Top 5 Places to Eat in Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Cluj - Napoca , Romania is a vibrant city with a booming culinary scene.
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During my two-week trip to Cluj-Napoca, Romania, I was pleasantly surprised by the vibrant and active culinary culture throughout this up and-coming European destination.
I was there during the Cluj Street Food Festival, which was fantastic on its own, but I quickly fell in love with the eclectic take on dining culture that seems to permeate the city.
Cluj, Romania, is a foodie’s paradise with local neighbourhood gems and gastropubs with innovative approaches to dining experiences. If you want to check out a full guide and rundown on the Cluj Street Food Festival, check out this post here.
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Places to Eat in Cluj Romania
1. La Șes
Let’s start with my favourite spot on this list! I visited this restaurant multiple times during my trip due to their amazing Carbonara Pizza and friendly atmosphere. La Șes is nestled in a neighbourhood just outside of Cluj’s city centre. It was made clear that this is a local favourite, especially among university students, as the campus and dorms are nearby.
Description: A neighbourhood pizza place offering the best pizza you'll ever try.
Ambiance: Cosy and local, tucked away in the middle of a neighbourhood.
Must-Try Dishes: Carbonara Pizza.
Why It’s a Top Spot: A great local spot with a simple menu and delightful staff.
You have to try the Carbonara Pizza at La Ses in Cluj, Romania.
2. Motor Rock Bistro
Here is another hidden neighbourhood gem that is not too far from the last. This funky bistro is clearly a favourite for its relaxed vibe and great music.
Description: Hidden neighbourhood gem with great music.
Ambiance: Relaxed vibe, especially in the beer garden.
Must-Try Dishes: Route 66 Burger, Papanași (traditional Romanian donut with jam).
Why It’s a Top Spot: Great vibes, music, and cocktails.
Papanași is a traditional Romanian cheese donut with cream and jam.
3. Roata
While you are in Romania, you will want to try traditional Romanian food. I recommend taking a seat outside to enjoy your hearty traditional meal in a peaceful and charming atmosphere.
Description: Traditional Romanian food served in a tranquil garden setting.
Ambiance: Traditional setting.
Must-Try Dishes: Sarmale (cabbage rolls), ciorbă (sour soup), and papanasi (Romanian doughnuts).
Why It’s a Top Spot: Experience traditional Romanian cuisine in a peaceful garden setting.
4. Frank the Tank Pub
What else can I say about this epic place other than the fact that it should be high on your list of places to visit while in Cluj. While Frank the Tank is a Will Ferrell themed pub that brings eccentricity to the vibe, there is also a laid-back atmosphere that makes this place so enjoyable. Not even mentioning the amazing food.
Description: A fun and eclectic pub close to the park.
Ambiance: While this Will Ferrell themed pub is funky and fun, there is a laid-back setting that makes this experience very enjoyable.
Must-Try Dishes: Everything on this menu is delicious.
Why It’s a Top Spot: Convenient location, fun vibes, and great food.
Cluj is bursting with eclectic gastropubs.
5. O'Peter's Irish Pub & Grill
Though it might be surprising to find an Irish pub on a list of places to eat in Cluj , Romania, this spot is a hidden gem. Descend a steep set of stairs to reach a cosy, cave-like restaurant with an authentic feel
Description: An unexpected gem of a pub in Old Town with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Ambiance: Authentic Irish pub.
Must-Try Dishes: Anything on their dessert menu is phenomenal.
Why It’s a Top Spot: Just like the majority of the restaurants in Cluj , this spot is funky and fun. It makes for a great and different experience.
Old Town has some amazing places to eat in Cluj, Romania.
Bonus:
Conacul Secuiesc-Székelykő Kúria, Rimetea, Romania
If you find yourself venturing outside of Cluj to Rimetea—a traditional Hungarian village nestled among breathtaking scenery—you won’t want to miss this incredible lunch spot. We stopped at Conacul Secuiesc-Székelykő Kúria and I couldn’t recommend it enough. With a traditional Romanian and Hungarian menu and a spectacular view of the mountains, you will feel like you have fallen into a movie set or a dreamland. The experience is unreal.
As you embark on your Cluj adventure, I hope you will partake in the unique food scene that adds to this Romanian city’s already robust cultural offerings. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants that I did not get to experience while in Cluj.
Conacul Secuiesc-Székelykő Kúria is a hotel and restaurant in Rimetea, Romania.
Looking for Accommodation in Cluj? Check out these places:
For more on Cluj and other destinations, check out these other posts:
A guide to the annual Cluj Street Food Festival in Cluj, Romania - a vibrant event that highlights Cluj’s booming culinary scene. Discover what to do and what not to miss at the Cluj Street Food Festival!