7 Best Bars in Budapest, Hungary

Heaven for oenophiles seeking out Hungary’s lesser-known wineries, Bortodoor was founded by three longstanding expats as a store, event space, and, most importantly, a wine bar. Here you’ll sample a curated selection of Hungarian wines by the glass, some of which you won’t find anywhere else, amidst an enthusiastic mix of local and international patrons. Friday and Saturday are the liveliest, but Sunday offers the best value when the week’s leftover bottles are served at discounted prices.

A wonderful place to experience Hungary's diverse wine culture, Cintányéros is warm, friendly, and charmingly designed. The staff here care deeply about local wines. House pours are very affordable and their seasonal menu offers varied choices for those seeking finer vintages.

This understated two-room bar is all about Hungarian wine, and with 29 winemakers filling up the listings above the main counter, you have your pick of the latest types trending locally. Complete the experience by having a meat or cheese plate to accompany your wine tasting. The chain has another bar at the Gozsdu-udvar, but the one on Szent István tér is the biggest and busiest. Take a table on their huge patio outside and enjoy a view of the Basilica.

This popular wine bar and bistro, with a name that means "chick," is close to the cog-wheel railway and has a lovely garden for a glass or two of Hungarian wine in summer. The food is bright and modern.

Kadarka boasts possibly the most extensive by-the-glass list of Hungarian wines in Budapest, each priced reasonably compared to stores. While the interiors are outdated, the food only decent, and the staff often surly, the streetside terrace is lovely for sampling Hungary's varietals while watching the world go by.

If you want to try Hungarian wines in relaxed but knowledgeable company, this is your spot. There are also tastings, snacks, a snatched view of the Liberty Bridge, and a sign that rather encapsulates the ethos: Wine not?

A modern take on a traditional Hungarian coffee shop, restaurant, and wine bar, the atmosphere is warm, the food is authentic and delicious, and the wines come from Hungarian producers via the restaurant's wine cellar. Booking ahead is recommended.