Coffee and dessert
local_cafeSweet Treats

Halal Cafes & Desserts in Zakopane

Indulge in Poland's famous cakes and mountain coffee culture.

A fter a long day of hiking or skiing, nothing beats a warm cup of coffee and a slice of cake.

Café culture is strong in Zakopane. For Muslim travelers, the main concern is usually gelatin in cakes or alcohol in chocolates. We've curated a list of safe and delicious spots.

Dietary Warning: Avoid "Wuzetka" cake (often has alcohol) and mousses unless confirmed gelatin-free. Safe bets are usually Sernik (Cheesecake), Szarlotka (Apple Pie), and Beza (Meringue).

Best Cafes

Panoramic view of Tatra Mountains from Café Tygodnik Podhalański terrace
Panoramic Views

1. Café Tygodnik Podhalański

Coffee & Cake Terrace
place Tadeusza Kościuszki 3 (4th Floor, Dom Towarowy Granit)

Perhaps Zakopane's hidden gem with the most spectacular views in the city. Perched on the fourth floor of the Granit Department Store, Café Tygodnik Podhalański is named after the beloved local weekly newspaper — and its walls are lined with photojournalism from its reporters. The large terrace opens up to a breathtaking panorama over the city rooftops towards Giewont and the High Tatras, a view some say rivals Gubałówka — but without the cable car queue.

The menu leans traditional: aromatic loose-leaf teas, quality coffees, and a rotating selection of homemade cakes. It's a calm, unhurried spot — cosy rooms, a children's corner, and locals mingling with curious visitors over a slice of szarlotka. Open from 10:00 daily.

Halal Note: Cakes are simple and homemade-style. Always ask "Bez alkoholu?" (No alcohol?) for any cream-based items. The tea and coffee selection is fully safe.
STRH Bistro Art Cafe interior with coffee and artistic decor
Art & Design

2. STRH Bistro Art Cafe

Specialty Coffee Brunch
place Krupówki 4A, 3rd Floor (Kamienica "Krupówki 4A" building)

STRH (an abbreviation of its founders' surnames) is the coolest contemporary spot on Krupówki. Tucked on the third floor of the sleek new Kamienica building, it feels worlds away from the souvenir stalls below. The space doubles as an art gallery: rotating exhibitions, exposed brick, and design-forward furniture create an atmosphere that leans more Berlin than Zakopane.

Their coffee is exceptional — specialty beans, skilled baristas, and a full matcha and smoothie menu for those who want something different. Food is elevated comfort: shakshuka, salmon-avocado toast, seasonal breakfast boards, and an acclaimed apple pie. They also accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets with thoughtful alternatives. Hours: Wed–Mon 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM (closed Tuesday).

Halal Note: No dedicated halal certification, but breakfast and brunch options (eggs, toast, matcha, juices) are straightforward and safe. Their craft beer is on-site and clearly labelled; the non-alcoholic menu is extensive.
Góralski Browar rooftop terrace with Tatra mountain panorama
Rooftop Terrace

3. Góralski Browar

Best Views Family Friendly
place Krupówki 40, 3rd Floor (corner of Krupówki & Piłsudskiego)

Góralski Browar is arguably the most spectacular restaurant terrace in Zakopane, with sweeping panoramic views of both the High Tatras and Gubałówka. Set on the top floor of the Krupówki 40 shopping complex, the 1,000+ m² space is decked in authentic Góralski style: rough-hewn wood beams, stone accents, and regional motifs — but with a modern hospitality standard.

While it is primarily known as a restaurant and in-house brewery, Góralski Browar is excellent as a café stop. Pop in for coffee and a slice of traditional sernik (Polish cheesecake) or grilled oscypek with cranberry jam. The kitchen is open 10:00–22:00 daily, and the children's zone on the floor below makes this a great family stop after a stroll down Krupówki.

Halal Note: This is a brewery — craft beer is produced and served on-site. However, the extensive food menu (pierogi, breakfasts, desserts) can be enjoyed without alcohol. Stick to the non-alcoholic hot drinks menu and traditional desserts, which are clearly listed.
Traditional Góralska Tradycja café with mountain cakes

4. Góralska Tradycja

Classic Patisserie
place Krupówki 29

Located on the top floor of the Krupówki 29 shopping center, this café offers commanding views of the Tatra mountains. Their meringue cake (beza) is legendary and fully alcohol-free. A reliable choice for traditional Polish pastries with a safe ingredient profile.

Cukiernia Samanta pastery and ice cream display
Since 1927

5. Cukiernia Samanta

Multiple Locations
place Multiple locations on Krupówki

A Zakopane institution since 1927. Staff are very knowledgeable about ingredients and happy to advise. Their ice cream is a local favourite, and the pastry range is classic and extensive. Ask directly about gelatin in cream cakes — they will always know the answer.

Must-Try Desserts

Szarlotka (Apple Pie)

Served warm, often with vanilla ice cream. 100% safe.

Gofry (Waffles)

Street food classic. Top with fresh fruit and whipped cream.

Lody (Ice Cream)

traditional scoop ice cream. "Lody Tradycyjne" shops are everywhere.

Pączki (Donuts)

Rose jam filling is the traditional one. Check for lard (smalec) - most use oil now, but ask "Smażone na oleju?" (Fried in oil?).