Vatra

Vatra is a rustic Romanian restaurant at Strada Ion Brezoianu 19 in central Bucharest, Romania, a short walk from Cismigiu Gardens. The name means hearth, and the dining rooms use folk decor, carved wood, woven textiles and traditional pottery to evoke a village home within an urban setting. The cuisine is regional Romanian, covering dishes from Moldavia, Muntenia and Transylvania, and it targets visitors who want a recognisable national menu rather than an inventive tasting experience; there is no Michelin context. Signature dishes include tochitura moldoveneasca, a pork stew with polenta and cheese; ciorba de legume served in a bread bowl; and grilled pork neck with traditional garnishes. Sarmale, mici and homemade desserts are also on offer. The atmosphere is cosy and moderately noisy, with a steady mix of office workers at lunch and tourists and families in the evening. No dress code applies. The beverage list focuses on Romanian wine, draught beer, tuica and homemade lemonade, with house wine sold by the carafe. Prices are mid-range, with mains typically between 35 and 75 RON, which is moderate for the city centre. The restaurant is open roughly noon to 11PM daily. Walk-ins are accepted at lunch, while dinner tables are best booked by phone or through the venue's website, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings; booking one day ahead is usually sufficient. The location, between Cismigiu Gardens and the Old Town, is convenient for travellers walking the Calea Victoriei corridor, and the restaurant can serve as a lunch stop between museums and the nearby gardens. Vegetarian options are mainly limited to soups, polenta dishes and salads.