Restaurants
Visiting Budapest can’t be complete without having a meal in one of the 1000 restaurants. Apart from the numerous Hungarian restaurants visitors can also taste every major world cuisine. Hungarian food is famous worldwide, who once tried the unique tastes will never forget the experience. Most of the dishes are made of beef, chicken, pork or fish and onion, paprika, sour cream or garlic give the final typical Hungarian flavour. Most probably you have already heard about Goulash (Gulyás) soup as the most famous food from Hungary. You can try this special soup almost in any Hungarian restaurant in the capital.
Below is a long list mainly about the most recommended Hungarian restaurants and also some examples about popular foreign cuisines.
Below is a long list mainly about the most recommended Hungarian restaurants and also some examples about popular foreign cuisines.
Hungarian Cuisine
For Those Want to Taste The Very Best (€€€€)
Gundel - www.gundel.hu
Gundel is the greatest name in Hungarian gastronomy and perhaps the best known Budapest restaurant by foreigners. Károly Gundel, owner of the place from 1910, made his restaurant an isle of gourmets. He was not only an excellent chief but a good writer as well, his cookery books are translated into many languages. The Gundel, using the old name, offers specialities of Hungarian cuisine which are still prepared according to the original, carefully preserved Gundel recipes. The elegant, 20th century decoration, the fine cuisine and service make your dinner unforgettable, especially if you try the Gundel Pancake. Address: Budapest XIV. Állatkerti út 2. |
Alabárdos - www.alabardos.hu
The Restaurant Alabárdos is located in a small street across Matthias Church in a 400-year-old gothic building from the 15th century. The talented chefs have won top honours at a Hungarian competition that may well lead to international honours. All the dishes combine a variety of textures and tastes that form a harmonious whole. Desserts are made daily for your enjoyment. Have a taste of the world famous and unforgettable Hungarian Goose Liver. Address: Budapest I. Országház utca 2. |
Fortuna- www.fortuna-restaurant.hu/
In the heart of Buda Castle District, next to Mathias Church you can find the historical Fortuna Restaurant. This stylish restaurants features five dining rooms for guests to choose from, namely the Fortuna room, the Royal room, the Knights room, the Terrace and the Sparkling wine cellar. The delicious tradition Hungarian dishes and wines are a taste sensation and visitors will not be disappointed. Address: Budapest I. Hess András tér 4. |
Robinson - www.robinsonrestaurant.hu/
The Mediterranean restaurant, situated at one of the nicest parts of town near Heroes’ Square, on an island in the City Park Lake, offers an ideal location for either a business lunch or a candlelit romantic dinner. Visitors to the terrace will be drawn into the surrounding landscape of budding trees or the view of Vajdahunyad Castle’s high towers. The selection of dishes is delicious, offering delicate taste combinations inspired by the specialities of the summer and winter months, sure to please both Hungarian and classic palates. Even vegetarians will not be disappointed. Address: Budapes XIV. Városligeti tó |
Búsuló Juhász (Grieving Shepherd) -www.busulojuhasz.hu
The rich and adventurous history of Búsuló Juhász restaurant dates back to 1937, when at the spot of the today restaurant an inn was opened. After almost thirty years rich in visitors had passed until a decision was made on the reconstruction of the old inn. The unique speciality of our restaurant and its terraces is that in the course of eating and drinking their dinner, our guests can enjoy the fascinating panorama of our capital. The assortment of our menu is made up from the delicacies of the Hungarian bourgeois cuisine. It is completed by such specialities like the freshly baked home bread or our patés. Beside the excellent food and drink we entertain our guests with live gipsy and classical music. Address: Budapest XI. Kelenhegyi út 58. |
Affordable excellence (€€€)
Arany Hordó (Golden Barrel)- www.aranyhordovendeglo.hu
The restaurant located in the oldest building of the castle area is waiting for guests with live gipsy music, past citing feasts and a unique wine cellar. The house used to be the residence of the king's head sommelier, recalls the spirit of old times. The quarry stone wine cellar was developed from a branch of the famous Buda Labyrinth which runs underneath the 500 year old building. From spring until autumn guests are welcome to admire the swirl of Buda Castle and the towers of Mathias Church from the terrace. Address: Budapest I. Tárnok u. 16. |
Bagolyvár (Owl Castle) - www.bagolyvar.com
If you desire the tastes of home… A cosy restaurant in the City Park recalling the Sunday lunches and dinners of our grandmothers. Housed in a beautiful and romantic Transylvanian manor, Owl’s Castle is the place to enjoy delicious food of the past with bold flavours. This restaurant is unique in Hungary, where only women plan, market, cook and serve the food and pamper guests with traditional Hungarian hospitality. The furniture is Biedermeier and etchings of bygone Budapest ornament the walls. Those who have lunch or dinner outside in the flowery garden may enjoy the magical view of the Japanese Garden of the Zoo. Address: Budapest XIV. Állatkerti krt. 2. |
Kisbuda Gyöngye (Pearl of Little Buda) – www.remiz.hu
The family owned and run restaurant offers an elegant setting full of old world charm in this popular establishment in Óbuda. The antique furniture, the chandeliers, the candlelight and the ceilings with frescoes are all originals, of course. Dining at the restaurant is a truly atmospheric experience. The chef has created a menu that reflects the classic cuisine, updated to modern tastes. The restaurant (specialized in serving meals made from fish) has been awarded various prizes in the past decade and it’s often visited by Hungarian and foreign celebs. Address: Budapest III. Kenyeres utca 34. |
Manna Lounge – www.mannalounge.com ‘Manna’ is defined as food or spiritual nourishment delivered from heaven. The Manna Lounge is set right above the tunnel that leads from the Chain Bridge to inner Buda. As such, the restaurant offers splendid views of Buda. With regards of cuisine, guests are offered a blend of French, Italian and Hungarian tastes that are sure to please everyone. The Manna Lounge is a trendy place to eat out and be at with your friends and it has a distinct Mediterranean feel and compliments your dining experience with a fine selection of music designed to help you switch off and be at ease in good company. Address: Budapest I. Palota út 17. |
Sir Lancelot - www.sirlancelot.hu
Dining in Sir Lancelot is a totally unique experience. The atmosphere is medieval supported not only with furniture and weapon decoration but also with the medieval clothing of waiters and waitresses. Expect huge portion and as you are in Middle Ages you are supposed to consume your meal with your hands. If you insist on using rather cutlery than you need to ask your „servant” to help you out. For romantic dinner it is not the right place but if you rather interested listening medieval music and you are not bothered by the show of fighting knights around your table while you eating than don’t miss Lancelot. For a medieval dinner experience, this is the right place. Address: Budapest VI. Podmaniczky u. 14. |
Haxen King – www.haxen.hu Haxen Restaurant is a highly popular Bavarian beerhouse and restaurant in Király utca, Budapest, offering huge portions. It has been welcoming its guests since 1893. The atmosphere is light-hearted in the all-wooden place (pine-panelled walls, wooden tables and chairs, and stairs, etc. The key success is the combination of good atmosphere, the excellent dishes and the delicious Magyar wines. Address: Budapest VI. Király utca 100. |
Kéhli – www.kehli.hu
The name Kéhli has been synonymous with good Hungarian food and merriment since 1899, when the industrious and hospitable Kéhli family opened this restaurant in Óbuda (Old Buda). It was managed so well that “Mama Kéhli” became a household name throughout Budapest. The Restaurant Kéhli, surrounded by some similarly old houses, retains an atmospheric little island oasis of the past among the monotonous rows of modern cubical houses. Thanks to the former well-known regular guest, Gyula Krúdy, the great Hungarian writer, it survived annihilation and is still open. Choosing a meal is not easy here because there are so many excellent dishes. Its motto is very suggestive: 'an old house where body and soul cheer up'. Address: Budapest III. Mókus utca 22. |
Great Meal for Good Price (€€)
Duna Corso - www.dunacorso.hu
Dunacorso restaurant is housed in a Neo-Renaissance protected building built in 1871. In this place there has always been a restaurant or a cafe over 130 years. It is the favourite place for many not only from the wealthy but also who has little many but demanding taste. The popular restaurant with a family atmosphere near the river was totally refurbished in 2000. This place is perhaps not the most elegant but for sure one of the best eating establishment in the capital. In summer you can enjoy a view of Buda from the outdoor terrace. Address: Budapest V. Vígadó tér 3. |
Náncsi Néni Vendéglője (Aunt Nancsi’s restaurant) - www.nancsineni.hu
The restaurant Náncsi Néni is a cult place of Budapest's gastronomy. This family-run restaurant is a bit out of the city center, way up in the Buda Hills. Being in Budapest after seeing everything in the historical downtown it is not a bad idea to make an excursion among the hills of Buda, seeing where the wealthy people of Budapest are living. Even if it is in a rich area Náncsi Néni is not a fancy place representing modern culinary. If you want to have home-style Hungarian dishes in rustic surroundings and enjoy the peacefulness of the leafy hills, Náncsi Néni is the place for you. The restaurant received its name after the niece of Budapest's first mayor. To make your Hungarian dining complete, you can listen to live gipsy music in the evenings. Address: Budapest II. Ördögárok út 80. |
Platán (Sycamore) - www.platanetterem.hu
Platán sits near Budapest's impressive Heroes' Square. This is a warm and friendly restaurant, surrounded by trees. The symbol of the restaurant is a stately sycamore tree standing in the garden. The restaurant is divided into two parts, hence two big areas of catering are covered: a la carte dining and fast-food. Those who eat casually, taking their time, talking, having a beer after dinner or those who wish to read the paper after a light lunch are all welcome. Platán Restaurant is open around the clock, by this adjusting itself to the needs of the 21st century. As such, those who work late and those who party until early can all expect being served here. Address: Budapest VI. Városligeti fasor 46. |
Corso - www.corsorestaurant.hu
Corso restaurant is located in the downtown of Budapest on the ground floor of a historic building and welcomes guests with typical Hungarian kitchen, top Hungarian wines and cymbalo music. The house played a significant role in the life of the city. Corso has had its current look since after the Second World War. The frescos were painted by Jenő Haranghy, a famous Hungarian painter-graphic artist. The big sized canvas on the walls was also painted by him. The frescos delineate conversation piece of peace time civil life and sights of Budapest. Corso is proudly offer a tourist menu assorted from specialties of the menu card, so the guests can save 15-20 %. You can spend lovely time on the terrace of the quiet court yard in the summer. Address: Budapest V. Petőfi Sándor u. 3. |
Trófea Grill - www.trofeagrill.com / www.trofeagrill.eu
Trofea Grill can be found in six places in Budapest. Wherever you find yourself starving and you wish to enjoy an unlimited meal then you don’t need to search for the right place, you only need to find a Trofea Grill close to you. |
Víg Kalmár (Cheerful Trafficker) - www.vigkalmar.hu
An inexpensive restaurant with tasty home-style cooking. Wide variety of soups, game dishes, and outstandingly rich desserts selection make up for the out of the way location. There are 250 different meals on the menu and even vegetarians will find good food here. You can start with the unique Tokaj Wine Soup, carry on with the typical Hungarian Paprika chicken with small noodle and you mustn’t leave without trying one of the delicious desserts, such as the famous Gundel Pancake. Address: Budapest XV. Fő út 78. |
Vén Diák (Old Student) – www.vendiaketterem.hu Vendiak Pub and Restaurant - located in the very center of Budapest in a beautiful square and in the vicinity of the University building – opened in 1938. It soon became the favourite place of students and the ambitious middle class with its fine cousin. After over 70 years on the restaurant scene, the recently renovated, air-conditioned restaurant provides a friendly environment with its high quality menu and favourable prices. Ven Diak is a name that means service and quality. Address: Budapest V. Egyetem tér 5. |
Cheap Great Tastes (€)
Horgásztanya (Fisherman’s Farm) – www.horgasztanyavendeglo.hu
If you are looking for a place where you can try why fish soup is so popular in Hungary than look no further. Horgasztanya has been serving its devoted guest for more than 20 years and the atmosphere is created with every kind of staff given by the customers. Here is what you can read on the webpage: „ That’s where you can get the best and more tasty fish soup in Budapest and Hungary, not mentioning the cottage cheese balls with a lot’s of sour cream and powder sugar or with poppy seeds and home made plum jelly which made by my grandmother’s original recipe.” Address: Budapest I. Fő utca 27. |
Kőleves (Stone Soup) – www.koleves.com Kőleves is a very good Hungarian-Jewish restaurant in the center of Budapest. The place nicely decorated with pictures hanging all over the wall. The food is really tasty and the menu offers a good selection. You can find a lot of chicken dishes on the menu and also good desserts. The staff is absolutely friendly and the pricing is average. Address: Budapest VII. Dob u. 26. – Kazinczy u. 35. corner |
Erzsi Mama Konyhája (Aunt Elisabeth’s kitchen)
Erzsi Mama is a lovely, quiet restaurant with only a few tables but with special atmosphere. You really feel you travelled back 50 years in time to try how a Grandma can cook her special Hungarian dishes. Decoration is excellent such as the huge portion of meals. Fruit soup tastes unbelievable and for drink don’t miss the traditional raspberry syrup with “szóda”. Address: Budapest XI. Pajkos utca 60. |
Tabani Kakas
This is a small and friendly Hungarian restaurant in Buda. The walls are decorated with traditional pots and pans and there are dozens of flags from all over the world behind the counter. This, however, does not mean that all those languages are spoken here but rather implies that foreigners often come by to taste Hungarian cuisine. Address: Budapest I. Attila út 27. |
Fakanál (Wooden Spoon) – www.fakanaletterem.hu
All kind guests can find exquisite flavours, traditional Hungarian and rustic meals, abundant portions, live gipsy music, delicate types of Hungarian wine and real Hungarian cuisine in Fakanál restaurant that is situated on the first floor of the Central Market Hall. The self-service restaurant offers great food for really cheap price. Please note that Fakanal is only open during market hours: weekdays 10am – 17pm, Saturday 10am – 15pm and closed on Sunday. Address: Budapest IX. Vámház krt. 1-3. 1st floor of Central Market Hall |
Popular Restaurant Areas in the City
- Liszt Ferenc Tér (Liszt Ferenc Square) - www.lisztferencterettermek.hu
- Ráday utca (Raday Street)
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Vegetarian Food
Vegetarium – www.vegetarium.hu
Vegatarium was the first vegetarian restaurant in Hungary. Guests are welcome in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere equipped and furnished in a demanding way. Beside the natural and tasty specialities of vegetarian cuisine as well as the attentive and correct service, management are eager to provide high quality entertainment for their guests. The restaurant in addition to the gastronomical experience offers and guarantees the pleasure of the time spent together with its guests. All this with a unique collection of logical and board games which turn minutes of waiting into pleasant and useful activity. Address: Budapest V: Cukor utca 3.
For some creative variation in vegan and vegetarian dishes, visit this little food bar in Buda for light lunches in pleasant surroundings. It is situated in the heart of Taban, at the foot of the Buda Castle. A historic building built in 1811 houses the restaurant which was completely restored and renovated in 2001. Eden also has an atrium-style garden. Find anything from buckwheat to vegan sausages and fresh juices to chapatti breads. Inside you can find hip pieces of Art Nouveau, and pretty, metallic, vintage garden furniture. Guest can enjoy our terrace from early spring until late autumn. The restaurant is self-service. Address: Budapest I. Iskola utca 31. (Batthyány Square) |
Napfényes (Sunshiny) - www.napfenyesetterem.hu
This place is totally vegan in every way, but a look at its menu (different every day) will surprise you with its ability to keep it Hungarian. Of course there are more international flavours too, but you’ll get the chance to try vegan paprika, pörkölt and stuffed cabbage, amongst various other options including pizza, pasta and a salad bar. Address: Budapest VII. Rózsa utca 39. |
Hummus Bar – www.hummusbar.hu
This is the most popular hummus and falafel bar in the city. The Hummus Bar can be called a Tel Aviv restaurant with its flavours and scents. You can eat in, seating is upstairs, or you can take it with you. Either way, the food is delicious and very inexpensive. Several varieties of hummus and salads are offered to go with the falafel. While you are waiting, don't be surprised if you are offered some tea or samples of other items. All of the limited choices are made fresh. Address: Budapest VII. Kertész u. 39. / V. Alkotmány u. 20 |
Govinda
If you’d like to take lunch vegetarian Indian style, pop in this small food bar and step into a cosy atmosphere of spices and spirituality. Once you descend the steep steps to enter this restaurant, you will find a simply decorated ultra clean place that is run by the local Hari Krishna-type group here in the city. The operation is on a self-service system where you can choose from different dishes, each at a set price. You can also choose from two daily menu options written on a blackboard or a small or large sampler platter. The staff speaks English and will explain each dish. While you’re down there you might like to wander around the shop which offers various oriental treats. Address: Budapest V. Vigyázó Ferenc u. 4. |