This veteran restaurant and its mature, no-nonsense waitresses have aged well, not changing a whit since establishing itself as one of the city's first restaurants. Sure, the rustic folk interior is a bit outdated, but the food is still a bargain, with portions so big you'd be wise to share that plate of goulash-smothered potato pancakes - even the soups and stews can represent a meal on their own.
One of the best finds in Krakow. I found it by accident, by chance, in 2004. Lived in Krakow for two years and every visit back, Balaton is a "must dine" location.
15.06.2008
Letitia Rydjeski
I first went to the Balaton in November, 1979, and can state that since then hardly anything in the restaurant has changed. Even the frying pans in the window display (or is that by the counter?) are the same as back in 1979. If anyone wants to see what "top end" Krakow dining was like back in the old days, drop in at the Balaton. The food is still hearty Hungarian, and they do give doggie bags, as portions are pretty hefty. Try the potato pancakes if you are headed out to walk a few kilometers around the old town on a winter's afternoon. The restaurant has a small cult following, as it has survived for so long and evokes nostalgia for anyone who has been visiting Poland for years and years.
Comments
Peggy
One of the best finds in Krakow. I found it by accident, by chance, in 2004. Lived in Krakow for two years and every visit back, Balaton is a "must dine" location.
Letitia Rydjeski
I first went to the Balaton in November, 1979, and can state that since then hardly anything in the restaurant has changed. Even the frying pans in the window display (or is that by the counter?) are the same as back in 1979. If anyone wants to see what "top end" Krakow dining was like back in the old days, drop in at the Balaton. The food is still hearty Hungarian, and they do give doggie bags, as portions are pretty hefty. Try the potato pancakes if you are headed out to walk a few kilometers around the old town on a winter's afternoon. The restaurant has a small cult following, as it has survived for so long and evokes nostalgia for anyone who has been visiting Poland for years and years.