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Gdansk in Poland might not be the first city that comes to mind for a foodie city break, but that is exactly what makes it such a hidden gem. Between the colourful streets and historic architecture, you will find cozy wine bars, trendy coffee spots and atmospheric restaurants serving everything from traditional Polish dishes to modern cuisine. During our city trip to Gdansk, we explored some of the best restaurants and food hotspots in the city. From riverside dining along the Motława to hidden gems in the Old Town and specialty coffee cafés, these are our favourite places to eat in Gdansk.
1. Tygle Bistro&Wine: dining on the Motława River.river in Gdańsk
For the best food hotspots in Gdansk, where should you go? For us, the number one spot is without a doubt Tygle Bistro & Wine. This atmospheric restaurant is beautifully located along the Motława River, with views of iconic landmarks such as the Crane Gate. Just the setting alone makes it an incredible place to settle in for a meal.
But it’s not just the location that makes Tygle Bistro & Wine so impressive. This restaurant is all about quality. From the warm, attentive service to the creativity on the plate. Every dish is beautifully presented and full of flavour from start to finish. We enjoyed a full three-course lunch here, paired with carefully selected wines. The cocktail menu is also worth exploring, with a wide range of spritz variations and gin & tonics.
2. Chleb i Wino: fine dining in the heart of Gdansk
With two locations in Gdansk, it’s safe to say that Chleb i Wino is a popular hotspot in the city. We visited the trendy location on Stągiewna, but the riverside venue along the Motława is also a great place to settle in during your city trip.
What makes this restaurant so appealing is that you can go there for approachable dishes like pizzas and pastas, but also enjoy an extended drinks experience with great cocktails and tasty sharing platters. The atmosphere is modern and lively, making it just as suitable for a relaxed lunch as for a night out in Gdansk.
Extra tip: did you know you can also stay at Chleb i Wino? At the Stągiewna location, you’ll find stylish apartments with a true boutique hotel feel. They are super centrally located, making it ideal if you want to roll straight from dinner into your room without leaving the building. Check out the Chleb i Wino apartments here and read the reviews.
Good to know: this is a very popular spot with both locals and tourists, so we definitely recommend making a reservation to avoid long waiting times.
3. Gdański Bowke: authentic Polish dishes in Gdansk
Looking for a traditional Polish restaurant in Gdansk? Then Gdański Bowke is exactly the place to go. From the moment we stepped onto the terrace, we immediately felt the warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes this hotspot so special.
Inside, it feels like stepping back in time: the menus are designed like old newspapers, and the interior is full of historical charm. The menu features classic local dishes, as well as familiar favourites such as a delicious chicken schnitzel.
A real recommendation is the local drink Machandel, a traditional Gdansk spirit. Inside the restaurant, you’ll even find posters with tips on how to drink it the local way. Definitely worth trying when you’re here!
4. Lén: a cozy coffee spot in Gdansk
For us, visiting a great coffee spot is an essential part of any city trip, and that definitely includes Gdansk. Of course, you can get coffee anywhere, but at Lén you can really taste the difference. This coffee bar is so popular that people often start lining up before opening time just to grab a coffee to go.
You can either sit inside the cozy café or grab a spot on the terrace overlooking one of our favourite streets in Gdansk: Piwna. At Lén, they specialize in high-quality coffee, but the display counter is also filled with delicious treats. Make sure to try the raspberry latte!
5. Pólpietro: a hidden gem in the old town of Gdansk
When we visit a new city, we often look for the smaller, quieter streets away from the main tourist routes. That’s how we ended up at Polpietro, a charming restaurant in Gdansk’s Old Town, just slightly off the beaten path.
The characterful building immediately catches the eye, and the sunny terrace is a lovely place to sit back and relax. It’s a great spot to enjoy a good meal away from the busy tourist streets. Here, you really get a taste of the local atmosphere!
More tips for your city break in Gdansk
A city trip to Gdansk is, in our opinion, one of the biggest hidden surprises in Poland. The city combines colourful streets, impressive historic architecture and a lively atmosphere with trendy hotspots and great restaurants. Because Gdansk is still less touristy than many other European cities, it feels authentic, relaxed and refreshingly undiscovered.
Besides great food, Gdansk also offers plenty of beautiful sights, atmospheric neighbourhoods and fun day trips in the surrounding area. Curious about everything there is to do during a city break? Then check out our tips for a city trip to Gdansk!
Also read: best tips for a city trip to Gdansk
The most beautiful streets, stunning architecture, must-see landmarks and hidden gems — these are our top tips for a city trip to Gdansk.
The best places to stay in Gdansk
Besides great restaurants and lively hotspots, you’ll naturally want a comfortable place to stay during your city trip to Gdansk. Luckily, the city offers plenty of stylish hotels and apartments, ranging from charming boutique stays in the historic centre to more affordable options just outside the busy areas. One of the great things about Gdansk is that many accommodations are within walking distance, meaning you can often reach the Old Town quickly, even if you’re staying slightly outside the centre.
We already mentioned it briefly, but we’re big fans of the stylish and centrally located Chleb i Wino apartments.
Want to treat yourself a little extra during your city trip? Then Dwór Uphagena ARCHE is a great choice. This stylish hotel is located just outside the city centre in a beautifully restored historic building, combining character with a modern interior. It’s a peaceful base, while still being close to all the best hotspots and restaurants in Gdansk.
Looking for a more budget-friendly hotel in a central location? Then Ibis Gdansk Stare Miasto is a great option. It’s ideal if you want to stay right in the heart of the city and be able to walk straight from your hotel to the best restaurants, cafés and attractions in Gdansk.
Surprising tips for a city break to Gdansk
Looking for even more tips for your city trip to Gdansk? Besides the best restaurants and hotspots, this Polish port city has so much more to explore — from colourful streets and historic landmarks to great seaside day trips. Read our guide on what to do in Gdansk: from the most beautiful sights to fun things to do during your city trip.
And if you want to extend your city trip with a few days of relaxing by the coast, that’s also possible in Poland! We cover everything in our article about a day trip to Sopot from Gdansk: tips for the best seaside resort on the Polish coast.
More great city breaks in Poland
Enthusiastic about Poland? Then these cities are also absolute must-visits for an original city trip full of culture, great food and exciting hotspots.
Customized Poland Itinerary
Did you know that Poland has so much more to offer than just great city trips? For example, you can easily combine your visit to Gdansk with a getaway to the seaside town of Sopot. And there is still so much more to discover throughout the country. Dreaming of a complete trip through Poland without having to organise everything yourself? We would love to help you with a fully customised itinerary. From unique hotels and atmospheric hotspots to a well-planned route and unforgettable experiences. We make sure every detail is taken care of.
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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