Bufet

Bufet has only been around since April 2024, but it's already one of the top gastro destinations in Kraków, and you can be sure that it's not just a trend or a fleeting thing. The concept is led by Przemysław Klima, the head chef and co-owner of the two-Michelin-star Bottiglieria 1881. Focused on quality food, hospitality, and excellent products, Bufet avoids the pressure of a fine dining restaurant but, still, there are many similarities with Bottiglieria 1881 owing to chef Klima’s involvement is part of the project – the team works directly with him. Additionally, the beverage program is co-created by the sommelier team from “Botti,” though they maintain a distinct selection here.

The kitchen is open, beautiful and dynamic, with fire and a team efficiently moving around its sections. The décor is bright, with plenty of natural light. It's a very comfortable, cosy and inviting interior, combining European neo-bistro style with Polish elements, reflected in the details inspired by Polish culinary culture.

The dishes are served in a way that encourages sharing. It’s comfort food we crave, but elevated to a higher emotional level through execution and quality ingredients. The menu features an interesting mix of Polish, French, Italian, and Spanish cuisine, as these influences – whether in products, combinations, or preparation methods – can be found throughout the menu. The Buffet often uses fire in its preparation.

Start with items like matjes, sweetbread, beef tartare, or black pudding – each combining different influences in bold, delicious ways. The main courses always feature local ingredients, such as trout from a farm in Zielenica or Polish beef.

The wine list features around 70 wines, which change regularly, as many of the wines are from limited allocations. These are mostly producers who aren’t well known to the broader public, and yet they don’t need to be, as the wine speaks for itself. You can imagine that the number of people seeking specific wine trends is steadily growing. The selection is primarily European, but also features wines from the New World. For example, you can usually find Badenhorst from South Africa, Matthiasson from Napa Valley, and Spinifex from Australia.

The European selection focuses on niche wines, with a few great Burgundies (which, in the broader context, is still a niche), as well as wines from Hungary, the Jura, the new wave of German wines, and Spain.