Restaurants, dining venues, and food in Gdańsk
Gdańsk's food scene is a delicious melting pot where Polish traditions mingle with influences from neighboring countries, creating a culinary landscape that's both exciting and diverse. Around the city center and near major attractions, you'll find plenty of excellent restaurants serving everything from authentic Polish specialties to Italian, Indian, Russian, and French cuisine.
Traditional milk bars, like Bar Mleczny Neptun, are an iconic part of Gdańsk's food culture. These no-frills spots are perfect for enjoying hearty, home-style Polish cooking without breaking the bank.
The city's dining scene has gotten a modern makeover with the arrival of large food halls and food courts, which have won over locals and visitors alike with their convenience and flexibility. These spots are great for groups, everyone can pick what they're craving from different vendors and still eat together in the shared dining area.
Food Halls, Food Courts, and Culinary Worlds
Just like everywhere else, Gdańsk has jumped on the food hall bandwagon (called hala gastronomiczna in Polish), also known as food courts or culinary worlds. Under one roof, different restaurant stalls let everyone in your group pick exactly what they're craving. Whether you're a vegan, burger fanatic, or sushi lover, everyone can find something they like and enjoy it together at communal dining areas. It's usually self-service, you order from different stalls, and they'll buzz you with a pager when your food's ready.
Shopping centers have had restaurant clusters before, but those typically focused on fast food. Food halls, on the other hand, aim for variety, quality, and atmosphere. What's particularly cool about Gdańsk's food halls is how they've breathed new life into historic buildings. You'll find food courts in renovated industrial halls or old warehouses.
Montownia Food Hall, History, Art, and World Flavors in the Shipyard District
Montownia Food Hall [on map] is located in Gdańsk's old shipyard area and claims the title of the city's largest food hall with nearly 3,000 square meters of space. Montownia houses over 20 different restaurants serving flavors from around the globe. Whether you're in the mood for Thai, Afghan, Italian, Mexican, or American street food, seafood, or burgers, they've got you covered. Restaurants typically open from 11 AM to 10 PM, staying open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The bar keeps going even later.
Montownia is part of the larger Młode Miasto development project that's transforming this former industrial area into a new neighborhood. Nearby, you'll find other shipyard attractions like the cultural and entertainment venues Ulica Elektryków and 100cznia. The building itself is a former WWII submarine assembly hall. High ceilings, exposed brick walls, large windows, and original steel structures create an impressive backdrop. Works by local artists add life to the space. Montownia is committed to sustainability with their "zero plastic" policy and use of only biodegradable tableware.
Stacja Food Hall - Inside Galeria Metropolia Shopping Center
Stacja Food Hall [on map] occupies the top floor of Galeria Metropolia shopping center. You'll find food from 20 different vendors, or "from all seven continents," as they poetically put it. The center is right next to Gdańsk-Wrzeszcz train station.
Stacja Food Hall markets itself as the Tri-City's largest food and entertainment center, and tries to stand out from typical soulless mall food courts that exist solely to capitalize on shopping center foot traffic. They've aimed for a trendy vibe with unique design elements, including an authentic SKM commuter train car and a mural by local artist TUSE in The Beer Spot area.
Słony Spichlerz - Central Food Court on Granary Island
Słony Spichlerz [on map] (meaning Salty Granary) sits right in the heart of Gdańsk on Wyspa Spichrzów, or Granary Island. The location is perfect for tourists, being close to many hotels and main attractions. This makes it easy to reach and an appealing alternative to traditional restaurants. You can reach the island via a bridge [on map] from Długie Pobrzeże waterfront street.
Słony Spichlerz features nine different food concepts, a café, and two bars. You'll find European, Asian, and American dishes, as well as vegan options and café treats.
Forum Gdansk and Madison Center
Forum and Madison shopping centers have more traditional mall food courts where you can conveniently grab a bite from a handful of options while shopping. However, they don't offer the same atmosphere or diverse selection of independent restaurants that you'll find in proper food halls.
Best Foodie Neighborhoods in Gdańsk
Right in the heart of the city, Długi Targ square is famous for its diverse dining scene and buzzing outdoor terraces, especially when summer rolls around. Just steps away, Długa street continues the culinary journey with even more restaurants and cafés, including the traditional milk bar Bar Mleczny Neptun.
The riverside Długie Pobrzeże promenade stretching between the Green Gate and Targ Rybny square is a hotspot for dining, particularly if you're craving fresh seafood.
Other streets worth exploring for great eats include the atmospheric Mariacka, the versatile Piwna and its continuation Chlebnicka, plus the corner where Szeroka and Pańska streets meet, a local favorite.
Długi Targ Square
Długi Targ [on map] is a pedestrian street and square right in the heart of Gdańsk's Old Town. It stretches from the banks of the Motława River [on map] at the Green Gate [on map] (Mariacka 28/30) and continues toward one of the city's most famous landmarks, the Neptune Fountain [on map]. You'll also find the impressive Artus Court [on map] (Długi Targ 43-44) along the square, this used to be where merchants would gather to do business.
Długi Targ has remained one of Gdańsk's hottest dining spots year after year. The square is packed with restaurants serving everything from burgers and grilled meats to traditional Polish dishes. When summer rolls around, many restaurants open up their terraces where you can enjoy your meal and drinks al fresco.
One of the coolest things about Długi Targ is the annual St. Dominic's Fair, it's actually one of Europe's largest outdoor markets. This massive event draws huge crowds and really brings the area to life even more than usual.
Długa Street
Długa Street [on map] starts at the edge of Długi Targ square and stretches away from the riverfront. While it might not have quite the same fame as a dining destination as the nearby Długi Targ square, the street is packed with great spots for delicious meals and coffee breaks. You'll find even more restaurants tucked away on Długa's side streets, like Garbary [on map] and Ogarna [on map].
One fascinating spot on Długa Street is the traditional Polish "milk bar" Bar Mleczny Neptun [on map] (Długa 33/34). This self-service restaurant lets you sample affordable home-style cooking. It's perfect for both breakfast and dinner, with opening hours that vary between weekdays and weekends.
Along the street, you'll discover plenty of other restaurants serving up diverse cuisines. Original Burger [on map] (Długa 47/49) serves up American-style burgers, while nearby spots like Pomelo Bistro Bar [on map] (Ogarna 121/122) and Balans Kawy Speciality & Bajgiel [on map] (Ogarna 123) offer modern Polish dishes and specialty coffee.
Among the street's cozy cafés, don't miss Cukiernia Sowa [on map] (Długa 13/15), famous for its Polish pastries and European café treats, or Grycan [on map] (Długa 73), renowned for its ice cream. During summer, many cafés open up their terraces for outdoor seating.
Riverside restaurants from the Green Gate to Targ Rybny
The riverside area in Gdańsk between the Green Gate [on map] and Targ Rybny [on map] is packed with restaurants where you can enjoy delicious meals. You can explore this area by strolling along the bustling Długie Pobrzeże [on map], which runs along the riverbank.
You'll often see restaurant signs in both Polish and English. Some restaurants specialize in specific types of cuisine, like Restauracja Targ Rybny, Fishmarkt [on map] (Targ Rybny 6C), which is known for its tasty, though admittedly pricey, fish dishes. If you're looking to sample traditional Polish delicacies with a fine dining twist, you might want to head to Restauracja Kubicki [on map] (Wartka 5). Some restaurants, like Goldwasser [on map] (Długi Targ 28), are particularly popular with tourists.
The riverside restaurants in Gdańsk between the Green Gate and Targ Rybny offer plenty of variety. There's something for everyone, whether you're a fan of Polish cuisine or looking for more international flavors. However, keep in mind that these riverside restaurants are located in a popular tourist area, so don't expect miracles from every place. It's a good idea to check online reviews before choosing where to eat.
Targ Rybny
Head to the northern edge of Gdańsk's Old Town, near the banks of the Motława River, and you'll find Targ Rybny, a street-like square that transforms into one of the city center's liveliest spots during summer. This square has quite a history, dating back to 1343 when the Teutonic Knights established a fish market here that operated right up until World War II. These days, it's all about soaking up the atmosphere at the many restaurants and cafés that line the area.
Around Targ Rybny, you can dig into traditional Polish favorites like pierogi and cabbage rolls, but the food scene here is wonderfully international, everything from Italian pasta to Indian curries. What really stands out, though, are the seafood dishes. The local restaurants take pride in showcasing Baltic Sea treasures like cod, herring, and salmon, prepared with real skill and creativity.
One standout spot is Restauracja Fishmarkt [on map] (Targ Rybny 6C), right on the square. They've built a reputation for serving up some seriously good seafood dishes that really let the quality of the ingredients shine through.
Other great downtown streets for dining
One of the best areas for outdoor dining in central Gdańsk stretches between Targ Rybny square [on map] and the train station, with several noteworthy restaurant streets in this area.
One of the most charming and Instagram-worthy streets is Mariacka Street [on map], which runs from St. Mary's Church [on map] (Podkramarska 5) down to St. Mary's Gate by the river. The street is packed with galleries, art shops and amber workshops, and you can grab a coffee on its raised terraces while people-watching.
Piwna Street [on map], which runs past St. Mary's Church, is another foodie favorite, home to trendy spots like Piwna 47 [on map] (Piwna 47), where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner along with an excellent wine selection. Piwna is also where you'll find restaurants serving Poland's famous pierogi (dumplings), with Pierogarnia u Dzika [on map] (Piwna 59/60) being one of the best. They also serve other affordable dishes like various soups. Piwna is your go-to spot if you want to sample local specialties without having a specific game plan.
As Piwna heads toward the waterfront, it changes its name to Chlebnicka [on map], and this stretch has its share of restaurants too.
Don't miss Szeroka Street [on map] either, especially where it meets Pańska Street [on map]. This area is home to restaurants that are particularly popular with locals. You'll find everything from traditional Polish cuisine to international flavors.
Gdynia and Sopot
Both Gdynia and Sopot make it super easy for travelers to find great places to eat, restaurants are conveniently located right along the main tourist routes. You'll spot the first dining options practically as soon as you step out of the train station, and the choices multiply as you head toward the main attractions.
In Gdynia, restaurants are packed into the area between the train station and the waterfront, as well as along the city's main pedestrian street. Świętojańska Street [on map] is one of the most famous streets around, and you'll find plenty of dining options on its side streets too.
Meanwhile, Sopot has tons of restaurants, especially along Monte Cassino Street [on map] – locals call it "Monciak", and the surrounding streets. Another popular dining hub is right by the sandy beach. Take Bar Przystań, for example [on map] (Wartka 5) – it's literally right next to the beach.
Besides restaurants, both cities, but especially Sopot, are home to loads of cozy cafés where you can indulge in local pastries over a cup of coffee.
Cafés
Gdańsk's café scene is buzzing with life, and you'll find tons of cozy spots throughout the city where you can sip on quality coffee and nibble on delicious pastries.
You'll find the highest concentration of cafés along Długa Street [on map] and around Długi Targ square [on map]. These places are often stylishly decorated, ranging from over-the-top ornate to sleek modern designs and everything in between. For a café with truly unique décor, check out Café Józef K [on map] (Piwna 1/2). With its printing presses and vintage furniture, this place draws inspiration from Kafka's famous novel "The Trial."
Prices at Gdańsk's cafés are generally wallet-friendly. You can spot the difference between a regular café and a proper pastry shop by looking for the word "cukiernia" in the name, these places serve up amazing cakes, pastries, and ice cream. Cukiernia Sowa [on map] (Rajska 10) in the Madison shopping center is a reasonably priced spot with excellent pastries and snacks.
But cafés here offer way more than just coffee and sweets. Many places serve sandwiches, croissants, yogurts, juices, and smoothies, making them perfect breakfast spots too. Some cafés cater to vegans and offer various porridge bowls with tons of topping options. As evening rolls around, many cafés transform into wine bars or nightclubs where you can grab both a meal and alcoholic drinks late into the night.
What to Eat in Gdańsk
Gdańsk's restaurant scene offers everything from traditional Polish comfort food to international cuisine that'll satisfy any craving.
Being a coastal city, Gdańsk has its own seafood specialties, think fresh herring and cod that locals have been enjoying for centuries. You'll find these maritime delights at the slightly pricier restaurants that both locals and tourists love. One standout is Restauracja Gdańska [on map] (Chlebnicka 48/51), tucked away in the old town, where they serve up authentic northern Polish dishes.
You can't visit Gdańsk without trying the classic Polish favorites. Pierogi, those delicious dumpling-like parcels stuffed with all sorts of fillings, are an absolute must-try. Head to Pierogarnia Mandu [on map] (Elżbietańska 4/8), one of the most popular pierogi spots near the city center. Other Polish classics include stuffed cabbage rolls, hearty soups, and potato dishes galore. For budget-friendly traditional fare, check out the milk bars (yes, that's what they're called!) like Bar Mleczny Neptun [on map] (Długa 33/34) and Bar Mleczny Turystyczny [on map] (Szeroka 8/10).
For those who like their tradition with a modern twist, Gdańsk has plenty of restaurants putting contemporary spins on classic flavors. Take Canis Restaurant [on map] (Ogarna 27/28), where you can sample innovative takes on Polish cuisine in a historic merchant house setting.
Brewery restaurants are also having a moment in Gdańsk. At PG4 [on map] (Podwale Grodzkie 4), you can sip local craft beers paired with dishes designed to complement each brew.
Street food fans should make a beeline for 100cznia [on map] (Księdza Jerzego Popiełuszki 5), where you can grab everything from pizza to ramen noodles to tapas. This food hall is located in the old shipyard area, giving it an extra cool industrial vibe.
Vegetarian Food
Gdańsk still boasts a diverse selection of quality vegetarian and vegan restaurants, though some popular spots (like chains Bioway and Green Way) have unfortunately had to close their doors in recent years.
Gdańsk's first vegan restaurant is Avocado Vegan Bistro, which opened its doors in 2013 [on map] (Wajdeloty 25/1). Their menu features everything from pierogi and pies to cakes, croquettes, breaded tofu, daily soups, millet burgers, curries, and seitan cutlets. Another popular vegan spot is Manna 68 [on map] (Świętego Ducha 68), where you'll find paninis, wraps, pasta dishes, veggie burgers, and soups of the day. House of Seitan [on map] (Wajdeloty 3) is a vegan bistro that serves up daily changing soups and dishes, including potato pierogi.
If you're looking for gluten-free options, Gdańsk has you covered with two completely gluten-free restaurants: Trattoria Sano [on map] (aleja Grunwaldzka 415), an Italian restaurant serving pasta and pizza, and U Królika [on map] (ul, Antoniego Słonimskiego 6U/12), which also offers vegan options.
Opening hours at vegetarian restaurants can vary, so it's worth checking ahead before you go.
For more info on the topic, check out Happy Cow, which lists vegetarian restaurants in Gdańsk.
Prices and Payment Cards
Eating out in Gdańsk and the entire Tri-City area won't break the bank, prices are pretty reasonable overall. Once you venture away from the tourist hotspots, you can enjoy a good meal with drinks for around €10-15. The best deals are at milk bars, kebab joints, and vegetarian restaurants. In popular tourist areas like Długi Targ square [on map] and along the riverfront, expect to pay a bit more. There, a meal with drinks might set you back around €20 or more.
Drinks won't drain your wallet either. In budget-friendly spots, a large beer or glass of wine runs about €3-4, while fancier restaurants and hotel bars charge a few euros more. That said, these pricier places often serve better quality drinks, including craft beers from local microbreweries.
Most restaurants accept card payments, but smaller and cheaper places like milk bars often prefer cash. There are always exceptions, so it's smart to keep some cash on hand just in case.
Gdańsk has tons of excellent, stylishly decorated cafés, especially along Długa street [on map] and around Długi Targ square. Coffee shop prices stay affordable, and many cafés also serve food and alcoholic drinks late into the evening.
Opening Hours
In Gdańsk, restaurants typically stay open until around 10 PM, though many places keep their kitchens running later on weekends when the city really comes alive.
If you're an early bird looking for breakfast, you'll find plenty of spots opening their doors first thing in the morning. The fancier establishments, on the other hand, might not roll up their shutters until late morning. The beloved milk bars, those budget-friendly local institutions, are among the early risers and perfect for a hearty morning meal. Some restaurants focus exclusively on the lunch and dinner crowds, so plan accordingly.