The historical capital of Moldavia and the Cultural Capital of Romania, Iași is one of the most beautiful cities in Eastern Europe, and one that’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary. That’s particularly true if you’re a history or architecture buff, because the city is riddled with endless architectural gems, museums, palaces, theaters, and other historic buildings. Iași is also home to the oldest university in Romania, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, the oldest botanical garden in the country, the oldest library, and roughly 100 historical churches.
Iași is clearly one of the most beautiful cities in Romania, and also one of its most populous. The areas around the Vasile Alecsandri National Theatre, the Opera House, the Botanical Garden, the Moldova State Philharmonic, or the Palas Mall are always buzzing with activity and teeming with visitors and students enrolled at the city’s five public universities. It goes without saying that the restaurant scene in the city is also very strong, and new restaurants, pubs, and cafes are sprouting every year, welcoming both tourists and locals.
The local cuisine carries heavy Polish, Turkish, and Habsburg influences, and you’ll get a chance to enjoy classic Romanian traditional foods like mamaliga cu smantana, racituri, tochitura, bors, chiftele, and coltunasi. There are endless cafes around, as well, so caffeine aficionados won’t have to look too far to get their next dose of java. But most importantly, some of the best wineries in Moldova are located nearby, including Cotnari, Odobești, Averești, and Bohotin.
The 15 best restaurants in Iași, as recommended by locals
There are numerous restaurants, cafes, wine bars, burger joints, pubs, and terraces all around Iași, and it can be hard to pick the next destination for your lunch, brunch, or dinner. That’s why we thought we’d help out and round up the best restaurants in Iași, so you don’t have to do the research on your own. These restaurants are popular among tourists and locals alike, and they have great reviews, so you know you won’t be disappointed. Just remember to book your table beforehand with Bookingham, because these places are in high demand year-round!
- Restaurant Cheffa
- Toujours
- Madison Palas
- Fenice Palas
- Panoramic Restaurant
- Trufanda
- Restaurant Oscar
- Restaurant Carbon
- Krud Restaurant & Braserie
- Andalu GastroBar
- Zori Restaurant
- Oliv
- Vivo Fusion Food Bar
- Cuib
- Cafeneaua Piața Unirii
Where can you find the best pizza in Iași?
We strongly believe that it’s always a good time for pizza, especially after a long day of exploring everything that Iași has to offer. So, if you’re planning a full day of sightseeing and cultural exploration, and you need to load up on carbs to get your energy up, then you’ve come to the right place. We’re rounding up some of the best pizza places in the city, as recommended by locals and visitors alike. Check these places out when in the mood for pizza, and book your seat with Bookingham, of course.
- Pizza di Napo
- Pizzeria Domnească
- Romeo e Giulietta Pizzeria
- Il Pellicano
- Goldoni Pizzeria
- Pizzeria Odeon
- Pizzeria Alila
Where can you eat vegan food in Iași?
If pizza or burgers are not really your thing, and you’re looking for something a bit healthier and also vegan- or vegetarian-friendly, then not to worry. There are various vegan-friendly restaurants around Iași, and they offer delicious, warming dishes that you’ll want to enjoy over and over again. In fact, Iasi is one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the country. Below are some of our favorites, so make sure to add these restaurants to your Iași checklist.
- Cuib
- Toujours
- Fenice Palas
- Krud Restaurant & Braserie
- Vivo Fusion Food Bar
- Mamma Mia Restaurant
- Blue Acqua Restaurant
- Tiki Bistro
- Bistro Felix
- Bindu
Where can you enjoy fine dining in Iași?
If you really want to experience the best of the best that Iași has to offer, then you might want to check out these fine dining restaurants the next time you’re in town. These restaurants will not disappoint, and you’ll get to enjoy amazing dishes crafted by masterful chefs, as well as delightful decor and a soothing ambiance that will make you never want to leave. Reserve your table with Bookingham and get ready to enjoy the creme de la creme of Iași’s restaurant scene.
Where can you enjoy traditional Romanian food in Iași?
Let’s say fine dining is not really up your alley, and you’re not really interested in foreign cuisines – you want to experience Romanian cuisine right from the horse’s mouth. You’re in luck, because there are plenty of restaurants in Iași that offer amazing traditional Romanian dishes, from sarmale and bulz to ciorbă de fasole, mămăliguță cu brânză, and of course, papanași, the most mouthwatering of Romanian desserts. Below is a round-up of the most popular restaurants that offer traditional Romanian food in Iași, so have your pick and…poftă bună!
- Hanu’ Sărărie 1896
- La Conac
- La Plăcinte
- Casa Bolta Rece
- Panoramic Restaurant
- Trufanda
- Rustic
- Restaurant Oscar
Where can you find cheap eats options in Iași?
Yes, we know that nowadays ‘cheap’ is very relative, and everything is getting more and more expensive. However, there are still some great restaurants in Iași to enjoy without breaking the bank or getting yourself in debt! If you’d rather spend your money on shopping and local experiences, but still enjoy delicious food, look no further. Here is a round-up of some affordable restaurants in Iași that serve finger-licking-good food – book your table and have fun!
Where can you eat the best burgers in Iași?
The burger culture has become quite strong in Romania in recent years, and Iași is no different. You’ll find various restaurants and pubs that serve absolutely amazing burgers that will make your mouth water and keep you coming back for more. These burger joints below are some of the most popular destinations for meat lovers and burger aficionados, so make sure to check them out when you’re in town.
