I have been recommended a restaurant in Budapest called Gundels. It seems to be a long cab ride from the Marriot where I am staying. Is it worth it or are their restaurants just as good , closer to my hotel.

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Gundel is a famous restaurant worth to visit.Also Nancsi neni.
I'm hungarian, been there years ago.
Have fun,enjoy!

Go for the tradition, not the food.

we actually went up there by metro and bus two different times.
and we walked back.

yes, it is quite a distance to walk, but it was doable with good weather.

it is an opulent restaurant.
overpriced, but we did have a nice sunday brunch there.

also enjoyed the "owl's.. something" its sister restaurant behind it.
more reasonably priced and nice atmosphere.

for a real experience, go to Belcanto.
great music and good food. after the ballet, it was the perfect ending to the perfect evening. it is next to the opera house.

spoon café on the river nearly in front of your hotel is fun, also.

I think it's Owl's Castle - Bagylovar.

Very good simple dishes, good service.

I liked Gambrinus in the Taverna Hotel on the Vaci Utca. So-so service, no ambiance, great food.

http://www.gundel.hu

http://www.bagolyvar.com/

http://www.karpatia.hu/

I enjoyed my dinner at Gundel (but that was back in 2001 - prices have defintely increased). I also enjoyed some meals at the Golden Stag - near the Elizabeth Bridge on the Buda side.

Just take the yellow metro line to Hosok Ter. [Heroes Square] Bagolyvar is well worth it. I haven't been to Gundels.