In 1967, in the Drumul Taberelor neighborhood on Compozitorilor Alley, Restaurant Drumețul opened its doors for the first time. Elegant and modern for its time, the establishment quickly attracted the attention of Bucharest residents, becoming a point of interest comparable to the most famous restaurants of the Golden Age. 

Opening and Early Success

In a short period, Restaurant Drumețul gained prestige due to the quality of its culinary offerings and its contemporary architecture, becoming a preferred place for artists, celebrities, and prominent personalities of the era.

The restaurant’s atmosphere was always welcoming, and the elegant decor combined with impeccable service made every visit a memorable experience. 

Despite the restrictive political regime, evenings at the restaurant were enlivened with artistic programs and festive music, bringing a touch of joy and relaxation to the residents of Bucharest.

Lăutari Music and Celebrities

Restaurant Drumețul hosted some of Romania’s most renowned lăutari (traditional musicians). Dona Dumitru Siminica, Gabi Lunca, Romica Puceanu, Ionel Tudorache, and Nelu Ploieșteanu all performed on its stage, delivering energetic and authentic shows. The presence of these artists solidified the restaurant’s reputation, making it a landmark for evenings of traditional music and dance.

The audience was drawn not only to the lively atmosphere and high-quality music but also to the traditional Romanian cuisine, offering a complete gastronomic experience. Foreign visitors were fascinated by the customs and traditions of Romanians, observing that, despite living under a restrictive regime, the locals maintained their joyful and festive spirit, turning each evening into an authentic celebration.

Decline After 1989

After the 1989 Revolution, many of Romania’s famous Golden Age restaurants faced challenging times, and Drumețul was no exception. The 1990s brought economic difficulties, and the restaurant gradually declined, nearing bankruptcy. Its salons were closed one by one, and for a considerable period, the building was left in neglect.

This period of stagnation threatened to erase the restaurant’s cultural memory entirely. However, the passion for traditional cuisine and the desire to revive the specific atmosphere of the Drumețul’s glory days remained alive in the memories of Bucharest residents and those who had experienced its heyday.

Reopening and Transformation into Hanul Drumețului

On May 7, 2004, Restaurant Drumețul was renamed Hanul Drumețului and began a new phase of modernization. Initially, only the small salon was renovated and opened to the public, marking the resumption of the restaurant’s activity with a fresh atmosphere while maintaining the traditional essence that had made it famous.

In the following period, renovations extended to the large salon and later to the restaurant’s terrace. The owners aimed to recreate the elegant and lively atmosphere of the past, emphasizing the quality of the culinary offerings and attention to detail. Traditional dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic techniques, restored Romanian cuisine as the central focus of the dining experience.

Return to Popularity

Under the new name Hanul Drumețului, the restaurant gradually regained its former reputation. It attracted both loyal patrons, who cherished memories from its golden years, and young visitors curious to discover Romanian gastronomic tradition.

The quality of the dishes remained the main hallmark, but impeccable service and the dedication of the staff were equally important in creating a memorable experience. Each visit to Hanul Drumețului became an opportunity for socializing, celebration, and enjoyment, bringing back the concept of a restaurant as a cultural space, not just a culinary one.

Cultural and Gastronomic Importance

Hanul Drumețului is more than just a restaurant; it is a symbol of an era when Bucharest residents valued good food, live music, and a convivial atmosphere. Through live lăutari performances and periodically organized special events, the establishment keeps alive the tradition of authentic Romanian celebrations filled with energy and passion.

Moreover, the restaurant has become a landmark for foreign tourists, who can taste traditional dishes and observe how Romanians, even in difficult times, knew how to enjoy life and celebrate through music and joy.

Hanul Drumețului Today

Today, Hanul Drumețului continues to be one of Bucharest’s most popular restaurants, a place where past and present harmoniously meet. Its elegant atmosphere, traditional music, diverse menu, and high-quality service make it a reference point for both locals and visitors.

The owners and staff have successfully restored the restaurant’s former charm, maintaining the tradition of offering not just delicious food but a complete experience of socialization and entertainment. From renowned lăutari to special events and themed dinners, Hanul Drumețului remains a space where authentic Romanian celebration can be felt in every detail.

Through the restoration of the building, the emphasis on traditional culinary offerings, and the continuation of lăutari music, Hanul Drumețului demonstrates that passion for culture, gastronomy, and social life can endure any era, transforming a restaurant into a true symbol of Bucharest’s social and cultural life.

We also recommend: The history of the Cireșica Restaurant, the favorite place of interwar Bucharest, where you went “to eat batoc fish and listen to Zavaidoc”