Kielce eats well for its size. The pedestrianised Sienkiewicza Street and the cluster of streets around Plac Wolności are the main eating zones, with everything from pierogi bars to wine bars and the inevitable kebab stands.
For traditional Polish, Restauracja pod Krzywą Lampą on Sienkiewicza is a long-running classic — proper żurek, golonka, and a list of regional dishes from the Świętokrzyskie region. Si Señor does a good Mexican that is a useful change from the local norm. The best pizza in town is at Si, a small wood-fired place near the cathedral. For coffee and cake, Cafe Społem on Sienkiewicza retains a faintly Soviet feel and excellent szarlotka.
For something special, Restauracja Verdi in the Bristol Hotel does well-judged modern Polish at moderate prices. Beer drinkers should head for Zoologa or Coryllus — both serve a good rotating selection of Polish craft beers, the rapidly improving national specialty.