Râmnicu Vâlcea has a decent restaurant scene for a Romanian city of its size, centred on the main pedestrian street and the central square. Expect Romanian grills, fresh river fish from the Olt, and plenty of mamaligă (polenta) alongside meat dishes. The region is known for its sheep's cheese, cured meats, and the local plum brandy, țuică. Outside the city, the spa towns at Călimănești have restaurants attached to hotels, and a handful of village guesthouses offer home-cooked meals that beat anything in the city.