Reita Hackaj
Google
I was in Bucharest for work and wanted an interesting culinary experience, so I came across Papila. At first, I was drawn by their ramen photos on Google (worth mentioning that ramen is served only on Sundays).
I went on a Tuesday without a booking (not sure if usually needed mid-week so please check), and the staff were very kind and attentive. They even set up a lovely table for me outside, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
The menu is clear and structured around three different sets. You always need to pair a first and a second dish together. What I think is not okay is that on Google it still shows you can order two firsts, which is unfortunately not the case anymore. This should be clarified, as it could be misleading.
For food, I had the chicken liver parfait, which was excellent, followed by the lamb, which was beautifully prepared. For dessert, I went with the mango rice in coconut spinach sauce with black seeds and pralines – truly delicious. I started with a glass of cava and then a Spanish red (Rioja), both perfectly chosen.
What I loved most is that Papila feels like it has a strong soul – you can sense the effort, care, and ambition behind it, and that they hold on to their standards. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I’d gladly come back.
