It is impossible to travel to Poland without tasting the famous Pierogi, dumplings stuffed with meat, vegetables, or even with sweet fillings. Pierogies are steamed or fried. You will find several Pierogarnia in Gdańsk, but for us, the best place to enjoy pierogi in Gdańsk remains Mandu. Located a bit outside of the old town, Mandu serves Pierogi in a thousand ways. Mandu makes Dumplings to satisfy every taste and diet (vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian...). The pierogis are handmade in a kitchen opens to restaurants' customers. The pierogis are served together with different types of sauce (sour cream, onion sauce or mushroom sauce).

A good place to dine in the old town and try local specialties is  Pyra Bar. A retro restaurant where traditional dishes are served in generous portions. Try the famous Polish potato pancakes served with vegetable or yogurt sauce. A delight!

Finally, for a nice dinner place located on the waterfront along the Motława River, and not far from the old town, head to Gdański Bowke. A cozy restaurant that serves great traditional food together with Live music. 

For an immersion into the local culture, go for a quick lunch at Bar Mleczny. A modest cafeteria where Gdańsk's students like to go for a warm traditional meal on the go.

If you are in the mood for a takeaway, go to the Ketili Puri bakery, not far from the armory. If you see people lining up for this bakery, it's because it's quite popular among the inhabitants of Gdańsk. Try their Samsa, a round bread filled with meat or vegetables and cottage cheese. So yummy!

Gdańsk has a great cafés and tea scene. We visited Gdańsk in very cold winter days and therefore had the opportunity to try more than one coffee places to keep us warm.

The Pellowski bakery is a very good address for a lunch on the go or for a coffee break accompanied by a pastry. You will find several of them in Gdańsk including one on Długa street and another near the mill.

On St. Marie Street, take a break at Café Kamienica. A cozy café that serves delicious cakes to go with your teas and coffees.

Finally, Piwna Street hosts several great cafés, bars and restaurants that offer both traditional food as well as international food if you need a break from the polish dumplings and potato pancakes. We loved the Leń café located on this street.

Bars and pubs in Gdańsk are surprisingly not always apparent when walking around the city. For example, one of the best places is located under the long market.  Piwnica Rajców is an underground restaurant and brewery that you can access through a small door located just behind the Neptune Fountain. An ideal place to try different local beers.

If you are interested in a great place for a pint and great music among the locals, go to No To Cyk.

Finally, don't forget to try the famous Goldwasser. A spiced liqueur, iconic in Gdańsk, with twenty-two carat gold petals in it.