Italian cuisine has been extremely popular with Polish restaurateurs. Italian joints pop up like mushrooms in the streets of Kraków. But to open a good trattoria which constantly attracts Mediterranean cuisine enthusiasts you need something more than just traditional recipes for pastas and ravioli. Chef’s artistry, original recipes, fresh organic ingredients, and interesting, unusual design are all vital. Below, we describe some of the best Italian restaurants in Kraków that are worth recommending.
Amarone
Are looking for a genuine atmosphere of an Italian street? In Kraków, you will find it only in Amarone Ristorante. The fantastic design of the place consists of a bright interior with glass roof, stylish Italian floors, and walls covered with ivy. Simple Italian dishes, prepared under the watchful eye of Radek Marcińczyk, the local chef, attract crowds – fresh and handmade pastas, ravioli, carpaccio, seafood, grilled vegetables and fish, as well as fantastically seasoned meat. Among desserts, you can find such classics as tiramisu with amaretto and raspberries, soufflé, or board of Italian cheeses.
Del Papa
If you ask experts about the best Italian restaurant in Kraków, many would instantly mention Del Papa at św. Tomasza Street, a trattoria distinguished in 2013 in the Michelin guide. It is justified by the number of guests who literally flood this small place, especially at weekends. If you are going to visit it in summer, make sure to choose a table in the small garden – the interior itself does not stand out among the competition, but the garden full of ivy and pots with lavender takes the guests to the sunny South within seconds. When it comes to food – there is everything what is important in a typical Italian menu. Particularly noteworthy are delicious pizza on a thin crust as well as pastas with vegetables and seafood. The quality of the dishes is highlighted by well-selected wines for balanced prices.
Il Calzone
We strongly advise Italian pizza and wine enthusiasts to visit a restaurant located on the border of the Old Town. Il Calzone is mainly original cuisine of Marcin Pierożyński, who confirms his artistry with high quality of the served dishes. Italian cuisine is not a uniform whole and the menu of the restaurant clearly shows it – you will find here dishes from various regions of Italy. Everything is complemented by a wide range of wines, also from vineyards spread across different parts of Italy.
Corleone
Corleone restaurant is one of the most appreciated Italian spots in Kraków. The consistent design of the place is really impressive – it begins at the entrance with statues of Italian gangsters, carries on with cosy rooms for guests, and ends with a charming garden full of flowers. The menu is simple and includes all keys dishes of Italian cuisine. Exquisite appetisers, such as traditional or light octopus carpaccio, salmon tartar, aubergine rolls stuffed with provolone cheese. Homemade pastas, meats, seafood dishes also confirm the great impression!
La Grande Mamma
La Grande Mamma is a restaurant for those who look not only for Italian cuisine but also elegance and a bit of luxury. Located on the Main Square, the place is not a trattoria which makes you think of tables in Italian streets – the design has been prepared here with attention to every single detail, that is why La Grande Mamma is a great choice for an elegant dinner or important business meeting. Rober Koczwar, the chef, makes sure that the quality of the dishes matches the design – prepared with passion and accuracy, they are exquisite and appetising. Flavours are guaranteed by carefully selected ingredients, often imported from Italy, and original recipes.
