Brasov Restaurant Tips by Jetgirly

Mado: Right on the Main Square

You can't miss Mado, occupying a big, fat space right on Piata Sfatului in the heart of Brasov. While the interior looks like someone's idea of a fancy French coffeehouse, the real action occurs on the large patio looking out over the square. Exhausted after I got lost in the Transylvanian backwoods the day before, I rolled out of bed around 11:00 one morning and headed to Mado, where I plopped down in a chair and mustered up the energy to order a coffee and pastry. Sadly, I could have got a much better pastry from just about any hole-in-the-wall bakery window on Str Piata Enescu (literally- these bakeries are holes in walls with windows to serve customers), for a fraction of the price, but it was the experience of resting my sore feet and watching people go by from Mado's comfy chairs that I was after. For lunch and dinner they have a full menu, though based on my breakfast I wouldn't recommend Mado as a top choice.

Address: Piata Sfatului #11

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Historic center.

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 2

Theme: Coffeehouse

Website: http://www.madobrasov.ro/index-ro.php

Pizza Roma: I Just Can't Get Enough (Romanian Pizza)

I've said it before (in Iasi, and Cluj, and Sighet...) and I'll say it again: I love Romanian pizza! It's got all the deliciousness of authentic Italian thin-crust, Neapolitan-style pizza... at a fraction of the price. Pizza Roma, which oddly also calls itself Pizza Pasta Venezia, is yet another awesome pizza place, this time on Brasov's best pedestrian thoroughfare (right off Piata Sfatului). With summer tables sprawling into the middle of the sidewalk, you can't beat the atmosphere. Their menu isn't posted online but I'm sure I had my standard vegetarian pizza, and I know it was good. It's one of the most popular pizzerias in the city, especially with its awesome terrace, so get there early or prepare to wait!

Address: Str. Apollonia Hirsher #2

Comparison: about average

Phone: 0268 470 511

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Pizza

Website: http://www.pizzaroma.ro/en/index.htm

Bella Musica: Two Thumbs Down (Three, If I Had a Third Hand)

Dear Lonely Planet,

What were you thinking?

From,
Jetgirly

The highlight of my meal at Bella Musica was definitely entering the restaurant. The hotel in which the restaurant is located has a nice door, and the stairs were nice too. And stop. Service was chilly and rude (yeah, we're young, but we've got lots of money!), though the button we pushed for service was fun. Sadly, the only reason we had to push the button for service was the fact that we were not seated in the main dining area, but rather in an offshoot with no other tables and absolutely no decor. The chips and salsa to start weren't bad, but the menu was boring, the Mexican food was bland, the Romanian dishes were overpriced, and we left feeling like we'd been had. How can LP call this place "everyone's local favorite"?

Address: Str Gheorghe Baritiu #2

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Opposite Piata Sfatului

Phone: +40-268-477956

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 2

Theme: Other

Bistro de l'Arte: Fusion Flavours

Bistro de l'Arte is a surprising find in Brasov. This little restaurant doubles as an art gallery, and dishes up creative, internationally-inspired dishes based around seasonal ingredients. When I was there I started with a pureed vegetable soup that had just the right amount of creaminess and a perfect balance of vegetable flavors. I followed that with a homemade pasta dish that incorporated cherry tomatoes, basil and fresh local cheese. Of course, I also had to have one of their creative cocktails! I loved the comfortable seating in this restaurant and could easily see how it would be a great venue to listen to some live music during your meal.

Sadly, the restaurant's website leaves a lot to be desired and I had a hard time getting more information. They seem to be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so drop by any time!

Address: Piata Enescu

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Just a block or two northeast of Piata Sfatului.

Phone: +40 72 221 9980

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Eclectic/International

Website: http://www.bistrodelarte.ro/meniu/index_en.html

Casa Romaneasca: Best Authentic Romanian Food in Brasov

Hello, my name is Jetgirly and I am a polentaholic. Lucky for me, both hostels I stayed at in Brasov were located just metres away from Piata Unirii and one of the best restaurants I visited on my trip- Casa Romaneasca. Warmly lit and decorated with a homey feel, this restaurant serves up authentic Romanian food that is loved by locals and in-the-know tourists. My first meal there was eaten on a very rainy evening, and Casa Romaneasca was truly a haven from the storm with its soft candles glowing behind foggy windows, and locals chatting in Romanian over the sounds of traditional folk music. Although the menu is decidedly meaty they were always happy to make something- anything- vegetarian for me, and I had wonderful farm-style vegetable soups, melt-in-my-mouth cheesy polenta, and tasty sauteed vegetables. The servers were very friendly and interested in knowing how a young Canadian girl traveling alone happened to end up in their restaurant! I can't recommend Casa Romaneasca enough- don't miss it on your trip to Brasov!

Address: Piata Unirii, nr. 15

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: 0268.513.877

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Other