Colourfully decorated with a relaxed bohemian vibe, Mahala serves traditional Romanian food with a modern twist in a setting that showcases Romanian folk art. Its walls are covered in frescoes and illustrations depicting local traditions and crafts, and the backs of chairs and couches are covered in lively tapestries with traditional folk motifs.

They trigger memories of famous personalities (e.g., Manuc, Covaci, Nenea Iancu, Burebista), make reference to inns or breweries located on ancient commercial routes (e.g., Hanul lui Manuc, Curtea Berarilor/Brewers’ Court, Hanul Berarilor/Brewers’ Inn, Caru’ cu Bere/The Beer Wagon), induce the idea of nostalgic home-made food (e.g., La Mama), or contain more subtle references to Romanian historical background and religion (e.g., Mahala, Bodega “La Mahala”, Lacrimi şi Sfinți).

Considerat unul dintre cele mai populare restaurante fine dining din București, Mahala este situat în Palatul Bragadiru, la adresa Calea Rahovei 147-153. Venind aici, vei fi surprins încă de la început de decorul din interior, realizat în stil românesc și de terasa înconjurată de multă verdeață. Însă cel mai cel atrăgător punct al locației este determinat de bucătăria ce servește preparate tradiționale românanesti, reinterpretate într-o manieră modernă.

Considered one of the best fine dining restaurants that serve Romanian dishes, Mahala is located in the Bragadiru Palace. From the get-go, you will be surprised by the stylized Romanian interior decor, and the incredibly green terrace while still, the strongest point of the venue is the reinvented urban Romanian cuisine. Reinvented with a great deal of creativity and soul so expect to enjoy one Romanian- inspired treat.

Mahala is a dining destination that pays homage to the Balkan Peninsula’s rich and varied food traditions. Set within an elegantly restored building, its ambiance is both refined and intimately connected to the region’s spirit. The menu showcases the best of Balkan cuisine, with a focus on Romanian specialties that infuse contemporary techniques into traditional recipes.

Few tourists venture out to this restaurant, but it is definitely a local favorite!. It is about a 20 minute walk from Old Town Bucharest and is located in a more residential area – which is perhaps why tourists often don’t bother to make the trek out here. It is a classy but cozy little restaurant with an impressive menu, featuring mostly Romanian cuisine.

Palatul Bragadiru / Calea Rahovei 147-153 Open: Mon-Sun: 11:00-01:00. “One of the most famous and skilled chefs in Romania, Petru Sorin Cucu, has managed to make his mark in a unique way with his very own restaurant. For him, gastronomy is a way of life and his passion for cooking sees no limits.

Mahala’s menu celebrates Romanian cuisine with a modern twist, focusing on locally sourced ingredients and regional recipes. The restaurant’s cozy, contemporary decor complements its innovative dishes, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Price: Mahala offers a mid-range dining experience, with meals typically costing between 100 to 200 RON per person. Taste: The focus here is on traditional Romanian cuisine, presented with a modern twist. The flavors are authentic and deeply satisfying.

While the most common traditional soup is made with smoked pork, I recommend the beef soup (ciorbă de văcuţă) from Caru’ Cu Bere and the tripe soup (ciorba de burtă) if you dare from Mahala.