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What Food To Try in Constanta and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Constanta for 2024.

National currency: Romanian Leu, symbol — L (international currency code RON).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Constanta cafes and restaurants
$8 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $5.53
$41.5 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $33.19
$5.3 
Combo Meal
Starting from $4.43

What to Try in Constanta

Must-try Dishes
Chiftele - Fried Meatballs - A mix of minced meat, rice, and herbs, these crispy meatballs are often served with a side of mashed potatoes. Locals love to enjoy them during family gatherings, especially for Sunday lunch.

Plăcintă cu Brânză - Cheese Pie - This flaky pastry is filled with a rich mixture of sheep's cheese and eggs, creating a savory treat that's perfect for breakfast. You'll typically find it in bakeries, where locals pick it up fresh in the morning—definitely a great start to the day!

Făcălețe - Grilled Mackerel - Char-grilled mackerel seasoned simply with salt, this dish showcases the local fishing pride. Enjoyed typically during summer barbecues at the seaside, it captures the essence of coastal dining in Constanta.

Ostropel - Chicken Stew - A flavorful chicken stew simmered with tomatoes and garlic, served with polenta on the side. A hearty dish, often cooked in family homes during winter, you'll find it served at cozy neighborhood restaurants.

Sarmale - Stuffed Cabbage Rolls - Cabbage leaves filled with a mix of minced pork and rice, cooked slowly with tomato sauce for rich flavors. A holiday staple, they're best enjoyed during Christmas or Easter, where families come together to make them.

Mititei - Grilled Sausages - These skinless sausages made with a blend of beef, lamb, and spices are grilled to perfection and usually served with mustard. A popular street food, they make for a perfect late-night snack during the summer festivals.

Salata de Vinete - Eggplant Salad - Roasted and mashed eggplants mixed with onions and oil results in a creamy spread, often eaten on bread. A summer favorite, it makes for refreshing bites during outdoor picnics, especially when the weather is warm.

Fasole cu Ciolan - Bean Stew with Pork Hock - A hearty bean stew made with smoked pork hock, creating a filling comfort food dish. This classic is enjoyed during winter gatherings, warming up friends and family while sharing stories over dinner.

Desserts & Drinks
Veveriță - Veveriță (nutty iced drink) - A refreshing beverage made from roasted grains, nuts, and cold water, it has a unique earthy flavor. Locals often enjoy it during hot summer days at seaside cafes, where it pairs perfectly with a view of the waves.

Café cu lapte - Cafea cu lapte (coffee with milk) - Strong coffee mixed with steamed milk, providing a rich and creamy consistency. It's common to see people sipping this in the afternoon while chatting at small bistros, sometimes paired with a sweet pastry for a delightful treat.

Țuică - Țuică (plum brandy) - A traditional spirit distilled from ripe plums, showcasing a robust flavor that is often enjoyed straight and served chilled. Families typically drink it during celebrations, such as weddings or holidays, with the first sip often accompanied by heartfelt toasts, which gives every occasion a special touch.

Cozonac - Cozonac (sweet bread dessert) - A fluffy, sweet bread filled with nuts, cocoa, or Turkish delight, frequently baked for special occasions like Easter and Christmas. This treat is typically served sliced and often enjoyed alongside coffee, making it a common sight at festive gatherings.

Înghețată de fistic - Înghețată de fistic (pistachio ice cream) - Creamy and rich, this beloved frozen dessert incorporates real pistachios for an authentic taste. You’ll find it enjoyed during the hotter months at beachside stands, often savored as a cool-down treat after a long day by the sea.

By the way, don’t be surprised if you see locals making a toast before sipping their drinks; it’s all about the camaraderie and celebration of life’s little moments!

Food and Groceries in Constanta

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $1.08
Bananas $1.44
Oranges $1.57
Potatoes $0.64
Apples $1.06
Beverages
Water 1.5L $0.66
0.5L Local Beer $0.8
Imported Beer $1.17
Wine Rating >4.0 $5.53
Milk 1L $1.66

Various Groceries
Meat (Beef or Pork) $9.8
Chicken $5.43
Cigarettes $5.31
Rice $1.55
Local Cheese $7.84

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

A bustling Saturday morning at the Ovidiu Square market is a feast for the senses. Locals flock to the stalls, selling vibrant vegetables, fresh seafood, and homemade cheeses. Mealtime patterns in Constanta tend to start later than some might expect; breakfast is often enjoyed around 10 AM, with the lunch rush peaking around 2 PM.

Typical meal prices vary across the city, with casual spots in neighborhoods like Tomis Nord offering filling lunches for about 40-60 RON, while more upscale dining in the historical center could see you spending 80-150 RON for a similar meal. Many locals enjoy indulging in "mici," a beloved grilled sausage, and generous side dishes at these affordable price points, often leading to a familiar sight of patrons gathered outside, savoring their food in the pleasant seaside air.

Payment customs lean towards cash, although many places do accept card payments; still, it’s wise to carry some cash, especially if you’re sampling from street vendors. I remember once wanting to try those famous pastries from a small stand and realized, to my chagrin, they only took cash. Tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory; a typical 10-15% gratuity goes a long way in expressing satisfaction for good service.

Oh, before I forget, the summer months can significantly affect pricing; seafood prices often rise during peak tourist season. It’s also common for locals to adjust their eating hours during hotter days, opting for dinner around 8 PM instead of the usual early evening routine.

A common mistake among tourists is venturing out for dinner at peak hours, especially on weekends. Making a reservation at any popular restaurant, particularly along the waterfront, is smart—think ahead, or you might find yourself waiting a long time or being turned away entirely.

The character of Constanta's food scene beautifully blends tradition with modernity, revealing itself in the way locals eat, gather, and experience their culinary landscape. This reflects the city's evolving food culture while keeping cherished customs alive and well.