Casa Doina Review: Authentic Romanian Flavours

Before visiting Bucharest, I knew I wanted to experience a traditional Romanian restaurant with local cuisine that would give me a true taste of the region. After scouring various restaurant recommendations, one name kept appearing. With its reputation for serving authentic Romanian dishes in a unique and beautiful setting, it quickly became a must-visit on my list. Allow me to introduce Casa Doina.

Where is Casa Doina Located?

Casa Doina is nestled in one of the most picturesque parts of Bucharest, offering a combination of elegance and historical charm. The restaurant is located on Sos. Kiseleff, one of the grand boulevards of the city, surrounded by green spaces, beautiful buildings, and is a short distance from some of Bucharest’s major landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and Herastrau Park.

The building itself is absolutely stunning! Casa Doina is housed in a beautiful traditional villa dating back to the early 20th century, which adds to its charm and ambiance. The venue boasts a rich history, blending Romanian tradition with modern touches, making it a perfect spot for both locals and tourists who are eager to get a taste of Romanian heritage.

Visiting Casa Doina by bus

One of the easiest ways to reach Casa Doina is by taking public transportation. Several bus lines connect this area to different parts of the city, so it’s convenient no matter where you’re staying in Bucharest. We took the bus from our hotel, and it was a smooth journey. The buses in Bucharest are quite efficient, and within 20 minutes, we were dropped off near the restaurant. From the bus stop, it was only a short 5-minute walk to reach Casa Doina.

If you’re not familiar with Bucharest’s bus system, I recommend downloading a transport app, which can help you navigate the local routes with ease.

Walking to the restaurant

For those who enjoy a pleasant stroll, walking to Casa Doina is also a lovely option, especially if you’re already near the northern part of Bucharest. The area around the restaurant is peaceful, with tree-lined streets and plenty of green spaces. We chose to walk to and from the restaurant, and it was such a relaxing journey through beautiful parks and scenery. The paths are well-lit, and we were able to soak up the local atmosphere as we passed some of Bucharest’s stunning architecture.

Casa Doina’s dining areas

Casa Doina offers a variety of dining spaces, each with its own distinct charm, allowing visitors to choose the setting that best suits their mood. I opted for the Summer garden as it looked like a nice scenic area and looked to be a good atmosphere. Although inside also seemed like a good choice, I went inside for the toilet and it seemed very cosy within the inside restaurant area. Here’s a rundown of the main dining areas:

The Main Dining Hall: Inside the historic villa, this space exudes warmth and traditional Romanian décor. With its wood-paneled walls, dim lighting, and cosy seating, it creates an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a quiet dinner or a romantic meal. I stepped inside briefly when I visited the restroom, and it felt incredibly inviting.

The Summer Garden: For outdoor lovers, the Summer Garden is a wonderful option, especially during warmer months. With lush greenery surrounding the tables, twinkling lights, and a natural breeze, the garden offers a serene, relaxed vibe. We chose this area for our meal because it had a lovely atmosphere, and dining under the open sky felt like a great way to enjoy the summer evening. The lively yet laid-back ambiance created the perfect environment for a memorable dinner.

Menu rundown

While the menu at Casa Doina may not be overwhelming in length, it certainly doesn’t lack variety. Every dish is a reflection of Romania’s culinary traditions, and I found myself struggling to decide because each item sounded so tempting. I eventually settled on the cabbage rolls, a classic Romanian dish, while my partner Chris opted for the Duck with potatoes.

The cabbage rolls were a perfect representation of comfort food. Packed with seasoned minced meat and rice, wrapped in cabbage leaves, and slow-cooked to perfection, the flavours were rich and savory, exactly what I had hoped for from this traditional dish. As for Chris’ duck, it was cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and tender meat that simply melted in his mouth. The accompanying potatoes were golden, crunchy on the outside, and soft on the inside—a delicious pairing.

Food review

As I mentioned earlier, the cabbage rolls were everything I had hoped for and more. The balance of spices and the tenderness of the meat made each bite an absolute delight. It’s a dish that really speaks to the heart of Romanian cuisine—simple, hearty, and full of flavour. Chris’ duck was another standout dish. It was cooked just right, with the rich taste of the duck complemented by the perfectly roasted potatoes. It’s safe to say that both of us were beyond satisfied with our choices.

Drink review

To accompany our meal, we shared a bottle of red wine. The wine list at Casa Doina includes both Romanian and international varieties, and after a recommendation from our server, we chose a Romanian red. It was smooth, rich, and paired beautifully with our meals. Romania’s wine-making tradition is impressive, and the quality of the wine at Casa Doina did not disappoint.

Service at Casa Doina

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm smile and attentive service. The staff at Casa Doina were not only friendly but also very knowledgeable about the menu, offering recommendations based on our preferences. Despite the restaurant being quite busy that evening, the service remained impeccable—our glasses were never empty, and the food arrived promptly. The staff also spoke excellent English, which made communication a breeze.

Final Casa Doina Review and Overall Rating

In conclusion, my experience at Casa Doina was everything I had hoped it would be. The authentic Romanian flavours, combined with the stunning setting and excellent service, made it one of the highlights of my trip to Bucharest. Whether you’re looking for a cosy meal indoors or a breezy evening in the garden, Casa Doina offers the perfect balance of tradition and comfort. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city.

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

You can find out more about Casa Doina and all their amazing dining locations on their website.