20 Best Restaurants in Budapest, Hungary

Half hidden behind the Budapest-Tabán Church (the entrance is on that side of the building, not on Döbrentei utca itself), this excellent little cake shop is a popular option among locals for weddings and special events. Luckily, visitors can also get a taste of their freshly baked treats; simply head inside to order your coffees and cakes, then take them to the one of tables outside.

This atmospheric and intimate Michelin-starred restaurant, which sits in the shadow of the Inner Town Parish Church, serves a choice of tasting menus inspired by the lands of the Carpathian Basin, from Austria in the west to Romania in the east—and, of course, Hungary at the heart of things. Chef Kornél Kaszás and his team specialize in innovative, flavorful, and playful dishes that put gourmet spins on traditional Central European country fare: think oysters served on cheese crackers, layered potato with Mangalica bacon, and schnitzel with sweetbread, as well as surprisingly effective flavor pairings like white asparagus and coffee. There are also thought-provoking experiments with temperature (such as ice-cold foie gras served in a hot pastry cup) and the expected order of food and drinks (with the bread course appearing halfway through the dining experience, for example, or a Tokaji wine paired with a fish course rather than a dessert). The menus change with the seasons, but there's always one constant: the excellent Casino Egg served with sturgeon caviar; another gourmet take on a local classic. For the ultimate dining experience, opt for the decadent 12-course "Experience" menu (69,000 HUF without wine), or slim down your meal slightly with the 8-course "Exploration" menu (55,000 HUF without wine). Vegan versions of both are available on request.

This bustling former butcher shop is filled with hanging plants, eclectic artwork, and trendy locals who come as much for the atmosphere as for the food. The menu changes seasonally, but expect café standards given contemporary uplifts: heaping tapas platters, Asian fusion meat-and-veg, plus a popular assortment of burgers and comforting sandwiches. Snag a table outside in the summer, or up in the gallery when it's cold out.

A classic turn-of-the-20th-century gathering spot for Hungarian writers, this coffeehouse has endured two wars and a communist closure. Today, it offers 19th-century grandeur in 21st-century luxury: coffees are served on silver trays with glasses of mineral water like in the old days, but in air-conditioned comfort. Open early until late, the café's menu spans everything from light, international breakfasts to substantial Hungarian dinners like crispy duck leg and chicken paprikash.

Cheap, fresh, and tasty, Duran's open-faced sandwiches are the ideal quick lunch or snack to power your day. Choose from cured meats or smoked fish, local cheese or vegetable spreads, all on sliced soft white baguette. The family dates its baking history to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and its first Budapest sandwich spot to 1968.

Pre-COVID, Fricska was a rare example of casual fine dining in Budapest, elevating Hungarian classics in a spacious underground spot on a quiet street in the Jewish district. Two years after it closed, Fricska 2.0 has reemerged to fill a significant void in the city’s dining scene. The menu is concise and constantly evolving—just a few starters and half a dozen mains—but everything is exemplary, unifying fresh local ingredients with haute cuisine techniques. Expect staples such duck, boar, and various river fish. Prices are steep for the area, but reasonable given the quality.

For lively, contemporary takes on Hungarian classics, there’s nowhere better than Gettó Gulyás. "Gettó" refers to its inspired setting, in the heart of the Jewish ghetto, and "gulyás" to the country’s most famous culinary export: goulash. Here, rich, hearty stews are served alongside daring seasonal offerings including game meats, river fish, and even rooster testicles. It's all paired with a curated list of fine, affordable Hungarian wines. Save room for the homestyle desserts.

With a blockbuster view like this, a restaurant could be forgiven for lacking a focus on food—but that's not the case at this romantic terrace restaurant, part of the Fisherman's Bastion. From the Jersey cheese mousse, to the Mangalitza pork tenderloin with octopus, to the strawberry and elderberry Savarin, every dish on the minimum three-course menu is perfectly prepared and appealingly presented. Prices are high, but not extortionate: you'll pay 20,400 HUF for three courses (or 24,480/27,880 HUF for four/five courses). The wine list is extensive, servers are knowledgeable, and there is often live music to add to the unique ambience.

Run by three young Vietnamese-Hungarians with a passion for cooking and a background in fashion and design, this trendy Asian-fusion restaurant is a sister restaurant to popular Sáo in the Jewish Quarter. The stylish setting features contemporary art, concrete columns, and Vietnamese ceramic bowls, and the menu includes all the expected (slightly overpriced) pan-Asian staples.

The Art Deco facade of the Little Cuckoo restaurant evokes the history of this fashionable residential neighborhood street. The setting today is comfortable; wood-paneled walls and leather-upholstered chairs give the place a sophisticated, albeit homey, feel. Sunday finds multigenerational Hungarian families enjoying the familiar and attentive service. All the classic Hungarian poultry dishes are well done, including goose and duck leg with cabbage, and there are a few refined dishes, too, such as veal medallions in cream sauce and lamb with rosemary.

On the very edge of District 6, you'll find Menza, one of the city's best Hungarian restaurants, incredibly consistent and serving international spins on classic local cuisine. Hearty, Central European favorites like goulash, lecso (ratatouille), and schnitzel sit comfortably next to cauliflower steak, pulled lamb in Moroccan spices, and fresh pastas. Drinks affordably showcase Hungary's finest wineries alongside contemporary cocktails. The servers are quick and chipper, and it's all very good value. No wonder a line of eager diners forms outside every night.

Opened in summer 2023, this small Bartók Béla út gelato place has quickly gained a following for its array of innovative ice cream flavors, including fresh fig and walnut, gooseberry and elderflower, and white chocolate with saffron and lemon. There are also several dessert-inspired cones, including lemon pie and Sachertorte, along with one-flavor classics like pistachio, raspberry, and mango.

"Auntie Nancsi" has built a loyal following by serving up straightforward, homestyle Hungarian dishes in the rustic surroundings of a converted 17th century farmhouse. Chains of paprika and garlic dangle from the low wooden ceiling above tables set with red-and-white gingham tablecloths. Big tables of local families can be found here on summer weekends enjoying well-prepared Hungarian food. Sunday chicken soup and catfish paprika are well-loved by regulars. Try the popular túrógombóc (sweet cheese dumpling) dessert; it's the biggest and best in town. There is a garden dining area open during warmer months, when reservations are essential.

Dating back to 1957, this popular neighborhood mom-and-pop café serves classic cakes from the Austro-Hungarian era to rival those at the more tourist-friendly spots, but at a fraction of the cost. It’s small and friendly, with a wide selection that includes Eszterházy, Dobos, and Sacher cakes, among dozens of others.

You don't need to visit every café in the world to decide that New York Café, often referred to as "the most beautiful café in the world," definitely deserves its title, or at least ranks very high on that list. Located within the luxe Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel and built in Italian Renaissance-style, the interiors feature marble columns, stuccoed angels, and sparkling chandeliers dangling from high ceilings adorned by spectacular frescoes. It's one of the oldest cafés in Budapest, dating back 125 years, and was once a meeting place for struggling artists. The prices have shot up considerably since, but it's still worth visiting to soak up the old-world splendor. During the day, drop in for cake and coffee to appreciate the rich history and decor. Evening visitors might prefer cocktails at the hotel's Poet Bar, overlooking the main café, or a haute cuisine dinner at White Salon---the recently reopened restaurant on the café's upper level---which serves sublime contemporary takes on classic Hungarian cuisine, including Mangalica pork chop and flat-iron steak stew.

This little bakery serves some of the best bread in the city, as well as lip-smacking savory and sweet pastries. It's popular with locals, so don't be surprised to find queues outside at breakfast and lunchtime.

A favorite local lunch stop for more than three decades, and recently revived by enthusiastic owner Dániel Andrusch, this cozy streetside restaurant serves the most authentic Hungarian food in Víziváros. It's deliciously hearty, meaty stuff, from thick goulash stews to fist-sized schnitzel cordon bleu, but make sure you save space for dessert—particularly the giant, lip-smacking túrógombóc (cottage cheese dumpling).

Rosenstein is where Hollywood stars dine when they visit Budapest, and it's probably the best place to experience Hungarian cuisine—if you can get a table. The family-run restaurant offers an extensive menu, from classic dishes including goulash and paprikash, to more Jewish-tinged favorites such as cholent and matzo ball soup. Don't let its rundown neighborhood location fool you: inside, it's bow-tied waiters, white tablecloths, and fine wines, but the prices are affordable given the quality. 

This cute little café is within walking distance of the Castle District's top sights, but far enough off the tourist path to not feel or operate like a tourist trap. You'll find warm and friendly service along with delicious cakes and toasted sandwiches. In cooler weather the terrace is a lovely spot to linger with blankets and coffees or mulled wine.

A classic turn-of-the-20th-century gathering spot for Hungarian writers of the Nyugat (West) magazine, this coffeehouse has endured two wars and a communist closure. For 19th-century grandeur in 21st-century comfort, this popular café can't be beat. Coffees are served on silver trays with glasses of mineral water just as in the old days, but these days they are enjoyed in air-conditioned comfort. The menu includes substantial dishes like hortobágyi palacsinta (meat pancakes with paprika sauce) and borjú paprikás (paprika veal stew) all day. Don't miss the excellent cakes and pastries, on view in a glass display case.