One of the more interesting and enjoyable ways to discover new places is by trying local specialties. Gdańsk is full of restaurants with excellent cuisine. The local culinary offerings are characterized by a great diversity and a wide price range. Check out our article to discover some culinary recommendations!
Gdańsk — A Sea of Opportunities for Fish Lovers
As Gdańsk is a port city, the specialty of the local cuisine is fish. It is especially worth trying species caught in the Baltic Sea. These include:
Herring — one of the most popular Baltic fish, often served as an appetizer. Herring can be prepared in many ways, for example, marinated, in oil, or in cream.
Flounder — delicate and tasty. It is often served fried or baked with herbs and butter. A good choice for lovers of delicate white meat.
Salmon — although more associated with the colder northern waters, it is also found in the Baltic Sea. This fatty fish is often served grilled or smoked.
Sprat — a smaller fish, often served smoked as a snack or an appetizer. Sprats are also popular in salads.
Baltic turbot — although less available than other fish, it is highly prized for its tasty, white meat. It can be served in upscale restaurants, often baked or grilled.
Where to Eat Fish in Gdańsk?
Zafishowani Bar & Restaurant Rybna (Tokarska 6, entrance from Długie Pobrzeże) - This elegant spot is located in the heart of Gdańsk. Its location by the Motława River, next to the Crane (Żuraw), makes it an ideal spot to take a break from exploring the historic center. The restaurant offers dishes like herring, halibut, trout, and salmon. Although fish dishes are the main theme, there is also a wide range of other options such as seafood or steaks. Thus, it is a suitable place even for those who are not keen on fish. Each guest should find something to suit their taste. It is also worth noting that the place is known for its elegant decor, making it perfect for celebrating special occasions.
Rybakówka (Stągiewna 7/1) - Ideal for lovers of fish specialties. The menu includes a large selection of options such as cod, pike, salmon, trout, catfish, halibut, turbot, and many others. The menu is so extensive that it is worth visiting more than once to try different offerings. The decor also adds to the charm, with many wooden elements and details reminiscent of classic ships, allowing guests to feel the unique maritime identity of Gdańsk.
Gruba Ryba (Jantarowa 21) - This place lets you forget you are in a half-million-strong metropolis for a moment. Located near the beach, close to the Brzeźno Pier, the atmosphere might remind you more of a smaller seaside town. The view of the Baltic Sea from nearly every spot in the restaurant is also priceless. The menu includes lunch sets with halibut, cod, or mackerel. There are also several tasty dishes of other kinds available.
Where to Eat Well and Affordably in Gdańsk?
Gdańsk's culinary map also includes eateries where you could feasibly dine daily due to the reasonable prices. Such places include:
Bar Turystyczny
Bar Mleczny Stągiewna
Pyra Bar
At each of these places, you can order delicious lunch sets that will fill you up. The key advantage is the price. In many cases, it does not exceed 30 złoty for a really substantial meal.
Meatless Dishes — Where to Eat? Gdańsk for Vegetarians and Vegans
In Gdańsk, as in every larger Polish city, you can find a rich offering of meatless cuisine. The following eateries deserve special attention:
Manna 68 - A vegan restaurant located in the center of the Main Town at Świętego Ducha 68. Along with unique plant-based dishes, organic and vegan wines, craft beers, and exceptional teas are offered. Manna 68’s menu (100% vegan) changes with every season, four times a year.
Faloviec (Obrońców Wybrzeża 2) - An unassuming spot located in the Przymorze district, a bit away from the center. It is definitely worth a visit. The place is 1.5 km from the sea, so you can combine your visit with a walk on the beach. The menu features delicious plant-based dishes from Oriental, Thai, and Mexican cuisine.
Avocado — This restaurant has two locations. One is in the center at Podwale Staromiejskie 94/95, and the other in the Wrzeszcz district at Wajdeloty 25/1. The two spots differ in decor and menus. In the Old Town location, you will find various dishes in a modern interpretation. The menu blends influences from cuisines around the world. The second location has adopted a traditional bistro format where you can enjoy tasty lunch sets.
House of Seitan (Wajdeloty 3) - This venue recreates classic Polish dishes in a plant-based version, such as vegan pyzy served with a composition of fresh vegetables. It also meets the expectations of those seeking exotic flavors, drawing inspirations from Thai and Mexican cuisines.
Fucafe — After enjoying your main dish, it's a good idea to stop by for coffee or dessert at this vegan cafe. You can get hot drinks with a wide variety of plant-based milk options. It's also worth trying one of the delicious pastries made without animal products.
Restaurants Serving Polish Cuisine in Gdańsk
Mandu - although the menu features specialties from many corners of the world, there is a clear emphasis on Polish cuisine. Pierogi here are particularly noteworthy. You can choose between two locations: Elżbietańska 4/8 (Old Town) and Kaprów 19D (Oliwa).
If you are looking for Polish cuisine in a classic setting, be sure to visit Swojski Smak. The menu offers a wide range of traditional dishes. Combine it with a regional beer or a stronger spirit - the choice here is vast. The restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and professional staff. You can find it at Heweliusza 25/27.
Where to Eat Breakfast in Gdańsk?
The best way to start a day in Gdańsk is with a walk during which you visit one of the best local breakfast restaurants. Among the places worth mentioning is Drukarnia, a cozy and atmospheric cafe located at Mariacka 36. Here you can drink coffee or tea and order a delicious breakfast. You might opt for a fancy bowl to start your day healthily or indulge in a French-style morning with delicate croissants.
Another great option is Marmolada, Chleb i Kawa (Marmolada, Bread and Coffee) situated at Antoniego Słonimskiego 5. Besides classic breakfasts, you can choose options like shakshuka or other compositions inspired by morning meals from different corners of the world.
During your stay in Gdańsk, it's also worth starting the day by visiting Pomelo Bistro Bar located at Ogarna 121/122. The space is designed in a retro style, and the menu is full of options that are perfect for a good start to the day. Available choices include pancakes, breakfast burgers, and eggs in various styles.
Where to Enjoy Desserts in Gdańsk?
Among the best Gdańsk patisseries, places like UMAM (Grobla II 12/14/c1 or Mariana Hemara 1) or La Delice (Partyzantów 9/2) stand out. When looking for local delicacies, be sure to try marzipan pastries and the so-called "brukowce" - gingerbreads made according to a local recipe. At first glance, they may resemble the popular "katarzynki" from Toruń, but they differ in the way they are prepared. They are definitely worth trying during your stay in Gdańsk.
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