The selection of wines – local or imported – is already large. Very large. Overwhelming, even intimidating for those who would like to get closer to this world, with differences that are often hard to notice – apart from the price – for the untrained eye. Restaurant markups often make wine inaccessible, even when the food would really deserve a proper pairing.
Fortunately, wine bars don’t apply the same markups, and you often have the chance to get some guided initiation into the mysteries of wine. So we asked our friends where they usually go out for a glass, added a few historical “landmarks” and some newly opened places, and put together a list that is far from complete. In fact, we warmly encourage you to send us as many recommendations as possible – not only from Bucharest, but from all around the country!
Corks, @ The 0 Kilometer
Now in its second generation of owners, Corks is among the first and, consequently, the longest-standing wine bars in Bucharest. They frequently organize themed tastings with surprising gastronomic pairings. Beyond being a source of affordable wine, it’s also a reliable source of valuable information, just a few meters from the spot marking “0 Kilometer” of the capital.
Corks offers a large selection of wines by the glass, and any bottle under 130 lei can be opened upon request for a minimum order of two glasses. The wine list is well balanced, dominated – as it should be – by Romanian wines.
Vino × 2, Joyfully on the Palate
For almost ten years, the small Vino Wines & More space on Mihai Eminescu Street has been a meeting point for wine lovers of all ages and backgrounds. In recent years, Vino expanded with Vino Bubbles & Tapas on Iancu de Hunedoara Boulevard. About 800 wine labels for the Eminescu bar, roughly 300 for the second location, with 60% imported wines and 40% Romanian – there’s something for every taste.
On days when Ileana Braniște is cooking, you definitely need a reservation. Otherwise, just walk in – you’ll discover a community that warmly welcomes new members.
Arcul de Triumf, After a Stroll
ProWine Gastrobar Arcul de Triumf: the name already tells you everything you need to know. Lots of wine (over 400 labels), accompanied by food that fits a wine-focused venue – well-chosen ingredients, complex flavors without unnecessary complications, all in the shade of the Triumphal Arch / Arcul de Triumf monument.
The focus is on taste, not spectacle. They host private events, offer daily brunch, have a large terrace, and a well-trained staff. In short, it’s a place worth stopping by after a walk through Herăstrău Park – especially for niche Romanian wines that are harder to find elsewhere. Or you can skip the walk and head straight there, inside the Olympic Committee building.
Patio Bistro
Luxury décor, bistro prices – this is essentially Patio Bistro, in the northern part of Bucharest on Nicolae Caranfil Boulevard. A perfectly crafted atmosphere down to the smallest detail (including its own radio station with 3,000 tracks), a focus on the meeting point between bistronomy and fine dining, and an excellent wine selection, much of it also available by the glass.
It’s an oasis of relaxation in the middle of one of Bucharest’s busiest areas, and somehow time flows differently when you sit down for brunch or dinner at Patio. Just keep an eye on the schedule – they close at 17:00 and reopen at 18:00.
Wine Ambassador
Although Wine Ambassador prides itself on one of the best selections of spirits in Bucharest, it is primarily a wine shop with an attached wine bar, so the wine selection is top-tier, with a strong focus on Romanian wines – seemingly designed to introduce the area’s expats to the world of local wine. We’re back in the city center, on George Enescu Street, just steps away from the Radisson Blu and the Intercontinental Athenee Palace. To go with your glass, gourmet snacks are available (also to take home, as you may instantly fall in love with some of the cheeses and specialties they offer!).
UVA Wine Shop & Bar
Over 500 wine labels, about half of them from Romania, and a curated selection of roughly 40 top Fetească Neagră wines, personally selected by sommelier Sergiu Nedelea. A relaxed atmosphere, professional advice for those who don’t know much about wine, and many – really many – wines available by the glass.
The intimate and elegant
Tasting Room
On the Puțul lui Zamfir side of the area behind Floreasca Market lies Tasting Room, the natural extension of Ethic Wine, one of Bucharest’s oldest and most beloved wine shops. It can be said that this is where the new generation of wine entrepreneurs, tasters, and critics in Bucharest “grew up,” and the current menu remains a benchmark for the concept of bistronomy. You can choose from around 800 labels, by the bottle or by the glass.
The Great Hill x 2
Two wine bars sharing the “The Great Hill” name, dedicated – as the name suggests – to the wines of Dealu Mare, reflecting the passion of their founder, Marcel Vulpoi.
At the first wine The Great Hill, located in Cotroceni on Louis Pasteur Street, you can admire an art collection dominated by 20th-century works. At the Bragadiru Palace (147–153 Calea Rahovei), you’ll find not only a gallery dedicated to contemporary artists but also a stage regularly hosting actors from Godot Theatre or top musicians from all genres. Good food, as expected from any true temple of wine.
Gastrolab
Another established landmark for wine lovers in Bucharest, this time right next to the Government building, in a corner of Piața Victoriei. Spectacular wine and food pairings, all prepared according to old recipes from the Székely Land, Transylvania, and Moldavia – rediscovered, naturally, through a modern lens.
Several hundred wines (a 61-page menu), organized by country, with Romanian wines also grouped by region to make the choice easier for the initiated enthusiast.
Conclusions
A wine bar is an excellent option for meeting up and socializing, especially since the people behind these places are usually wine lovers themselves. Markups are much smaller than in restaurants, allowing for a guided exploration of any area of interest. You’ll often find gourmet selections as well, which complete the experience and also give you the opportunity to recreate flavors at home with friends.
Of course, the places mentioned above are only a handful of destinations, and we promise to return to the topic. Until then, we look forward to hearing from you – by email or in social media comments – about your favorite spots, in Bucharest or anywhere in the country!
