Plai Restaurant image

Plai Restaurant

Restaurant

😠 I’m sorry to be that guy but someone has to burst this bubble. I came here blindly based on the solid 5 star rating, and it was the worst meal I’ve had in Romania. Overall service & price were fine, however: 1) I ordered an appetizer that was forgotten about. The restaurant was near empty so it’s n... People often mention restaurant, dishes, experience, Sibiu, local, dish, menu, great, Romania, Romanian,


Address

Strada Timotei Popovici 19, Sibiu 550164, Romania

Website

plairestaurant.ro

Contact

+40 738 297 463

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (273 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: (New Year's Day), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: (Day after New Year's Day), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 6 to 10 pm
  • Friday: 6 to 10 pm
  • Saturday: 6 to 10 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: restaurant (15) dishes (10) experience (10) Sibiu (10) local (9) dish (8) menu (8) great (8) Romania (6) Romanian (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Robert M. 1 year ago on Google
    I’m sorry to be that guy but someone has to burst this bubble. I came here blindly based on the solid 5 star rating, and it was the worst meal I’ve had in Romania. Overall service & price were fine, however: 1) I ordered an appetizer that was forgotten about. The restaurant was near empty so it’s not like they were too busy. 2) I ordered Gnocchi and was served a plate of 3 large, limp, soft dumplings that did not have the faintest resemblance to what I ordered, and just because you chose to call it Gnocchi does not make it so - also the pesto on it was completely overpowering rendering any other flavor on the plate mute. 3) Because the appetizer was forgotten about I ordered a dessert to give something else a try, and some ingredient in it was absolutely disgusting, astringent and honestly akin to poison. The tongue knows when it shouldn’t eat something and whatever that was should not be eaten. Also worth noting a dearth of non-alcoholic drinks. Edit: In response to the restaurant below, I was still paying for it so I ate it the dumplings being edible at least. I certainly did order a desert, the Communist Egg, which I was most excited to try and which was not delivered. With the dessert I made the most of the fresh strawberries and the foam on top, but whatever was in the bottom of that dish was downright disgusting. I didn’t say anything because I’d not want to upset the waiters or cooks on hand as it was likely not their fault the dishes were so strangely disappointing.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rebecca S. 1 year ago on Google
    This was the best meal we had in the whole of Romania. Wow, honestly it was just incredible. 😍 They change the menu seasonally every month and all the thought and care that goes into each dish is so apparent. Also our waiter was so lovely and took the time to explain each dish and its root in traditional Romanian cooking but with a modern twist. Also loved they had some really interesting vegetarian dishes too and they weren't just an afterthought. Highlight for me was the traditional curd dumplings with the bergamot custard and raspberry sauce. Was a fantastic dish. I'd go back in an instant if I could. Thanks for an incredible meal!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bogdan P. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best restaurants from Romania Small restaurant, near the city center. Very normal location, however very cosy. Owner was there, he is discussing with the clients, he brings the food and describes every plate. Very nice person. Food is very interesting, normal dishes, however reinvented as for close to Michelin stars restaurants. Serving is great, as mentioned before, they are describing every plate, with all ingredients. It's worth mentioning that when we did the reservation, they asked immediately about allergens. Very good recommendation, go there, ask them about the food, about beverages, try a full course menu (appetizer, main course and something sweet) and place your review afterwards.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Stefan B. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a small cozy place which hides reinterpreted wonders of the Romanian cousin. We had an amazing dinner together, and we especially recommend the trout with the charcoal sous and the cabbage for the ones which prefer the vegetarian option.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jacob L. 1 year ago on Google
    I spent a lovely evening at Plai. The waiter was very well informed. He knew a lot about local wines. He could also advise me on the meal choice in a very casual and confident way! Thanks to him, I got to try a starter of house-made bread with trout caviar paste. It was exquisite! For main, I ordered a fresh-water miso-fermented style fish with vegetables on kefir sauce and some potatoes. I would lie if I said that it was anything else than impeccable.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leonardo P. 2 years ago on Google
    This is an experience you cannot miss. This little cozy restaurant tells you about passion and willingness of the owners. It is not the mainstream touristic restaurant that serves you the usual stuff. And yet it is not a snobby “wannabe the best” place where you must nod a keep your pinky up. Here you find creativity, research, passion, competence, love for food, love for clients. Everything you will be served will be delicious. Relax and let them speak to you about their food, their local products, their cooking methods. @the owners: please keep up exactly like this. Resist and continue to love what you do, exactly the way you do it.

  • 5/5 ioana s. 5 months ago on Google
    It was an amazing experience. The food was excellent and made in a way to highlight the local products and flavours. Every dish was a learning experience and the taste and textures were wonderfully balanced. The staff is very nice, the decor is beautiful and the fact that the restaurant is small creates a cozy vibe that keeps the conversation flowing between the guests - a great opportunity to meet new people. The dinner is 3 hours long and begins at 19:00, so make sure to make reservations in advance.

  • 5/5 GEO 1 year ago on Google
    A gastro gem in Sibiu. Amazing dishes, cook to perfection and full of flavour. Everything we had was delicious, authentic and full of inspiration. Be prepare to taste new flavours from the chef, full of twists! Don’t forget to order my fav Communist Egg & taste the wine! Fully recommended! Be back? Oh YES!!! 9/10 Be aware this is a very small and cozy restaurant, can accommodate only few tables, so u ‘be better make a reservation in advance

  • 5/5 Dragos S. 1 year ago on Google
    Culinary experience is the name of the game here. The food is something special: it excites the senses and you instantly discover combinations of tastes you never imagined, nor expected to work. And boy do they work! The food is accompanied by a selection of good wines and tasteful craft beer brewed in a small brewery near Sibiu. This experience would not be complete without a professional staff that presents each dish in detail and shares tales like the one of the local craft beer. Important things to note: 1. The place is small and popular, so reservation is highly recommended. 2. This is an adults only restaurant. 3. The menu is constantly changing, so you will never know in advance what dishes will be available. Fun fact: the menu is offered in an envelope.

  • 5/5 Mădălina I. 1 year ago on Google
    Very comfortable and cozy atmosphere. Romanian local products and traditional romanian dishes with a twist. The owners are very thoughtful and they make the place even better. Definitely will return there. Highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Hassan D. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s not just food, it’s a beautiful experience to eat food here. The restaurant is run by a super sweet couple and they are certainly on a mission to take authentic, local cuisine to the next level. Plus for every dish on the menu, they have a beautiful background story. If you happen to be there, do ask for the background of the Communist Egg dish on the menu. We were a group of five people and we spent over two and half hours, completely losing track of time while listening to interesting stories from the owner about different Romanian food and their origins. Loved it, will definitely want to go back and will recommend you to make a reservation now.

  • 5/5 Raluca B. 1 year ago on Google
    The only place to eat if you are in Sibiu. I am sorry i did not get the chance to sample the whole menu. The food was very taste and the ingredients are sourced from local providers. The staff was very attentive and besides the amazing food, we also got very good recommendations for wineries. If you come here, you must try “varza de primavara”, it’s cabbage with goat-cheese, and it’s lifechanging.

  • 5/5 Mariana Mora G. 1 year ago on Google
    This restaurant was such an amazing surprise. Everything was on point and done with so much care and love. Delicious food, their fish based dishes were fantastic, and their staff so friendly and professional. Will go back here any day

  • 5/5 Georgiana C. 2 years ago on Google
    Incredible food, truly creative and with local ingredients. By far one of the best restaurants in Romania. Congrats chef Petra and the team!

  • 5/5 adelaide c. 1 year ago on Google
    Located in a small historical street of the city center of Sibiu. Fantastic dining experience, dishes crafted with love and passion from regional products. The owners are a lovely couple with a real sense of hospitality that is nowadays very difficult to find in most restaurants. Definitely recommended during your stay in Sibiu!

  • 5/5 Matthew D. 2 years ago on Google
    I ate here with my brother on a Saturday evening. We had a great experience at Plai and found both the food and wine to be excellent. The host was able to pair wines with each of the courses we had. All the wines were from Romanian vineyards which was a new wine experience for us (one which we very much enjoyed). One of the best things about eating out for me is the chance to try something totally new and novel, and the choice of deserts certainly was that. The Jerusalem Artichoke desert was truly fascinating and delicious, who would have thought?! We had a great time, with great food, with great hosting, and in a lovely setting. I would highly recommend Plai if you are interested in excellent food.

  • 5/5 Alex M. 2 years ago on Google
    Stunning food, amazing service, gorgeous wine, what more could anyone want!! Will definitely be back when we return to Sibiu!

  • 5/5 Eca B. 2 years ago on Google
    We wanted to try this restaurant out since its opening and were not disappointed at all when we finally made it. It is a one of a kind experience in Sibiu, with unique dishes, friendly staff and a cosy but elegant atmosphere. With accessible prices and amazing flavors it is a must try when in Sibiu. We will definitely return.

  • 5/5 Bertrand C. 2 years ago on Google
    Great dinner ! Creative Romanian cuisine, inventive, precise and fun. The chef is welcoming, friendly and great advice. The restaurant is in a side street, a little off the beaten path but don’t miss it, it is worth looking for the place !

  • 5/5 Andrei F. 2 years ago on Google
    Quite a fine dining, with an abundance of local flavors. One should not miss this place, while in Sibiu,as well as the romanian wines on the menu.

  • 5/5 Constantin H. 2 years ago on Google
    I've never been to a Michelin restaurant before but the food from Plai's restaurant is what I expect the food would taste in a restaurant like that. It's definitely one of the best restaurants in Romania that I went to so far. The location is great - a nice, quiet, not opulent house, not in the middle of the old town but also not far away. Although there is room for improvement in the garden the food definitely compensates. I hope the prices will not go up as I'm sure this place will be famous. I would definitely return there each time when I'll be in Sibiu - and "the next time" it's coming soon for me - next weekend :).

  • 5/5 nareah43 2 years ago on Google
    Best meal in Romania! Very creative dishes with layers of flavors. Atmosphere, taste, presentation, & service were all top notch! We asked for a wine recommendation & it was fantastic. WOULD DEFINITELY RETURN!


Call +40 738 297 463 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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