Will be in Budapest in October (late) and am looking for reaturants of all price ranges and food types. Looking for the must experience cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as a few hip hot spots. Any suggestions?

The New York Cafe is one of the restaurants all tour books tell you that you must see. The interior is quite interesting - architecture, decoration. When we were there the exterior was being renovated. I didn't think the food was that good and it was relatively expensive. There is also a bakery that is noted as a "must try." Can't remember the name, but I think it begins with "G" and is on one of the main squares - you'll find it in all the guide books. I did not think much to the Hungarian cakes and so did not find the bakery anything special. Coffee is generally good in Hungary, however.

Things may have changed, but when I was there 4 or 5 years ago, The New York Cafe was not that expensive.<BR>It's lovely to see the band of violin players going from table to table. The atmosphere is incredible and the decoration really old world.<BR>There are not many places of the world like New York Cafe. Go there and enjoy your time

Note: this info is as of summer 2000.<BR><BR>My fave cafe is Cafe Miro on Castle Hill -- put the Mathias Templon main door to your back and walk forward for a block -- the decorations are fun!<BR><BR>The pastry place is on Vorosmarty Sq -- Gerbaud.<BR><BR>Restaurants: Bagolyvar [be sure to reserve!]near Heroes Sq. and Kispas [?] near the Bathyanyi Ter. red line metro stop.

In addition to the places listed in guidebooks (and I did really like Gundel's), try "Ostrich", on the Buda side (it tastes like very lean beef).

Gerbaud is indeed a worthwhile pastry shop/cafe. Gundel is most famous, but I recommend for Sunday brunch -- not dinners; Sunday brunch value is good. Fatal, address on, but entrance just off lower part of Vaci utca has plentiful, good Hungarian food at good prices, though service is not the typical Hungarian gracious. For Gundel and Fatal, reservations are recommended.<BR><BR>There are many other fine restaurant choices -- it really depends on your preference in cuisine.<BR><BR>For "hot spots", check out local english-language papers, or ask your hotel -- but beware the "exotic" shows, which will surely cost you plenty

Thanks for your replies and advice. Happy and safe travels.