My 9 Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Bucharest (You’ll Thank Me in September!)

La Placinte – Comfort Food That Feels Like Home

If you only have time for one meal in Bucharest, I’m begging you — make it at La Placinte at Strada Franceză 62, Old Town (Centrul Vechi). The name literally means “At the Pie Restaurants,” and that alone should be enough to convince you. It's tucked away in Old Town, super easy to find after a day of exploring. What I love most? The vibe is no-frills but warm, and the moment you walk in, you get a whiff of freshly baked dough and roasted meats.

Their menu is mostly traditional Romanian and Moldovan, and everything is both hearty and surprisingly affordable. The pies are the stars (obviously), especially the one stuffed with salty cheese and fresh herbs — it’s melt-in-your-mouth good. But don’t sleep on their stews or the creamy polenta dishes either.

People always rave about how cozy it feels. There’s something about the rustic decor and welcoming staff that puts you at ease. It’s got a kind of honest charm — nothing showy, just consistently great food. Whether you’re flying solo or dining with a group, La Placinte delivers the kind of experience that makes you say, “Let’s come back here again before we leave.”

Caru' cu Bere – Classic, Iconic, and Surprisingly Affordable

I know Caru’ cu Bere, located at Strada Stavropoleos 5, Old Town looks like one of those tourist-trap restaurants (big, flashy, and located right in the heart of Old Town), but don’t be fooled. It’s actually one of those rare gems that looks fancy but still keeps the prices within reason. And more importantly — the food? Legit.

This restaurant has been around since the 1800s, and you can feel the history in every nook. The stained-glass windows, high vaulted ceilings, and wood-carved details give it a sort of magical Harry Potter vibe — and I’m here for it. It’s the kind of restaurants where you expect a meal to cost a fortune, but surprisingly, it doesn’t.

Their traditional Romanian fare is spot-on. The sausages are grilled to perfection, and the cabbage rolls are well-balanced, not overly heavy like some versions. And don’t miss the house-brewed beer. It’s refreshing and pairs well with pretty much anything.

Reviews are almost always glowing. Tourists love the ambiance, locals come for the nostalgia, and everyone seems to leave with a full belly and a big smile. If you're looking for a dinner that feels like a grand experience without breaking the bank — this, is it.

La Mama – Where the Food Feels Like a Hug

Let me put it this way: if your Romanian grandma opened a restaurant, it would be exactly like La Mama at Bulevardul Carol I 39. This spot has such a warm and genuine atmosphere that it instantly puts you in a comfort-food state of mind. I’ve been here a few times and honestly, it always feels like a soft restaurant to land after a long day of walking.

The best part? The menu is packed with all the Romanian staples you need to try — but done right, with love and care, not just for the sake of appearances. Their chicken noodle soup? Absolute gold on a chilly day. And the “tochitură,” a traditional meat stew, is full of flavor and always hits the spot.

People online often say it’s like “dining at your aunt’s house,” and they’re not wrong. La Mama doesn’t try to be trendy. It’s simple, honest, and dependable — exactly what good food should be.

Simbio – Chill Vibes and Creative Brunches

If you wake up late and just want a slow brunch with sunshine and good vibes, Simbio is where you go. It’s one of those hip restaurants that manages to feel effortlessly cool without being pretentious. Set in a restored old house, located at Strada Negustori 26 with a leafy garden patio, it’s perfect for that September weather when it’s still warm enough to eat outside but not blazing hot.

Their menu is fresh, modern, and kind of eclectic. Think eggs benedict, pulled pork sandwiches, fresh salads, and all-day breakfast. The coffee is rich, the lemonades are refreshing, and their wines are shockingly good for the price. You can come here just as easily with a laptop and headphones as you can with a group of friends ready to talk for hours.

It’s also the kind of restaurants that feels very “local.” You’ll see a mix of creatives, freelancers, and students — which says a lot. Online reviews highlight the friendly staff, consistent food, and peaceful setting. It's not “budget” in the fast-food sense, but it’s totally worth it for the price and quality. Plus, everything just tastes better when the setting is this relaxed and beautiful.

Hanu' lui Manuc – A Dining Courtyard from Another Century

Imagine stepping through a gate and finding yourself in a serene cobblestone courtyard surrounded by ivy-covered balconies and twinkling lights. That’s Hanu' lui Manuc, located at Strada Franceză 62-64, Old Town for you. Despite its historic look — this used to be a caravanserai back in the 1800s — it’s not some overpriced museum-style restaurant. In fact, it’s shockingly affordable for how magical it feels.

The menu is proudly Romanian, and the flavors are as rich as the setting. You can’t go wrong with their grilled trout or the veal goulash. And please — do yourself a favor and order the “papanasi” for dessert. It’s a fluffy fried donut topped with sour cream and jam, and yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds.

This restaurant feels like a secret garden in the middle of the city. A lot of travelers find it by accident and end up calling it their favorite meal of the trip. The staff are friendly but not pushy, and the experience feels like a slow, romantic pause in your day — whether you’re alone, with friends, or even on a solo food adventure.

Energiea – Artsy Vibes, Craft Brews & Tasty Bites

If you’re looking for a cool, laid-back evening spot — this is it. Located at Strada Ion Brezoianu 4, Energiea sits in a former print shop and keeps the industrial charm alive with exposed brick walls, warm lighting, and an open kitchen that adds real buzz. It’s the kind of restaurants where you can belly up to the bar, grab a craft beer or a cocktail, and watch the city’s creative crowd drift in.

The menu mixes bold flavors and light options—think duck burger, zucchini fritters, wood-fired flatbreads, and seasonal salads. Everything’s priced fairly, especially for the quality and portion size. I love that it’s creative without being snobby, and that they have good veggie choices if you're trying to balance out all those Romanian stews.

One of my favorite nights? A cold beer in hand, laughter with friends, and the sense that this is a spot locals actually choose, not just stumble into. Definitely one to bookmark.

Excalibur – Medieval Feast Meets Friendly Fun

Okay, this restaurant is pure campy medieval spectacle at Strada Academiei 39-41, and I’m obsessed. Excalibur feels like walking into a cheesy fantasy tavern—think faux-mead mugs, servers dressed like knights, and rustic wooden benches. But don’t let the theatrics fool you—it’s genuinely fun, super casual, and, surprisingly, the food won’t bankrupt you.

Their star of the menu, “feast platter” is the way to go: ribs, grilled chicken, sausages, potatoes, and roasted veggies all piled high. You eat it with your hands, you laugh, you end up more than full—and it’s perfect for group dinners. The vibe is playful and unpretentious, with a soundtrack of medieval tunes and clinking goblets.

Everyone I’ve taken here ends up loving it—or at least laughing at how over the top it is. Plus, somehow they manage to keep prices reasonable. Ideal if you want a memorable night out without taking yourself too seriously.

Dristor Kebap – Your Go-To Late-Night Lifesaver

After a long day or a night out, nothing hits quite like Dristor Kebap at Bulevardul Decebal 2 . It’s that kind of restaurants where you wander in, half-starved, and walk out in bliss. Think massive chicken shawarma wraps bursting with juicy meat, garlic sauce, and tangy pickles—it’s cheap, fast, and absolutely delicious.

And if you're on a budget (or just hungry after partying), Dristor is gold. The portion sizes are generous, so much that one wrap usually leaves me full for hours.

Locals and tourists rave about this spot like it's a secret legit gem. Whether it's 2 p.m. after sightseeing or 3 a.m. after the clubs, this restaurant delivers. Simple, satisfying—exactly what you need after a big day or night out.

Vatra – Cozy, Classic, Comforting Romanian Fare

Located at Strada Ion Brezoianu 19, Vatra is one of my all-time favorites—low-key, charming, and the kind of spot you stumble upon and instantly fall for. The interior is cozy, with embroidered linens, soft traditional decorations, and a calm atmosphere that feels far from touristy. It’s definitely the kind of restaurant you could find yourself making a reservation at again on day two of your trip.

Their menu is full of Romanian classics done right: mici (those delicious skinless grilled sausages), hearty stews, creamy polenta, and mushroom dishes that feel homemade.

People always comment on the friendly service and how “real” the restaurants feels—like you’re joining the regulars rather than being an outsider. The prices reflect the cozy vibe: a calm meal that feels comforting but won’t hurt your budget. It’s the perfect last stop before you leave the city.

Conclusion

So, there it is — my top 9 budget-friendly restaurant in Bucharest, all tried, tested, and loved. Whether you're craving comfort food, memorable meals, creative bites, or late-night lifelines, you’re covered. These aren't just tourist grabs—they’re spots I genuinely enjoy, over and over again.

September in Bucharest is magical: the air cools just enough to make dinners feel extra cozy, and the summer tourists have started to fade away. I can't wait for you to wander these streets, try these dishes, and fall in love with the flavors of the city.

Let me know which ones become your favorites!