Where to Eat in Cluj Napoca: Best Restaurants in the City

With so many restaurants to choose from in Cluj, you might be wondering which are the best in the city. And that’s what I am here to answer today: the best restaurants in Cluj Napoca.

But first, a warning: don’t read this on an empty stomach! You’ll probably regret it (unless you’re about to head out to eat at one of these amazing restaurants)!

Back to today’s topic, Cluj Napoca has a plethora of amazing restaurants to choose from. Sure, you can always go to your favorite international fast-food restaurant chain and grab a menu that you’re used to and already know you’ll like, but then where’s the fun of discovering local tradition, where’s the adventure and experience that you can explore through new flavors?

This is one of the main pros of living in Cluj Napoca, so make sure to take advantage of it!

So, to make sure that you don’t waste your time and money in restaurants that don’t really deserve either, let’s get straight to answering the burning question: Where to eat in Cluj, by sharing the best restaurants in the city.

Top restaurants in Cluj (for Traditional Food)

Let’s start with the best restaurants that serve traditional Romanian food. If you are a tourist (or just love Romanian food), this is what you need to try first. But worry not – I have various other options down below.

If you didn’t know, Cluj-Napoca is actually famous in the entire country for the special way they prepare cabbage, using a unique recipe that originated here, in the heart of Transylvania.

That dish is called “varza a la Cluj”, so if you are in town make sure you don’t miss it!

It’s one of the best Romanian foods, a kind of “sarmale” (another traditional food) but instead of rolling minced meat into the cabbage, you mix them all together, bake them and eat them with sour cream.

Might not sound like much, but it’s delicious. So, in order to help you find the best places where you can eat “varza a la Cluj” here and more Romanian foods, here are the best traditional restaurants in Cluj:

Zama Restaurant

We should start with Zama because I don’t think there’s any better, tastier or more impressive recipe for “varza a la Cluj” anywhere else in the country.

If you are trying this dish for the first time, pick Zama. There’s no way you will be disappointed.

zama restaurant varza a la cluj
Might not look like much, but it’s delicious once you dig in!

Besides, they might have the most unique way of presenting their menu I’ve ever seen in a traditional local.

If you are feeling extremely confused by the names they used for the ingredients and dishes they created, no worry!

Romanian people feel the same confusion, because most of the words are regionalisms or archaisms, words that were used in the past or in specific Transylvanian areas.

But, as strange as they sound, they are all extremely delicious explosions of flavors once you give them a chance and taste them.

Given the really modest prices and big portions, to which we can add the quality and great taste of each dish, this is one of the best places to eat traditional food in Cluj-Napoca.

If you’re not really into cabbage, I strongly recommend that you try their beans soup with smoked marrow bone, their traditional recipe for rustic potatoes and the steak accompanied by sweet & sour beet sauce.

zama restaurant beans and hocks

I guarantee the impressive taste and generous portion sizes from my own experience, you won’t be disappointed!

For easy access, I have marked the restaurant on Google Maps here, but you can also check out their Facebook page for more info.

As you can see, it’s located in the old town area, which is one of the best areas to live in Cluj Napoca.

Roata Restaurant

While I prefer Zama for traditional Romanian food, it’s fortunately not the only place where you can enjoy the amazing national cuisine. Roata (The Wheel) is one of the alternatives.

roata restaurant polenta

It offers a huge variety of traditional dishes that you can find on their menu, and they are also cooked to perfection – and with portion sizes big enough to feed two people.

From the most diverse traditional ways of preparing cabbage with local recipes, to delicious steaks and Romanian traditional soups, you will find dishes for all tastes and preferences in Roata Restaurant.

If you want to take my recommendation on a tasty dish to try at Roata, I would say go for the polenta with cheese and greaves and any of the soups. Traditional, authentic Romanian flavors and textures.

roata restaurant soup in bread
You have to try one of their soups served directly in bread.

Lastly, I have to give them some bonus points for the rustical decors inside the restaurant. It’s extremely minimalist and simple, yet very authentic and connected to the Romanian traditional homes and popular motifs.

From the wooden chairs to the tablecloth, wall decors and pots, the entire ambient is rustic and authentic.

As a bonus, they are just some 10 minutes of walking away from Zama, so you can walk from one place to another, lie to yourself that you’ve burned all the calories from the previous meal and keep eating.

For easy access, I have marked the restaurant on Google Maps here, but you can also check out their Facebook page for more info.

Hanul Dacilor (aka Casa Dacilor)

If, just like me, you want to know the local cuisine and taste as many new traditional dishes as possible at once, a little bit of every flavor and texture, you should try the platters available at Hanul Dacilor Restaurant – also known as Casa Dacilor.

hanul dacilor traditional platter

There are over ten different traditional platters including all kinds of authentic Romanian and Transylvanian food, so you can choose whatever you want to try for the best prices.

That’s even better if you’re coming with some friends, because most of the platters are quite big, created to be shared with 2-3 or even 5-6 people.

And, just like the atmosphere in Roata Restaurant, Hanul Dacilor also has a very rustic design, creating an impressively authentic traditional Romanian experience.

The difference is that this place is not as minimalistic as the previous one, as the walls can actually be a life-size museum of popular traditional objects, pots, wooden furniture, motifs and decors. Bonus points for Instagram photos!

hanul dacilor food

For easy access, I have marked the restaurant on Google Maps here, but you can also check out their Facebook page for more info.

Note: There’s also one available in the Iulius Mall, but for the true, authentic Romanian experience, choose the one I marked on Google Maps.

Top restaurants and pubs in Cluj-Napoca: Exotic flavors

Moving on from one extreme to another, if you want something completely different from the traditional foods recommended above, try the most exotic flavors and dishes from the restaurants and pubs that I am recommending below.

Or go for some international cuisine if Romanian flavors are not necessarily your thing. Either way, all the restaurants below are among the best in Cluj Napoca and mix well with the Romanian culture – including the food culture – that I am sure you will fall in love with, if you haven’t done so already.

Indigo

All foods are vibrating in this restaurant, and not because of the beautiful colors and arrangements, but because of the variety and intensity of the spices used to make every dish a special experience.

indigo indian platter

If you want an authentic Indian experience, Indigo is definitely one of your best options in Cluj-Napoca.

I recommend that you try the Biryani Chicken if you have resistance to very spicy flavors, because it’s amazing, or order a full platter containing the most diverse sauces, chutneys and naans in order to try as many new recipes as possible.

It’s definitely one of the most creative, delicious and interesting restaurants, with the potential to offer you an experience as close as possible to the Indian culture.

indigo varied platter

You can find its location here on Google Maps or check out the restaurant’s official Facebook Page for more.

Samsara FoodHouse – Best Vegan Restaurant in Cluj

Not as exotic as the previous one, but definitely equally or even more unique, Samsara FoodHouse is another place where you can try the most amazing and creative new flavors and recipes.

samsara salad

The specific of the house is raw-vegan. More exactly, most of the dishes are vegan at samsara, some are cooked and others are raw. But I, along with the hundreds of happy clients, can guarantee that they are all delicious.

Besides the cream soups and stunning appetizers, there are also some amazing exotic recipes with Indian inspirations, spiced with curry or tandoori and accompanied by rice, lentils, coconut, lime and plenty of other deliciously cooked vegetables.

samsara vegan cake

Check this place out on Google Maps or find out more on their Facebook page.

London Brothers

Despite its name, this isn’t a restaurant focusing on British food. What it delivers is a wide variety of food that you will love. Tasty, hearty and good looking. And a relatively new place in Cluj.

london brothers asian food

All their dishes stand out, no matter if you pick a traditional burger and fries, their chicken Bao or the strangely delicious (and quite unique) Vegan Spinach & Rasberry cake. And yes, they also have vegan options to keep everybody happy.

With food that offers an explosion of color and big attention paid to details, London Brothers is one of the most refreshing and pleasant experiences you’ll have in a long time.

Best part? Prices are decent – not low, but not high either. You pay little money for lots of great food. Perfect deal!

london brothers burger

I marked their location on Google Maps here, but you can also check out their Facebook Page for even more photos of their delicious dishes.

/FORM Café

This one will envelope you in a warm vibe even during a cold winter. Both literally and figuratively.

You will be welcomed by friendly staff, blankets available on every chair to warm you up, and dim lights or personal touches such as colorful candles or flowers. Plus your own personal heated bubble if you want to stay outside. Pretty cool!

form cafe bubbles

An amazing ambient, in a restaurant located right in the Unirii Square. And that’s just the beginning.

Besides the great atmosphere for socialization and relaxation, FORM Café is also a great choice for your pocket.

Most of the dishes are budget-friendly, prices are really low and portions are generous.

If you want to try the best, go for the Schnitzel Chalupa or Classical Mac and Cheese. They are both flavorful, nourishing and highly aesthetical.

form cafe pasta

And, if you’re not hungry, this place is also one of the best pubs you can find in Cluj-Napoca.

They serve creamy, foamy, strong coffee, and even some creative combinations of cold-brew coffee and alcohol which you can try if you feel adventurous.

Overall, a place with great location, awesome food, amazing staff and good vibes that you should definitely check out!

You can do so on their Facebook page or by going to their exact location marked here on Google Maps.

L’Alchimiste

Another place that will warm you up during winter through the most delicious coffees with rich aromas and nice foamed-milk designs, L’Alchimiste is located right next to the Matthias Corvinus Monument, one of the top things to see in Cluj.

lalchimiste burger

It’s a great pub in the center of Cluj Napoca, where you will be welcomed with electric heaters during winters to keep you warm on the outside while the beverages will warm you up inside.

Personal touches such as candles on the table and blankets on the chairs are also contributing to making this terrace even cozier and more intimate.

Of course, things are equally pleasant during the warmer days when you don’t need the blankets!

And the food – because this is what you’re here for, in the end – is absolutely amazing, no matter if you’re getting one of their huge burgers or an omelet for your breakfast.

lalchimiste omelet

As for my recommendation with L’Alchimiste, come here in the evening, when the dim light bulbs will brighten the entire square and the view will get extremely romantic and inspiring.

You can check this place out on Google Maps for the exact location, or take a look at their Facebook Page.

Conclusion

You have above what I consider to be the absolute best restaurants in Cluj Napoca. I am sure you will enjoy the flavors, dishes and service at any of the places recommended above and you’ll definitely want to come back.

There are a lot of great places in Cluj when it comes to eating, for sure, so if somehow this list isn’t enough, you will still have plenty of other options to choose from.

And if you go there and stumble upon an amazing restaurant, don’t hesitate to share it with us so we can all give it a try!

Or just consider taking a day trip to nearby Timisoara and test the best restaurants there too. Why not?

Calin
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