What Food To Try in Craiova and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Craiova for 2025.
National currency: Romanian Leu, symbol — L (international currency code RON).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Craiova cafes and restaurants
$5.5
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $4.43
$33.2
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $22.13
$5.5
Combo Meal
Starting from $3.32
What to Try in Craiova
Must-try Dishes
Mămăligă - Polenta (corn porridge) - A hearty dish made from coarsely ground cornmeal, often served with cheese and sour cream. Locals enjoy it as a breakfast staple or side dish alongside stews.Mititei - Grilled Sausages - Juicy, skinless sausages flavored with garlic and spices, typically served with mustard and fresh bread. Often found at street food stalls, they're a must-have during picnics or summer barbecues.
Sarmale - Cabbage Rolls - Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a mix of minced pork, rice, and herbs, slowly cooked in a rich tomato sauce. A traditional comfort food, they're frequently served during family gatherings or holiday feasts.
Papanasi - Cheese Dumplings - Fried or boiled circular dumplings made from fresh cheese and semolina, usually topped with sour cream and fruit jam. While commonly considered a dessert, many locals indulge in them for a late-night snack.
Chiftele - Meatballs - Flavorful meatballs made from minced pork or beef, mixed with herbs and spices, usually fried and served with a side of polenta or mashed potatoes. They're a beloved everyday dish, whether at home or in a casual eatery.
Brânză de burduf - Sheep Cheese - A delicious, tangy sheep cheese stored in a fir bark casing, offering a unique flavor. This local specialty is often served in summer months, paired with fresh tomatoes and traditional bread for a light lunch.
Lebăr - Liver Pâté - A regional dish made from spiced liver poured into a loaf shape and baked. Typically found at festive gatherings, it’s an excellent way to savor flavors of traditional culinary crafting.
Salată de vinete - Eggplant Salad - Creamy, smoked eggplant blended with onions and oil, served on fresh bread. A delightful summer dish, it’s commonly enjoyed at picnics or as a refreshing appetizer before a big meal.
Desserts & Drinks
Turmeric Latte - Latte cu Curcuma (spiced milk drink) - A delightful blend of milk, turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon, served hot and frothy. Locals often sip it in the chilly evenings to warm up while enjoying a cozy atmosphere in cafes.Must - Must (fermented grape juice) - This lightly fizzy beverage is made from freshly pressed grape juice, which ferments for a short time, creating a sweet and tangy flavor. It's a common drink during late summer grape harvest gatherings, and you'll notice many enjoying it while toasting to good health.
Crema de zahăr ars - Crema de zahăr ars (caramel custard) - A rich dessert made from eggs, milk, and sugar, topped with a glossy caramel layer. Traditionally served chilled as a festive treat, especially during family gatherings and celebrations, this dessert is a staple at any Romanian birthday party.
Papanasi - Papanasi (cheese doughnuts) - These delightful cheese-filled doughnuts are deep-fried and typically topped with sour cream and blueberry jam, giving a sweet and tangy flavor combination. Best enjoyed warm, they make for a popular street dessert, especially during fairs and local festivals.
Înghețată cu fructe - Înghețată cu fructe (fruit ice cream) - Made with fresh seasonal fruits, this icy treat is incredibly refreshing and perfect for cooling down during the hot summer months. Locals often grab a scoop while enjoying a stroll through the park or at outdoor markets, making it a delightful warm-weather indulgence.
Food and Groceries in Craiova
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $0.64 |
| Bananas | $1.32 |
| Oranges | $1.09 |
| Potatoes | $0.72 |
| Apples | $0.94 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.61 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $0.89 |
| Imported Beer | $1.48 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $4.98 |
| Milk 1L | $1.14 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $9.63 |
| Chicken | $5.8 |
| Cigarettes | $4.98 |
| Rice | $1.35 |
| Local Cheese | $6.7 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
In Craiova, meal times tend to follow a rhythm that can be quite different from what many visitors expect. Breakfast is usually light and often skipped altogether by many locals, who might grab a quick pastry or coffee on the way to work. Lunch, served between 12:00 and 14:00, is typically the most significant meal of the day. You might find bustling dinings at that hour, especially in areas like downtown near the main square, where many people flock to enjoy hearty dishes.
In terms of pricing, you’ll find that restaurants vary widely. For instance, a filling lunch can cost anywhere from 25 to 70 RON, depending on whether you’re dining at a casual eatery or a fancier establishment. I recently paid 45 RON for a very generous plate of sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) in a modest tavern, while a similar meal might cost around 80 RON in a more upscale setting. It’s essential to keep in mind that some neighborhoods are becoming pricier, particularly those undergoing development, reflecting an evolving cost of dining.
Payment methods are generally straightforward, with cash still being popular, although many places also accept card payments. One valuable tip: don’t try to pay with large bills (like a 100 RON note) at small establishments; it can lead to a long wait for change. Tipping is customary but not obligatory; leaving around 10% is appreciated and common if the service was satisfactory.
A local dining habit to note is the enjoyment of “mămăligă” (polenta) as a side dish, which you’ll discover accompanying many meals, often served alongside meats or stews. Tourists often make the mistake of not trying street food, which is a significant part of the local experience and typically more affordable. You can enjoy a delicious “ciolan” (pork knuckle) sandwich for about 15-20 RON from various street vendors, especially near parks or busy streets.
Dinner typically happens later, often after 19:00, when families gather to eat. If you plan to dine at a popular spot during peak times, it’s best to make a reservation, especially on weekends, as many places can get hectic.
Observing how locals adapt their eating patterns with the seasons reveals interesting culinary shifts. During colder months, hearty dishes like ciorbă (sour soup) and slow-cooked goulash become more common, whereas summer days see lighter fare with fresh salads and grilled meats dominating menus. This changing diet reflects the community’s connection to local produce, with seasonal variations impacting prices and options.
As Craiova continues to develop, the local food scene evolves, balancing tradition with modern influences, making it an exciting time to explore.
In terms of pricing, you’ll find that restaurants vary widely. For instance, a filling lunch can cost anywhere from 25 to 70 RON, depending on whether you’re dining at a casual eatery or a fancier establishment. I recently paid 45 RON for a very generous plate of sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) in a modest tavern, while a similar meal might cost around 80 RON in a more upscale setting. It’s essential to keep in mind that some neighborhoods are becoming pricier, particularly those undergoing development, reflecting an evolving cost of dining.
Payment methods are generally straightforward, with cash still being popular, although many places also accept card payments. One valuable tip: don’t try to pay with large bills (like a 100 RON note) at small establishments; it can lead to a long wait for change. Tipping is customary but not obligatory; leaving around 10% is appreciated and common if the service was satisfactory.
A local dining habit to note is the enjoyment of “mămăligă” (polenta) as a side dish, which you’ll discover accompanying many meals, often served alongside meats or stews. Tourists often make the mistake of not trying street food, which is a significant part of the local experience and typically more affordable. You can enjoy a delicious “ciolan” (pork knuckle) sandwich for about 15-20 RON from various street vendors, especially near parks or busy streets.
Dinner typically happens later, often after 19:00, when families gather to eat. If you plan to dine at a popular spot during peak times, it’s best to make a reservation, especially on weekends, as many places can get hectic.
Observing how locals adapt their eating patterns with the seasons reveals interesting culinary shifts. During colder months, hearty dishes like ciorbă (sour soup) and slow-cooked goulash become more common, whereas summer days see lighter fare with fresh salads and grilled meats dominating menus. This changing diet reflects the community’s connection to local produce, with seasonal variations impacting prices and options.
As Craiova continues to develop, the local food scene evolves, balancing tradition with modern influences, making it an exciting time to explore.