Dinners in Gdansk

It's really not a problem to get zloty out of a Polish ATM (assuming you have an ATM card). I did use my (mileage) credit card when I could, but in Poland you have to be really, really careful to be sure you are being charged in zloty rather than in dollars (in which case you would be paying a lot more than necessary because of the disadvantageous conversion rate). I found the display on the credit-card device on which one indicates zloty or foreign currency to be totally incomprehensible (it was always in Polish, which is not what happens in other countries), so I was at the mercy of the server to get the transaction processed the way I wanted. This can make for tense situations, so there's actually quite a lot to be said for paying in cash.

In Gdansk itself when we were there in 2003, the waterfront restaurants accepted credit cards,

Of course, I didn't always understand all the charges, usually one or two, (didn't matter anyway), and I was not going to quibble with the server in their limited German or English, whether a different charge applied if you ordered a beer as opposed to a non-alcoholic drink, say mineral water, which I did most often anyway.

The exchange rate in 2003 between the $ and zloty reminded me comparably to that relative to DM and US$ when I was in Germany in the summer of 1971. Then it depends on its buying power.

Part 2 here...

Having dinner in the waterfront area was/is a very pleasant, relaxing experience, numerous places to choose from, In Gdansk we used both cash and the credit card...just depends. The staffs are used to getting tourists, which in 2003 I saw were mostly German arriving in bus groups.

We stayed in a simple 2 star Pension in the old town, walked all over, never took a taxi or public transport, to and from the train station, etc.

We ate along the waterfront all three nights that we were in Gdańsk last July. We were not there on a weekend. The restaurants did fill up. We ate early. We walked along, looked at the menus, and chose a place. Our best meal was at a restaurant not in the RS guidebook. We ate inside one night when it was a little chilly and outside the other two nights. The meals were all excellent. They were also more expensive than what we paid in other cities in Poland. But the food was really good, so I guess you get what you pay for!

I don’t remember if we paid by cash or credit card. We did both, and a couple of times we had the problem that acraven described that we paid in dollars.

I think making reservations on a weekend is probably a good idea, but I’m not sure if you need to do so before you get to Gdańsk.

Thank you to all. Knowing it will be summer and a weekend, I think reservations are needed.

We would rather use a credit card than process the cash payment, but we are capable if we have to.

We are pretty set for Krakow, so would like to confirm Gdansk.

Appreciate your comments.

It was also in July when we were there, rained also. but lovely and eye-opening to be there, aside from hard to believe...all very subjective....that I had made it to the mouth of the Vistula.

Just echoing above, I did not have much trouble using a credit card around Poland, many places accepted them, just make sure to pay in złoty not Euros/Dollars.

We do pay in local currency. Much better exchange rate on our CC.

Looking forward to our visit to these 2 cities. Added the visit on before a cruise from Oslo and really expect our visit will be most rewarding.

Thanks to all.

Now, to find a restaurant for a memorable dinner.

Hi,
These days practically every restaurant in Polish cities accepts credit cards.

If you would like to try vegan dishes, there's an excellent restaurant in Old Town - Manna 68.
There's also a nice vegan place on Motlawa riverbank - Guga Sweet & Spicy (only if you're into spicy food:)
If you prefer to try local fish, then Zafishowani restaurant would be great. They also have meat dishes.
I've written about these restaurants here: https://overhere.eu/blog/complete-guide-all-best-gdansk-attractions/

We ate at one of the restaurants recommended by Rick along the waterfront called Barylka. It translates to the Barrel. In fact, we ate there on two ocassions. They took credit cards.

Has anyone else had concerns about dinner reservations? Since we are in Gdansk on a July weekend, thinking reservations should be made. I have no problems with reservations in Krokow but in Gdansk, I am not getting any replies. I wonder if it too far ahead or maybe I should contact the hotel and ask them to confirm for me.
Has anyone had this problem?

I didn't have the problem because I just wandered around and managed to find places to eat, but I think you're smart to make plans in advance, because it is an understatement to say that Gdansk is "touristy". I had the feeling it was a popular short-getaway spot for Europeans--possibly busier on weekends, but definitely full of tourists at all times, at least in the summer. However, I don't think you need to be worried about pinning down reservations this early, unless there are one or two acknowledged best places in the city and you just have to eat there. Seeking the help of your hotel is a good idea, but I think you are probably safe to wait a bit longer to see whether the restaurants are just slow in responding. I admit that I am just guessing, though.

We were there in July and made the reservations each morning. If you are flexible with your eating time, you should be okay. We were in Gdansk from a Sunday to Wednesday.

I think you're overthinking this. You don't need to make reservations this far in advance (day of should be fine) and credit cards are accepted everywhere you see the logos outside the restaurant door.

Appreciate the advice. I will let it go for now and try a week before.

Thanks for the advice.