top spot for me. I think Bar Leon may have since taken it off the menu, though, which is a real shame.

I’ve seen they’ve also started serving breakfast, so I’ll definitely need to go back and check it out. If you’re planning to visit in the evening, I’d recommend making a reservation – it’s one of the trendiest places in Gdańsk right now. Zjedz.my is a great site for that, as you can find and book lots of restaurants in Gdańsk without having to call.

Aioli

📍 ul. Partyzantów 6

Aioli is a small restaurant chain with locations in Warsaw, Katowice, and Gdańsk. They serve a bit of everything – from tapas and burgers to steaks, pasta, pizza, and even Thai-Italian fusion dishes. But the main reason I’m including it here is their incredible lunch deal.

From Monday to Friday, between 12:30 and 5 pm, you can get a three-course lunch set for just 19.99 PLN (around €4.70 / £4.10) – all you need to do is order a drink. It can be a soft drink, lemonade, mocktail, beer, wine, or a spritz – your choice!

The daily lunch menu is always posted on their Facebook page. You get one type of soup and dessert, plus a choice of three main dishes. The starters and desserts might not look like much at first glance, but the mains are always super generous. I’ve never left hungry, and for the price, it’s honestly one of the best lunch deals in town. I recommend it to everyone.

And if you’re visiting on a weekend, don’t worry. The regular menu is still really solid – it’s just a little pricier than your average casual restaurant.

They also do a great breakfast offer, but I’ll save that for my breakfast guide to Gdańsk which is coming soon!

Wok’n’Cats

📍 Aleja Grunwaldzka 76/78 (Wrzeszcz), ul. Opata Jacka Rybińskiego 24/7 (Oliwa)

This is one of my favourite spots whenever I’m craving some street food with a twist.

The speciality here is kopytka – Polish potato dumplings (the name translates to “little hooves”). But instead of the usual buttery breadcrumbs or fried onion with bacon bits, you’ll find them in all sorts of Asian-inspired flavours. They also do a crispy version in four different styles (my personal favourite!), along with several kinds of chow mein noodles.

When we visited, they had sushi and sweet dumplings on the menu too, but it looks like they may have since removed those. We’ve only been to the Wrzeszcz location so far, which is honestly one of the most unique places I’ve eaten at – they’ve got two tiny seating areas on either side of a gate. So yes, once you place your order, you might have to leave the building to get to your table on the other side.

They’ve now opened a second spot in Oliwa with the same menu – we haven’t tried it yet, but it’s on the list!

Avocado Vegan Bistro

📍 ul. Wajdeloty 25/1

Ever since I started incorporating more vegetarian and vegan dishes into my diet, Avocado has become one of my favourite places to visit. You’ll find it on Wajdeloty Street, just a short walk from Gdańsk Wrzeszcz train station.

It also happens to be one of my favourite streets in the city – partly because I love the architecture, but mostly because it’s lined with some of the best cafés and restaurants. Honestly, I don’t think there’s a single bad spot on that street!

As for Avocado, they’ve actually got three venues right next to each other. There’s a zero-waste shop where you can buy healthy food products, natural cosmetics, and loose grains or oats by weight.

Then there’s Avocado Vegan Spot, where you can grab a vegan breakfast and specialty coffee in the morning, or street food and mocktails later in the day.

Avocado Vegan Bistro is their third space, serving up homemade-style vegan dishes and desserts. They’ve got a regular menu, plus a daily specials board that changes all the time. From October to June, they also offer weekday lunch sets between 12 and 5 pm for 37 PLN (around €8.70 / £7.70). They always post the daily menu on their Facebook page, so it’s worth checking ahead.

Stacja Food Hall

📍 ul. Kilińskiego 4, second floor of the Metropolia shopping centre

Now, this next place isn’t a single restaurant, but my favourite food hall in all of Gdańsk. With 20 different eateries under one roof, it’s versatile enough that everyone can find something they fancy – which is exactly why I love coming here with friends.

There are also five different bars, including one set inside a replica of an SKM train carriage, plus a rooftop bar that opens in the summer months, often hosting parties and live music. They sometimes run cooking workshops here too, so it’s more than just a place to eat.

If you do come, I’d especially recommend trying Mąka i Kawa – their pizza is one of my favourites in Gdańsk. At the food hall, they serve thick, square Sicilian-style pizzas, and my top pick is the one with salami spianata, mozzarella, mascarpone, and rocket.

If you prefer a more classic pizza, they’ve got a separate restaurant on the ground floor. For meat lovers, you can’t go wrong with Meat Boy or Chico, and if you’re craving pasta, Pasta Miasta has some great options too.

Another reason I like coming here is the lunch deals – which not many people seem to know about, probably because they don’t really advertise them that much!

Each month, 16 of the food stands pick one dish from their regular menu. From Monday to Friday, between 12 and 4 pm, you can get a full-sized portion for just 29 PLN (around €6.80 or £6), and it includes a lemonade. Just remember to take your receipt to Bar Centralny in the middle to claim your drink. You can check the current lunch menu on their website – it’s in Polish, but you can easily translate it with Google Lens.

Mama Indii

📍 ul. Hynka 57, ul. Chmielna 72/5, ul. Bitwy Oliwskiej 34

As someone who’s never liked spicy food, I used to think Indian cuisine just wasn’t for me… until I discovered this place!

To be completely honest, I’ve only ever been to their Hynka Street location, so I can’t speak for the others. That being said, I’ve always had a great experience at the Zaspa restaurant. It’s run by people from India who have always been incredibly kind and welcoming. And since then, I’ve become a total convert – I’ve tried several other Indian spots in Gdańsk and beyond, which should tell you something about the quality here!

My personal favourite is the paneer pakora – chunks of fried paneer cheese in a light chickpea flour batter. The mint-coriander sauce they serve with it is so good I honestly wish they sold it by the bottle. My mum prefers the tamarind one, so luckily, we never have to argue over sauces. 😉

For mains, I usually go for the butter masala with paneer, since it’s the mildest option – but I’ve sampled quite a few others over time and haven’t come across a bad one yet.

Perła Bałtyku

📍 ul. Oliwska 65

In my guide on the best things to do in Gdańsk, I explained why Nowy Port deserves a spot on your Gdańsk itinerary. And if you do end up going, you should definitely stop by Perła Bałtyku (Pearl of the Baltic).

When I first stepped inside, I was a bit confused. The place looks like you’ve walked into a time machine and gone back a few decades. There are old theatre posters on the walls, a vintage display cabinet topped with samovars, and the whole place feels like something out of an old film – or your grandma’s house.

At first, I thought they were playing it up for tourists… except there aren’t any! Everyone we saw inside was a local, either dining in or grabbing food to go.

Turns out, it’s completely authentic – and that’s exactly what makes this place so charming. I know this phrase gets overused, but it’s a true hidden gem. It’s family-owned and run, and they serve proper homemade food, the kind you’d eat at your gran’s.

You can even order traditional Polish coffee made by boiling ground coffee with water on the stove, served with a slice of orange. I didn’t even know that used to be a thing until I came here! It’s kind of like Turkish coffee, just without the spices and not as strong.

When I visited with my mum on a random weekday and we were the only ones there, the cook came out to have a chat with us – which was just the sweetest thing. It’s the cosiest, most authentic place I’ve been to in Gdańsk, and I’d highly recommend stopping by, even if it’s just for a drink.

Gyozilla Ramen

📍 ul. Do Studzienki 23, ul. Chmielna 101/1

Now, I’ve got a confession to make – for years, I avoided ordering ramen like the plague. That’s why in this photo, you’ll see me with a bowl of loaded fries instead of ramen (which are amazing too, by the way). I used to think ramen was just fancy soup with a steep price tag and couldn’t understand the hype.

It wasn’t until I tried the most incredible ramen in Warsaw (Vegan Ramen Shop forever!) that I decided to give it another go in Gdańsk.

The reason there’s no photographic proof of me trying Gyozilla’s ramen is because I had it at their Gdynia location, so I didn’t include it here for accuracy. But if you’re a ramen fan, Gyozilla is definitely worth checking out. They’ve got two spots: one in Wrzeszcz and another on Granary Island in the Main City.

They also have a sushi and cocktail bar on Leśmiana street in Garnizon, which I haven’t tried yet – but if it’s anything like the ramen, I’ve got high hopes.

Treinta y Tres

📍 Aleja Grunwaldzka 472c (33rd floor of the Olivia Star building)

Here’s another fine dining spot I feel good recommending – even though fine dining usually isn’t my thing. I can be a bit picky with fancy dishes, I never quite know which fork to use, and sometimes it just makes me feel a little out of place.

Treinta y Tres (which means 33 in Spanish) is a Spanish restaurant located on the 33rd floor of the Olivia Star building. It sits right next to Arco by Paco Pérez – the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Gdańsk – and both are led by the same chef, who’s been ranked among the best in the world!

Treinta y Tres has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, which means it offers exceptional food at more accessible prices. So if you’re after a top-notch dining experience without the intimidating price tag, this place is a great option.

We decided to start with just some cocktails and a couple of small plates to test the waters – and honestly, it was such a lovely experience. Our server was incredibly kind and helpful, explained everything clearly, and at no point did we feel pressured to order more (unlike another fine dining place in the area we’ve been to…). The cocktails were also wonderfully creative – I just wish I remembered the names, because they were a proper show on their own!

One more perk: if you have a reservation here, you don’t need to buy a ticket to the Olivia Star observation deck on the 32nd floor – which I also mentioned in my guide to the best things to do in Gdańsk. So it’s a great way to enjoy the view and treat yourself at the same time.

Husak Pizza

📍 ul. Aleja Grunwaldzka 28/2

At first, I wasn’t sure whether to include this place… I mean, how many pizza recommendations does one person really need? But it’s simply too good to leave out.

As I scrolled through my photos, I realised I’ve never actually eaten inside their restaurant. We always either ordered in or picked the food up ourselves, so I don’t have any interior shots. I also haven’t tried their classic pizzas, but that’s not why I’m including them. The real stars of the show (pun not intended… but definitely fitting!) are their star-shaped pizzas – especially the Parma Stella and the Nutella Stella.

I’m not sure if they still serve them, as I couldn’t spot them on the current menu. I did, however, see photos of a newer pistachio variation on Instagram a while ago. I know sweet pizza might sound a bit strange, but trust me on this one. At the end of the day, it’s just dough with sweet toppings… I mean, what’s not to like?

And if you’re the kind of person who can never decide what to order, you’ll love their Tre Colori pizza with three different toppings in one.

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So there you have it – my guide to the must-visit restaurants in Gdańsk! Which of these are you most excited to try first?

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