Traveling with a tour to Budapest (also Vienna and Prague) in February but most meals not included. Open to any suggestions as to good (and not touristy) places to eat. We are staying at the Kempinski Hotel so something nearby would be best. Same suggestions for Vienna and Prague would also be appreciated since we have limited time to search out restaurants and don't care to do the hotel scene. Many thanks.

For Vienna take a look at the entertainment listing at<BR><BR>www.altstadt.at<BR><BR>I stayed there in 2001 and the restaurant guide is wonderful--I dined in about 5 of the restaurants (various pricings) and all were very good--trust their guide!<BR><BR>In Budapest I really liked Gundels, although some might think it a bit too touristy (but the meals are exquisite and reasonable considering . . . the tasting menue with wines was about $60-70/person last year. George Lang, who runs Cafe des Artistas in NY, is the co-owner. Also, Fatal, and a restaurant in the near suburbs listed in many guides--speciallizes in bone marrow! <BR><BR>In Prague my favorites were Perl of Prague (atop Gerhry's building) and Opera Grill.

Hi Judith, We ate at a very nice restaurant in Budapest near Heroes Square. I cannot remember the name of it but I will try to find it in my stuff. There were no tourists that I saw and a very nice dinner for around $10/person.<BR>

For breakfast, I liked to get a coffee (in small plastic cup) at the shop across the street at the edge of the park (next to bus station as well, though that may have moved), then get a pastry at the entrance to the Metro a block away. Total cost was about $1 vs the $20+ at the Kempinski. Alternative include several shops you are sure to spot within a few blocks.<BR>Lunch depends on where you are at the time. Near the hotel you might try Cyrano, or a bit longer walk to Fatal. Fatal is advised only with reservations or well off the peak hours, and also only for those who don't linger over their meal. Food is good and price fair, but service is generally less than representative of Hungarian hospitality. Museum Kaffehaus (which I'm sure I've misspelled -- it's a block north of the National Museum, perhaps a 15 minute walk from your hotel) is another possibility for lunch or for dinner. Fatal caters to tourists, but also serves a substantial number of locals.<BR>Dinner usually offers more time, so you might be prepared to venture farther afield. If so, your choices are vast. Personally, I think Gundel is beautiful but better food, service and value are available elsewhere. Kisbuda Gyonge and Remiz are perhaps 15 - 20 minutes by taxi (other side of the river), but are recommended. Depending on the night, the Marriott actually has a good dinner buffet -- and it is but a few blocks walk from the Kempinski.<BR><BR>If you have any particular interests (cusine, formal/informal, price), noting them might generate more-focused responses.<BR>You might check reviews or descriptions of restaurants at www.budapestsun.com<BR><BR>Happy travel!<BR><BR>

Judith---<BR>Here are my most favorite places in each of the 3 cities:<BR>Budapest--Vad Rosza, in Buda. If the weather is good, eat outside in the tree-covered dining area. You'll find people from all over the world there.<BR>Prague--Opera Grill, an intimate and lovely place with great food.<BR>Vienna--Hard to choose a favorite, but I'll go for Steirereck in town, or Altwienerhof on the southwest edge of town. For a great view right at Stephansplatz, Do & Co is wonderful.<BR><BR>Vienna--

Budapest: <BR>Gundel ( www.gundel.hu ) was really enjoyable - excellent food, beautiful setting, attentive service and nice entertainment. I'll defintely be eating here again on my next visit.<BR>Aranyszarvas - Golden Stag - located near Erzsebet hid on the Pest side - serves great game dishes.<BR>Muzeum Kavehaz - near the Hungarian National Museum. Beautiful room - go for dinner.<BR><BR>Vienna<BR>Korso - at the Hotel Bristol. Pricey but excellent. Everything about this place was perfect - food, wine, setting and service. International cuisine with Austrain influence.<BR>Steirereck is another great place. Austrain cuisine with a Styrian slant.<BR><BR>I would suggest making reservations for dinner.<BR>

Many thanks for all the replies. Now have a very helpful list to work from. Dinner at Gundel's is included in our tour so we have all ready paid the $$$$ for that!! Beginning to think this tour is more up-scale than we are. I love lots of stars in my hotels but not necessary every night for dinner. Like good food and good service at good prices and paper napkins and a nice pub atmosphere don't offend me. Happily breakfasts and most lunches are also included. Many thanks for the good list and feel free to add more if you have any more ideas.

I also recommend to make reservations in advance at the better restaurants in Vienna--I didn't have my first choice in dates for several of them.

Hi Judith<BR><BR>Don't miss the New York Cafe in Budapest. Something you can find only in the Old World.