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Top 7 Destinations in Romania for Food Lovers in 2025


For an authentic culinary experience, don't miss the gastronomic festivals held annually, such as "Sibiu European Region of Gastronomy," which continues to promote Transylvanian culinary traditions in 2025. And if you want to enjoy a truly memorable meal, explore the nearby villages, such as Cisnădioara or Rășinari, where dishes are prepared just as they were in times past.
Sibiu is not only a spectacular tourist destination but also a place where food becomes an art – a perfect starting point for any foodie in search of authentic flavors.
2. Cluj-Napoca – Modernity and Tradition on a Plate
For an immersion in the local cuisine, traditional restaurants are a must-visit, offering iconic dishes like Trasnilvanian pork soup with sour cream, "varza a la Cluj" (a savory cabbage dish), or fresh "papanasi" served with sour cream and blueberry jam. However, Cluj is not just about traditional dishes – the city’s culinary scene has reinvented itself in recent years, becoming a hot spot for contemporary cuisine. Many of the city’s restaurants are renowned for their sophisticated dishes, based on local ingredients but prepared with international techniques.
In addition to restaurants, Cluj-Napoca is home to some of the most beautiful cafés and wine bars in Romania. Piezișă Street and Museum Square are perfect places to enjoy an artisanal coffee or a glass of Transylvanian wine produced in nearby vineyards.

3. Brașov – Tradition and Refinement at the Foot of Tampa
Discover Local Dishes in the Heart of Brașov
Local Markets and Producers
For an authentic experience, explore the markets in Brașov, where small producers showcase their artisanal products. Mountain honey, cheese wrapped in fir bark, smoked meats, and forest fruit jams are just a few of the delicacies worth trying. These local products also serve as the base for many dishes found in the restaurants of Brașov.
(source: Biz Brasov)
Culinary Festivals and Events
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Carp Plachia, Catfish Brine, and Grilled Herring are other dishes that highlight the simplicity and freshness of local ingredients. If you're seeking an authentic culinary experience, book a meal at the fishing guesthouses in villages such as Sfântu Gheorghe, Crișan, or Mahmudia, where dishes are prepared according to recipes passed down through generations.
Dobrogean wines – a perfect partner
(source: Wine LifeStyle)
5. Maramureș – Culinary Traditions in the Land of Wood
Maramureș, known for its picturesque landscapes, wooden churches, and authentic traditions, is also a gastronomic treasure, where dishes reflect the simplicity and richness of ancient cuisine. In 2025, this corner of Romania attracts food lovers from all over the world, eager to discover authentic flavors and the warm hospitality characteristic of the local inhabitants.
Traditional Cuisine of Maramureș – Simplicity and Flavor
(source: DC News)
Another iconic dish of the region is lamb soup with tarragon, typically served during holidays, and pies with cabbage or cheese, cooked on a hot stone, making for the perfect soul-satisfying snack. In the Maramureș villages, food is often prepared in traditional ovens or over wood-fired stoves, which gives it a unique and authentic taste.
Pălinca – the traditional drink
No meal in Maramureș begins without a glass of pălincă, the traditional drink made from plums or apples, symbolizing friendship and hospitality. In 2025, more and more artisanal distilleries in the region are opening their doors to visitors, offering tastings and stories about the craft of making pălincă.
(source: Emaramures)
Hospitality in traditional households
For an authentic culinary experience, many tourists choose to stay in traditional guesthouses, where meals are prepared directly by the hosts. In villages like Botiza, Breb, or Ieud, guests are pampered with rich meals full of local dishes, accompanied by stories about the traditions and customs of Maramureș.
Culinary festivals
(source: Savori Urbane)
In 2025, Maramureș remains a fascinating culinary destination, where authentic flavors blend harmoniously with the hospitality of the locals and the beauty of the landscapes. Every meal in this region is a journey into the culture and soul of the Maramureș people, an experience that stays in your heart long after you've left.
6. Bucharest – The Capital of Modern and Diverse Gastronomy
(source: Antena 1)
International Scenes of the Capital
Bucharest is known for its increasingly diverse international gastronomic scene. From Asian restaurants to Mediterranean cuisines, the city offers options for all tastes. Additionally, Bucharest is home to some of the best French-inspired restaurants in Romania, renowned for their pastries and artisan éclairs.
Lipscani Street, the heart of the Old Town, is a hotspot for street food lovers, where food trucks and small diners serve quick delights, from artisanal burgers to falafel or authentic tacos.
(source: Life and Style)