On Covaci Street, in the historic center of Bucharest, stands one of the city’s oldest and most emblematic spots – Old Café 9, a living page of Bucharest’s history. The café is more than an elegant restaurant; it is a vital part of the city’s cultural identity. 

A legendary place in the heart of old Bucharest

Here, among walls imbued with stories, Mihai Eminescu and Ion Luca Caragiale, the great titans of Romanian literature, once spent hours discussing art, politics, and life.

The café’s story begins in 1781, when an Armenian merchant, Ștefan Altintop, obtained permission to build a café near the Princely Court. 

At the time, Bucharest was beginning to take on the shape of a European city, and cafés were becoming places of socialization, idea exchange, and debate. The first documented mention of Old Café 9 dates to 1812, confirming a tradition spanning more than two centuries.

A meeting place for cultural elites

Throughout the 19th century, Old Café 9 became a landmark of intellectual life in the capital. Eminescu frequented the café, often accompanied by Caragiale, engaging in lively debates about literature and the changes sweeping Romanian society. The café’s atmosphere was vibrant, frequented by poets, journalists, politicians, and artists.

Later, the café became a favorite spot of King Carol II, who appreciated its discretion and refined ambiance. At that time, Old Café 9 was more than just a place to relax; it was a salon of ideas, a crossroads of Romanian culture and history.

Witness to a city’s transformations

Over the years, Old Café 9 witnessed countless historical and urban transformations. In the 19th century, it served as a stop for visitors with business at the ruler’s court, and in the early 20th century, when Bucharest had over 140 cafés, it maintained its reputation due to its distinctive atmosphere and elite clientele.

After the communist period, the café experienced decline, but its spirit never faded. It was carefully restored, reviving the bohemian charm of historic Bucharest. The restoration process was complex and delicate, aiming to preserve the building’s original character as faithfully as possible.

Restoring a Bucharest landmark

The restoration work was an artistic achievement in itself. The architects sought to reconstruct the original details of the 19th-century building, preserving defining architectural elements. The massive walls, tiled roof, wooden shutters, and the 200 sculpted lion heads on the façade were refurbished with respect for tradition. Additionally, the eight carved faces on the white walls, each with unique expressions, were carefully preserved.

The plaque with the name “Old Café 9” and the two wrought-iron lamps hanging at the entrance also reflect the historic charm. The restoration was conducted with meticulous attention to detail, emphasizing the period’s authenticity.

A modern reinterpretation of classic elegance

Today, Old Café 9 harmoniously blends tradition with modernity. Its interior retains the noble atmosphere of old cafés, complemented by contemporary, elegant, and refined design. The menu reflects the same philosophy: dishes combining Romanian culinary heritage with modern European influences, offering a balanced and sophisticated gastronomic experience.

From coffee with oriental aromas to desserts inspired by interwar recipes, every detail carries the imprint of history reinterpreted for contemporary tastes. The warm ambiance and discreet music perfectly complement the visitor experience, whether they are locals or tourists exploring the city’s charm.

Awards and international recognition

The café’s revival did not go unnoticed. Since its reopening in 2022, Old Café 9 has received numerous interior design and architecture awards, confirming the exceptional quality of the project. Among these are:

• European Award for Interior Design, recognizing the café as a model of historic heritage restoration;
• Interior Architecture Award at the 2023 National Architecture Biennale;
• Best Practice in Restaurant Design at Romanian Design Week 2022;
• Project Recognition – Hospitality Snapshots in 2022.

These honors highlight not only the visual beauty of the space but also how the project successfully integrates respect for the past with contemporary aesthetic and functional requirements.

The architects behind the café’s revival

The restoration and redesign were carried out by the architecture firm SelfDezign, led by architects Irina Stoica, Daniela Ulea, and Maria Mota. The team transformed a historic building into a contemporary space without erasing its memory. Through a thoughtful and balanced vision, the architects revitalized the structure while preserving the picturesque charm of the era when Caragiale and Eminescu were writing their masterpieces.

What impresses most is how the new design evokes the past without turning it into a museum. Every decorative element — from large gilded mirrors to solid wood furniture and metallic accents — contributes to an atmosphere that is elegant yet familiar.

Old Café 9 – between legend and present

Old Café 9 is not just a restaurant or tourist attraction; it is a place of memory. It connects historical Bucharest with the modern city, where past stories intertwine with contemporary experiences. Every corner seems to echo conversations between Caragiale and Eminescu, and every aroma of coffee evokes the times when ideas and friendships were born over a simple table.

Through its reopening and redesign, Old Café 9 has become an example of cultural heritage revitalization, proving that tradition can be reinvented without losing its essence. It inspires and offers a space where past and present meet harmoniously, inviting visitors to enjoy an authentic experience full of history, flavor, and elegance.

Thus, Old Café 9 remains not only the oldest café in Bucharest but also one of the city’s most refined expressions of the Bucharest spirit — a symbol of conversation, culture, and timeless sophistication.

We also recommend: Fialkowsky Café, the decadent hangout of pre-war Bucharest where actors came to savor “wine mixed with witty words”