U Wnuka Restaurant in Zakopane – History, Tradition and Authentic Podhale Cuisine

Zakopane is a city with an extraordinary history, full of atmospheric places that take visitors back in time. One of such places is At Grandson's Restaurant, the oldest operating restaurant in Zakopane, a witness to the changes that have taken place in the region over the past hundred years. This is a place where history intertwines with a unique atmosphere and excellent cuisine, and every guest can feel like a part of this extraordinary story.

History and historic character – a journey through time

The U Wnuka restaurant was founded in 1870 by Jan Wnuk – a pioneer of Zakopane gastronomy and hotel industry. The building in which it is located is one of the oldest wooden houses in Zakopane, constituting an exceptional example of traditional Podhale architecture. Entering the interior, you can feel the spirit of old times – wooden beams, historical photos, memorabilia and the warm glow of the fireplace make everyone feel like they are in the heart of 19th-century Podhale.

It was not without reason that Restauracja U Wnuka was a favorite meeting place for artists, writers, and intellectuals. Stanisław Witkiewicz, Karol Szymanowski, Władysław Orkan, and Kazimierz Przerwa-Tetmajer were among the guests here. It was here that heated discussions about art and the future of Zakopane resounded, and the creators drew inspiration from the mountain climate and tradition. It is enough to sit down at one of the old wooden tables to almost hear the echoes of old conversations and laughter that filled this place for generations.

Traditional Podhale cuisine – a feast for the palate and the soul

However, U Wnuka is not only about history – it is also a real feast for gourmets! The restaurant is famous for serving dishes according to traditional recipes, passed down from generation to generation. Every bite is a journey into the depths of Podhale, dominated by authentic, local flavors. What can you find here?

• Sour soup with lamb – aromatic, warming, with an intense taste, as eaten by old highlanders after hard work in the hall.
• Moskole with bryndza cheese – crispy potato pancakes, served with delicate sheep cheese that melts in your mouth.
• Lamb baked in herbs – soft, juicy, full of the deep aroma of mountain spices.
• Trout from local mountain streams – fresh, served in garlic butter, an excellent choice for fish lovers.
• Oscypek with cranberries – they couldn't be missed! The famous Podhale cheeses, delicately grilled, create a perfect combination with a sweet note of cranberries.
• Potato pancakes in the style of a bandit – golden, crispy, served with a thick meat sauce that brings back memories of mountain shepherds’ huts.
• Bundz with honey and nuts – delicate sheep's cheese combined with mountain honey and crunchy nuts is a real delicacy!

All dishes are prepared with fresh, natural ingredients from local producers. Cheeses, cold cuts, vegetables and meats are gifts from the Podhale land, which give the dishes a unique, authentic taste.

A place full of life – music, tradition and the highlander spirit

U Wnuka Restaurant is not only about delicious food and historical interiors. It is also a cultural center, where you can come into contact with true Podhale tradition! Concerts of highland bands are regularly organized here, and the walls of the restaurant resound with the sounds of violins and basses. The atmosphere then becomes magical - guests have fun with highland songs, drinking regional liqueurs and wine, and time seems to stop.

Additionally, the restaurant hosts literary evenings, meetings with local artists, and workshops dedicated to Podhale culture and cuisine. You can not only eat here, but also learn something new and feel the spirit of old times, which are still present within the walls of this extraordinary place.

A must-see on the Zakopane map

If you are looking for a place where tradition, history and taste come together into one unforgettable whole, At Grandson's Restaurant is an absolute must-visit in Zakopane! Here you can forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life, enjoy the authentic flavors of Podhale and soak up the unique atmosphere of this historic place.

Whether it's a romantic candlelight dinner, a family lunch or an evening with friends to highland music - every visit to U Wnuka is a guarantee of smiles, joy and unforgettable impressions. Because this is not an ordinary restaurant - it's living history, which you can be a part of!