As with its multi-cultural history, Romania’s cuisine has been heavily influenced by its Balkan neighbours and previous occupiers featuring a fusion of Hungarian, Germanic, Turkish and Slavic dishes including cabbage rolls (sarmale), stews (tochitura), and moonshine (tuica) that’ll put hairs on your chest! Food tends to be heavy but comforting with a strong emphasis on meat (mainly pork, chicken and lamb), and polenta (mamaliga) or potatoes (cartofi) but with the welcome addition of an abundance of vegetables either in salad form or soaked in vinegar for a sharp kick! Smoked meats and sausages are a national favourite, and Romanians love their sour cream (smantana) and pungent garlic based sauces, so you’ll have no problem fending off any unwanted vampires! Read ahead for some of our must-visit Transylvanian restaurants, that’ll leave your tastebuds tingling!

Brasov

Bella Muzica – Occupying the catacombs of the Black Church, this low-ceilinged cellar located in the hotel of the same name is perfect for a cosy evening meal complete with exposed brickwork and candlelight. The menu offers a strange combination of Hungarian and Mexican dishes at very reasonable prices. Go for the fajitasor, the bean soup in bread, and beware of the handmade tortilla chips, they are delicious and very moreish! You can even order the soundtrack to your meal on the music menu. Make sure you’re not seated in the area under the stairs, it isn’t half as cosy as the main seating area under the curved brick ceiling, and doesn’t have quite the same atmosphere. – Piata Sfatului 19; Open Mon to Sun12:00–23:00

La Ceaun – Take the opportunity to taste a hearty Romanian ciorba (stew) at this charming rustic eatery. Offering three different soups and stews each day, you’ll see (and sniff) them all bubbling away in a large metal cauldron (ceaun). At just a couple of pounds for a bowl of soup, La Ceaun is perfect for a quick, wallet-friendly lunch which you can devour at the wooden family-style table or take with you while you explore the sights. If you’d prefer a more leisurely meal with a greater variety of menu options, head to their sit-down restaurant with outdoor seating in the main square – Str. Michael Weiss 27 OR Piata Sfatului 11-12; Open Mon to Sun12:00–22:00

Dei Frati – A top-quality Italian restaurant serving up the freshest, homemade pasta in town (among other foodie delights)! This little gem is tucked away on an atmospheric Brasov backstreet boasting a cool, contemporary interior that always seems to be buzzing! Grab yourself a lovely bowl of perfectly cooked pasta and a glass of wine. You won’t regret it. Friendly atmosphere, great family-driven service and an excellent option for vegetarians too. – Piata George Enescu 16; Open daily11:30–22:30

Sighisoara

International Cafe – Perfect for a coffee and a slice of homemade cake right on the quaint main square. This is by far our favourite café in Sighisoara. As well as their selection of locally–made, organic cakes, pies, and cookies, the café also sells gorgeous little handmade souvenirs that are much nicer than anything you’ll find on the stalls outside. Owned by a lovely American lady, profits from the café and gift shop are donated to charities involved in alleviating child poverty. The cherry cake is divine, and the prices are incredibly reasonable. Also serves toasted sandwiches and other hot options for a quick bite at lunchtime. – Piata Cetatii 8; Open Mon to Sat 13:00–19:00

Sibiu

Max Restaurant – This may well be our favourite restaurant in Sibiu, and the five-minute stroll from Piata Mica plenty justifies the dining experience you’ll receive at Max. Gorgeous Italian food in a cool ‘less-is-more’ setting, you simply cannot go wrong. The service is great and the espresso is coffee perfection. Check out the quirky bathroom at the back, too. We love it. Character and charm along with great food! Good vegetarian options available too. – Strada Ocnei 22; Open Mon to Sun 12:00–24:00

Hermania – Tucked just around the corner from Piata Mare, this is traditional Germanic food at its very best and is wonderfully cosy, especially if the weather is a bit chilly outside. Warm and vibrant atmosphere, wonderful service from authentically dressed waiters, and more than decent prices. Go for the Hermania Pfanne, it’s a house specialty, you won’t regret it. The apfelstrudel for dessert tops it off nicely, too! – Str. Filarmonicii 2; Open Mon to Sun 11:00–24:00

Cluj

Zama – A taste of Transylvania with a contemporary twist, Zama breathes new life into traditional Romanian dishes and serves them with flair using fresh, local ingredients. Their soups are particularly special and include eggplant cream, green lettuce or bean with smoked ham, and don’t miss out on the famous papanasi! Just like the menu, the decor fuses the old and the new with its skillful combination of modern aesthetics and rustic pieces featuring traditional plates collected from Transylvanian homes. – Napoca 16; Open Mon to Fri 08:00-00:00, Sat & Sun 11:00-00:00

Casa Boema – Perfect for al fresco lunches or summer suppers, Casa Boema boasts a beautiful hidden courtyard complete with linden trees, wooden seating areas and fairy lights that create a magical atmosphere come nightfall. The menu is extensive with plenty of options from pizza and pasta to meat, fish and everything in between. You won’t be stuck for choice when it comes to drinks either – there’s fresh lemonades and juices, local wines, and more cocktails than you can shake a stick at! – Iuliu Maniu 34; Open daily 11:00-04:00

Hungry yet? Why not join us on one of our many Romanian experiences and taste for yourself! For any queries about any other experiences please don’t hesitate to get in contact at info@untravelledpaths.com.

Written by Lucy Kaufmann