Targu-Mures Restaurants

For an authentic Transylvanian culinary experience, look no further than that offered by the restaurant 'Emma'. Located a few meters away from Piata Trandafirilor and the Palace of Culture, this Transylvanian restaurant offers quality cuisine at a very competitive prices.

As you enter the massive double doors, below the neon sign, a short staircase takes you to the sub-level restaurant. The restaurant is separated into three rooms. The first room has a bar to the right, and tables and benches, the next room has two upholstered bench tables and the last room is similar in style to the middle room, but is non-smoking, a true rarity in Romania.

The food is fantastic, and the menus, written in Romanian, Hungarian and English, along with the daily specials are proffered by the cordial, multi-lingual wait staff. Service is prompt, efficient and friendly, again an abberation, when compared to most Romanian dining experiences.

Serving from a broadbase of traditional Romanian staples as well as Hungarian and German (Austrian) dishes served with a hint of Romanian influence, which can only be characterized simply as traditional Transylvanian.

Favorite Dish: I absolutely love the Chicken Paprikas, served on a bed of mamaliga, (a dish similar to the Italian polenta). This is a uniquely Transylvanian dish. Having had traditional paprikas served in Hungary, the one served at Emma's is different as it is served alongside mamaliga, by blending the best of two culinary traditions, making it uniquely Transylvanian.

In addition, for those on a budget, their daily specials are delightful and very inexpensive. Served from a selection of two choices, vegetarian and non-vegetarian (yet another abberation, from this traditional 'Meat and Potatoes' Country). A soup to begin, a salad, an entree and a desert for approximately two U.S. Dollars.

'Leo' has been a Targu Mures staple for years. Frequently revamping its interior and exterior, it has most recently completed an overhaul of its furniture and awning. However, the quality of food remains, as good as ever. 'Leo' is wildy popular with the young and the old. On any given day, you can see older individuals sitting and reading the paper (included on every table) in the mornings as they open, and as the day progresses university or high school students discussing their latest assignments gossiping, and in the evenings, families or couples will share informal, dinners by candlelight.

In terms of location it is unbeatable, right in the center of Piata Trandafirilor, it sits at the very heart of the city, can't miss it.

Athough having sung the praises for their food, I must however, state that their service is "hit or miss." Now I have never had any problems personally, however, I have heard many people, both visitors and locals complain about the service, eh... rather lack thereof. So don't consider it "fast food," because it is not (in terms of quality and efficiency) and you may end up waiting half-an-hour or more for your check.

Favorite Dish: If you're visiting and not Romanian I would offer the suggestion of trying the dish "Brasovene." I have tried in the past to describe this dish, but all I could muster is that it is similar to a breaded, burrito. However, that doesn't seem to do it justice, neither in taste, nor in appearance. Nevertheless, it was once one of the least expensive dishes on the menu, and incredibly popular with university students, who were the inspiration for my initial foray into the realm of 'Brasovene'. I'd love to tell you from experience that their other dishes are excellent. However, that is only hearsay and from what I have seen. Honestly, I've never actually tried anything else.

'6 Fix' is a quaint, quite, out of the way (in terms of feel) cafe. Located one street down from the Citadel, across from one of the post offices. It is situtated nicely on a quiet street, nestled in between the bustle of the city center and the relative peace of the Citadel. While they do serve coffee, beer and soda, what this establishment is known for and as most locals know, is their tea.

Serving from a menu of various teas, some fusion flavors of almond and cinnamon, and others simple. They serve each tea with its own specially prepared tea leaves and flavorings in its own tea infuser and tea pot. If you are uncertain as to how this works and just thought tea was tea, the very pleasant wait staff will show you. And if you thought all teas were the same, try the tea here.

Also if you were so inspired by their tea, you can purchase some and take it home and make it for yourself. A word of advice though, I've tried this, and it doesn't work out as well. However, since I live here and it's so near, I usually frequent it at least once a week, more often during the winter months, for my weekly tea-infusion.