In Bucharest, eating out can mean anything from grabbing a quick shawarma to enjoying a multi-course tasting menu in a refined setting. Prices vary widely, and the balance between what you pay and what you get isn’t always obvious.

Fast food

Shawarma is still one of the most popular choices. A small wrap usually costs around 25–30 lei, while a larger portion or a plate version can go up to 40–50 lei. If you add fries and a drink, the bill for a simple meal easily reaches 50–60 lei per person.

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Casual restaurants

In the mid-range, urban restaurants, bistros, or neighborhood spots typically charge between 50 and 120 lei for a main course. A full meal with a starter, main, and dessert can end up at around 150–200 lei per person, depending on the drinks and the location of the restaurant.

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Fine dining

Moving into fine dining, the experience becomes more than just food. A tasting menu usually starts at 200–300 lei per person and can climb to 400–500 lei when you include wine pairings or additional services. Here, the price covers not only the ingredients but also the presentation, the atmosphere, the attention to detail, and the overall experience.

Putting things into perspective

• A small shawarma costs about the same as a round-trip public transport fare and a coffee from the corner café.
• A casual meal in a mid-range restaurant is roughly the price of a solid grocery shopping trip.
• A fine dining dinner can be the equivalent of a monthly utility bill or even a short getaway to the mountains.

Conclusion

Eating out in Bucharest is all about choice: do you want something quick and cheap, a balanced mid-range option, or a memorable experience worth splurging on? Whatever you’re after, the city offers plenty of options for every budget.