Hello,
Inspired by an idea I saw on Reddit, where a user created a list of international restaurants in Timișoara several years ago, I thought it would be a great idea to update the list annually. The number of high-quality international restaurants is growing every month, and that old list is already outdated. For example, while working on this list this month, I discovered that we now have not just one but two Indian restaurants.
To maintain a certain standard for the list, I’d like to share a “methodology” I had in mind while compiling it. I kindly ask that you follow this approach if you want to make recommendations in the comments. The methodology is as follows:
a) Ideally, the chefs or owners of the restaurant should be from the culture/country represented by the restaurant. For instance, if the restaurant serves Italian food, it would be preferable for the chefs or owners to be Italian or have a genuine connection to Italy.
b) The food should truly be authentic and comparable to what you’d find in places like Indonesia, Italy, France, or China. For example, Noodle Pack, Antalya Shawarma, and Dopo Poco shouldn’t appear on this list as Chinese, Arabic, or Italian restaurants. The reason is simple: these establishments make no effort to offer authentic, traditional cuisine from their respective countries.
c) “Good practice examples” – Pizza Napoletana, Taste of Bali, and Miral are examples of international restaurants representing Italy, Indonesia, and Turkey, respectively. These establishments uphold a standard and strive to serve food that genuinely reflects the cuisine of their countries of origin. For instance, at Taste of Bali, the chefs are Indonesian, bringing the flavors, ideas, and culture of their homeland and translating them into the Timișoara dining experience. You can sense this authenticity as soon as you step into the restaurant.
So, here we go:
Argentina:
- Argentinian Restaurant – I haven’t visited yet, but from what I can see, it offers a steak-based menu.
Link
Brazil:
- Brasileiro Restaurant – A Brazilian churrascaria. “Churrascarias” are Brazilian restaurants specializing in grilled meats (churrasco), where, for a fixed price, you get unlimited portions of meat served directly from skewers by the waiters.
Link
China (Note: Since there are many Chinese fast-food outlets, I’m only listing places with higher standards that aim to offer food closer to traditional Chinese cuisine.):
- Marele Restaurant Chinezesc – Located near Badea Cârțan Market, it’s one of the oldest Chinese restaurants in Timișoara. Owned and staffed by people from China, they strive to offer food resembling authentic Chinese cuisine, though there are minor shortcomings (e.g., wheat noodles used are commercially available Italian pasta).
Link - Hong Kong Restaurant – A recently opened Chinese restaurant. I haven’t tried it yet, but it seems promising.
Link
South Korea:
- Omma Restaurant – Located near Unirii Square, the owner (who often cooks as well) is from Korea and also runs the Korean grocery store across the street.
Link - Woktagon Restaurant – I haven’t visited, and I don’t know much about the chefs or owners, but it seems like they’re making an effort to serve authentic Korean food. Worth mentioning.
Link
Italy (Note: This section includes restaurants owned by Italians or Romanians that maintain a standard. Generic pizzerias like “5colțuri” aren’t included.):
Pizza:
7. La Bottega – Offers many Italian products, plus pizzas and sandwiches.
Link
- Pizzeria Napoletana – Serves Neapolitan-style pizza, very good quality.
Link - Why Pizza – Known for its pizza slices with great dough and high-quality ingredients from Italy.
Link
Gelato:
10. Grazia Gelato – Located on Alba Iulia Street, between Liberty Square and Opera Square. The owner is from Bari, Puglia, and the ice cream recipes are inherited from his grandmother.
Link
Italian Sandwiches:
11. Panuozzo Napoletano – Situated near Unirii Square, this restaurant specializes in sandwiches similar to those from Naples.
Link
- Unde Vreau Sandwichbar – I haven’t been here yet, but it seems to serve focaccia sandwiches with Italian cold cuts, just like in northern Italy.
Link
Indonesia:
- Taste of Bali – Probably my favorite Asian restaurant in Timișoara. Excellent food, prepared by chefs from Bali, with a touching backstory.
Link
India:
- Indian Bistro – Located near Unirii Square, with Indian staff and chefs.
Link - Bombay Restaurant – Situated in the Student Complex. A new Indian restaurant I haven’t had the chance to try yet.
Link
Japan:
- Riyo Sushi – Probably the most well-known sushi restaurant in Timișoara, located near Unirii Square.
Link
Lebanon:
- Fenice Palas – Located at the base of the UBC3 office building in Iulius Town.
Link
Mexico:
- El Maguey – The owner is from Mexico City, and several Mexican friends have confirmed that the food closely resembles authentic Mexican flavors.
Link
Serbia:
- Restaurant Yugoslavia – Excellent pljeskavica, located in the Bălcescu area.
Link - Dinar Restaurant – Just like its counterpart in Vršac, Serbia.
Link
Turkey:
- Miral Restaurant – Great Turkish food prepared by Turkish staff. The only downside is its location, as it’s in Săcălaz.
Link
Vietnam:
- Little Hanoi – Owned by a Vietnamese woman and located near Unirii Square.
Link
This is the list so far. Of course, it’s possible I’ve missed some places since there are many, and their number grows every month. Feel free to suggest more or comment. I’ll try to update the list as often as possible and aim to create an annual post to reflect the state of international restaurants in Timișoara.