The restaurants along Mamaia's promenade compete hard for diners and the quality of fresh fish is generally good. Look for places that display their catch fresh rather than frozen — the difference in taste is significant. Barbun (red mullet) fried simply in olive oil, saramura (fish grilled on a salt crust), and crap la grătar (grilled carp) are the local standards. Romanian wines from the Murfatlar region, just inland, pair well.
Lakeside restaurants often have the best setting — tables over the water on pontoons, with views across Lake Siutghiol in the evening. These tend to be slightly more expensive than beachside equivalents but the atmosphere is quieter. Lunch is the main meal in Romania and often better value than dinner.