146 Best Restaurants in Hungary

With an expansive terrace on swanky Fashion Street, as well as an appealing interior connected to the Kempinski hotel, this bistro is a popular choice for lunch and dinner. Steak is the specialty here, with excellent cuts of Austrian Alpine, Angus, and Wagyu beef—regulars can even get a personalized steak knife, which is displayed in a glass cabinet between meals—but there are plenty of other options too, from salads to soups, grilled duck liver to pan-seared salmon. Vegetarian and (especially) vegan options are limited, but the beetroot burger is a popular choice; the goat cheese is optional. For dessert, order the decadent "ÉS triple chocolate brownie," served with chocolate-caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream.

There are a few ice cream parlors in Budapest worthy of mention and Fragola is one of them. A locally owned shop featuring 120 original homemade flavors, Fragola is famed for the the quality of the ingredients. With several locations in town, you don’t have to venture to Szent István Park to try it but if you are in the neighborhood, don’t pass it by.

One of Hungary’s best artisanal ice cream chains, here you can choose from a range of unique flavors like turmeric, fig, and sweet pistachio, or something in their new vegan line.

With its floral prints, muted colors, and geometric patterns, this calm little café is an away-from-it-all stop for a tasty breakfast, light lunch, or afternoon snack.

The humble decor hasn't changed much since this cheap and cheerful spot first opened in 1997, and neither has the menu. Basically, you'll find Hungarian classics and lots of pickled or fried food. Try the Rántott gombafej (fried mushrooms), Spenót főzelék (spinach pottage), and, for a main course, any of the fried and breaded meats. Save room for dessert, because you can't go wrong with the Mákos guba (poppy-seed pudding) or palacsinta (Hungarian crepes). It's solid fare, but if you see a line formed outside, you might want to reconsider.

An aura of calm permeates this excellent, long-standing Japanese restaurant in the affluent Rószadomb district of Upper Buda. Sushi and sashimi are expertly prepared, as are other Japanese specialties such as teriyaki tenderloin with sesame. There's even a separate dining room where you can eat at low tables, in traditional Japanese style. Comfortable club chairs and big windows make you feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Pest. 

Proudly bearing the name of famed confectioner Émile Gerbeaud, who brought the glamour of Paris with him to turn-of-the-century Budapest, this elegant coffeehouse dating from 1858 has remained the pride of the nation ever since. It's a bit of a tourist spot and can be pricey for Budapest standards, but a savvy tip is that cakes ordered for takeaway are half the price of those eaten in-house.

The wicker chairs and café tables of this elegant brasserie, on a quiet and leafy square tucked behind Váci utca, are reminiscent of a scene out of a French movie; the summer terrace is about the prettiest location for lunch in Budapest. At other times of year, visitors can still enjoy seasonal Hungarian favorites like sült libacomb (crispy goose leg) in winter and asparagus soup in the spring, in the Parisian bistro-style interior.

The basic Indian-style dishes at Govinda may not be that exciting from a culinary perspective but everything is vegan and made from fresh products coming straight out of Krishna Valley, a communal village of Hare Krishnas near Lake Balaton that dates back to the change in regime. This religious eco-community is almost completely self-sufficient, using solar energy and sustainable subsidies, and supplying their six Hungarian restaurants with vegetables and other stocks. Though a bit on the heavy side, the dishes are wholesome and satisfying.

This place may not look like much from the outside, particularly among the newer, trendier spots on Bartók Béla út, but it serves some of the most delicious authentic Balkan food in town. A Bulgarian known as Bárni is the proprietor, living out his dream of showcasing the chargrilled flavors of his childhood. The menu is very meat heavy, but the salads are good and there are tasty sides like peppers stuffed with feta cheese.

This is probably Hungary's most famous restaurant, an officially listed Hungarikum both for its historical significance (opened in 1894) as well as its revival in the 1990s by Hungarian-American restaurateur George Lang. Fin-de-siècle grandeur shines through in the glorious dining room, tastefully adorned with 19th- and 20th-century Hungarian paintings, and a 10-piece Romani band adds an earnest nostalgia to the place. The gorgeous setting includes an Art Nouveau bar designed by Adam Tihany. The food, sadly, is just a bit above average, though some classics such as goose liver pâté and Gundel pancakes are well executed. Nevertheless, a visit is a uniquely memorable experience.

At the swankier end of the coffeehouse spectrum, Hadik is a looker, and knows it: all bare brick walls, beamed ceilings, grand chandeliers, church door-sized windows, and a mezzanine layer of seating. At least, that's what you'll see when you enter through the corner door: a spruced up grand café dating back more than a century. But keep walking through to your right and it's all change, as the classic decor gives way to a ruin-bar-style mishmash of colorful wall paintings, quirky lighting fixtures, and random knickknacks hanging from the ceiling. It's all part of Hadik, so simply choose the atmosphere that suits your mood then order from a menu of excellent coffees, delicious "literary" cocktails (inspired by famous Hungarian authors, some of whom used to drink right here), soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches.

The festive Fish Garden has won numerous international awards for its fine Hungarian cuisine. The extensive menu has such fresh-from-the-lake dishes as catfish stew with topfenfleckerl (curd noodles) and pike-perch with wine sauce and tagliatelle. Inside are wooden rafters and tables draped with peachy-pink tablecloths; outside is a large terrace with umbrella-shaded tables. There’s live music several nights a week, as well as regular wine and brandy tasting events. The restaurant is attached to a 45-room hotel, though there are better accommodation options in town.

For substantial German-style cuisine and frothy beer, head for the popular HBH Bavarian Brewery, which has a great location just off Dobó István tér. The menu comprises traditional Hungarian and German fare, along with American-style bar snacks like chicken wings and onion rings. Any of these will go down smoothly with a glass of Bull's Blood—or perhaps a Munich Hofbräuhaus, the beer that gives the restaurant its initials.

HILDA prides itself on elevated Hungarian cuisine made exclusively from local, sustainable ingredients. A chic restaurant planted firmly in downtown Budapest, the interiors are beautifully done, where tasteful contemporary design blends seamlessly with old-world stained glass. The dishes are as elegant, featuring contemporary fusion takes on rich stews, smoked raw fish, and Hungary’s marbled Mangalica pork. Prices are in euros and aren't cheap (by Budapest standards, at least)---but with every morsel sourced from farmers they trust, you’re paying for both quality and a clear conscience.

This Hungarian Middle Eastern fast food chain is the city’s go-to for hummus. The first restaurant opened up in 2005 and the chain has been a local favorite since. Its laid-back vibe and upbeat chickpea-loving theme say it all. For a vegan dish, go for the crispy, light falafel. Venues are all over town, including four branches in this chapter's area alone, but Október 6 utca is the only one that serves up freshly made laffa.

With its checkered tablecloths and rustic style, this sweet and cheery restaurant has all the charms of its retro theme without the cobwebs. The traditional dishes are served with a modern flair and excellent service, making it feel like the best of both worlds. Though the menu isn't particularly extensive, the Hungarian classics like crispy duck leg and beef goulash are well prepared, using products from local farmers' markets. You can't go wrong, unless you forget to follow dinner with a pálinka. Make sure to reserve online. 

There’s always a festive groove at Iguana, the most popular expat restaurant in town, especially with Americans. Tex-Mex nachos, quesadillas, burritos, chimichangas, and jalapeño poppers are tasty and filling, and the setting feels authentic, surrounded by south-of-the-border movie posters. Order pitchers of classic or strawberry margaritas or punchy tequila and mezcal cocktails.

Founded by legendary local restaurateur Hans van Vliet, this inviting jazz bar and restaurant caters to one and all (Jedermann means "everyone"), with an atmosphere best summed up in buzzwords like hip, cool, and laid-back. The menu is nothing spectacular, but everything is wholesome and often made for sharing: think Cobb salad, goat cheese pasta, or homemade dips with fresh bread. Budapest's finest jazz musicians jam on their intimate stage several times a week, and it's best to reserve in advance on those nights—check the website for details.

A short walk from the Inner Town, this charming restaurant is a perennial favorite for its cozy, rustic interior of wooden-beamed ceilings, cast iron light fittings, and checkered tablecloths, as well as for its "guzzle guts" menu of homemade Hungarian specialties, often with an inventive twist. In warm weather, you can also sit outside in the lovely, leafy courtyard. The portions here are enormous, so don't be shy about asking them to pack up leftovers to take away—everyone does it.

Karaván is an empty building lot converted into a series of street food stalls, right next to popular ruin bar Szimpla Kert. It's often crowded and can be overpriced, but if you're looking for a fun, friendly way to sample some of Budapest's most popular street foods, this is your best bet. Choose from traditional favorites like langos and chimney cake, to burgers, Mexican snacks, and Asian dishes.

Need something to take the taste of Kossuth Spring water out of your mouth? Stroll to this nearby café and patisserie, once a popular haunt of actress Lujza Blaha (who lived opposite), to sample its fine selection of homemade cakes, pastries, and pies. As well as offering excellent coffee and baked goods, Kedves is also a popular spot for breakfast and brunch; try the fried bread with blue cheese and pears. In the summer there's a lovely tree-shaded terrace that blocks almost the entire sidewalk.

Walking up from Víziváros to Várhegy from the north side? Then pop into this delightful ice cream and frozen yogurt parlor to cool down. There is a range of interesting flavor combinations available, like vanilla and sour cherry, and honey and cinnamon.

This pricey but laid-back, sepia-toned neighborhood tavern is on a hard-to-find street near the Óbuda end of the Árpád Bridge. Practically all the food here arrives in huge servings, which was just the way that Hungarian writer Gyula Krúdy (to whom the restaurant is dedicated) liked it when he was a regular customer. Dishes like the hot pot with marrowbone and toast, or lecsó (a stew with a base of onions, peppers, tomatoes, and paprika) are great comfort food on a cool day.

Long a local favorite, Két Szerecsen keeps diners happy all day long with fresh and affordable soups, salads, and daily specials. The kitchen has a light touch with cold soups, especially the cucumber, dill, and gazpacho varieties. The menu is Mediterranean-Middle Eastern-influenced, but retains various typically Hungarian dishes and tastes. The cozy orange and burgundy interior has café tables and copper lamps with vintage posters on the walls. It can get a bit smoky inside in winter, but there's outdoor seating in summer. It's open daily for breakfast.

You will need to climb a steep path to reach this old-fashioned café at the foot of the Elizabeth Lookout tower, but the panoramic views are more than worth it. And that's also true for the mulled wine and the charmingly surreal hunting-lodge-inspired interior.

This restaurant's large outdoor terrace in the heart of the Inner Town makes it a popular lunch stop with tourists throughout the summer, who are also tempted by the good-value midweek lunch menus (3,950 HUF for two courses or 4,450 for three). Come later in the day and you will find a full menu of delicious international dishes, including pasta, noodles, burgers, soups, and salads—as well as an unbeatable cocktail menu and (very loud) live music.

This cozy, csárda-style eatery tucked away on a side street a 10-minute walk from the main square is warm and bright. The inner area has wood paneling and upholstered booths; the outer section has simple wooden tables covered with locally embroidered tablecloths and matching curtains. Food is heavy, ample, and tasty, whether it’s “outlaw” paprikas with barley-shaped, egg-based pasta; tripe stew with crushed potatoes; turkey breast; or goose liver. Request a plate of dried paprikas—usually crumbled into soup—if you really want to spice things up.

There are only a few tightly packed tables and a counter in this tiny, homestyle restaurant that draws an early lunch crowd and bustles well into the evening with downtown professionals and in-the-know travelers. The cuisine is the simple kind Hungarian grandmothers make: sour cherry soup, mushroom paprikash, and baked pork shank. Everything is tasty, reliable, and highly affordable given the quality. In the summer, alfresco tables on the cobblestone streets let diners indulge in Budapest's grand capital ambience.