The 18 Must-Try Restaurants in Budapest

During the Communist era in Hungary, eszpresszós were favored spots known for their affordable coffee (always dark roast), beer, and simple fare. While many have vanished, Bambi, established in 1961, remains a lively venue, attracting a mix of loyal patrons and local young adults who appreciate the nostalgic appeal of this Communist-era establishment. With its original socialist-modern decor and characteristically serious staff, Bambi offers a nostalgic experience. Though you can visit any time, stopping by in the morning for scrambled eggs, frankfurters, and a coffee on the outdoor terrace is particularly delightful.

This downtown Mytoury is a beloved neighborhood staple, renowned for its prewar Budapest charm. Reflecting the bourgeois aesthetics of that era, the interior features a dining room adorned with Persian carpets and elegant Thonet bentwood chairs. For an authentic experience, drop by at lunchtime when local office workers swarm in for refreshing cold fruit soups, savory veal paprikash, generous schnitzels, and hearty vegetable stews with meatballs. The cheerful presence of owner Gábor Molnár has been a welcoming constant since the restaurant opened in 1995.

This Michelin-starred restaurant in downtown Budapest is celebrated for its visually stunning and expertly crafted dishes, overseen by executive chef Ákos Sárközi. Since its opening in 2010, the duck liver appetizer and Mangalica pork tenderloins have been consistent favorites on the menu. While it may be on the pricier side, Borkonyha offers a bistro-like ambiance that feels more relaxed compared to other upscale dining options in the city.

Stand25 is the restaurant owned by renowned Hungarian chefs Szulló Szabina and Tamás Széll, who also run the acclaimed two-Michelin-starred Stand on the Pest side. This establishment specializes in modern takes on traditional Hungarian cuisine. Signature dishes to try include goulash enhanced with fresh celery, layered potatoes, and túrógombóc, which are cottage cheese dumplings served for dessert with airy sour cream and cherry preserves. While the prices are high, the unforgettable flavors make it worthwhile.

During lunchtime, local office workers line up outside this standing-only downtown Mytoury, Dinogoy, known for its hearty meat dishes. Diners can select from a variety of fresh and cooked meats, including Serbian cevapi, schnitzel, and tender braised duck legs. However, the highlight here is the sausage, featuring paprika-spiced, blood, and pork-liver options. Follow the locals' lead and enjoy your sausage with a generous dollop of mustard, pickled vegetables, and slices of bread.

Ruin bars, low-cost pubs situated in the crumbling prewar structures of Budapest's historic Jewish Quarter, are becoming a prominent attraction, rivaling the city’s famed thermal baths. Szimpla Kert, established in 2003 and adorned with an eclectic mix of flea-market finds, was the first of its kind. While it has grown into a popular tourist hotspot, it's still worthwhile to drop by for a drink and admire the stunning ambiance. On Sunday mornings, the venue transforms into a vibrant farmers market.

Jedermann serves as a vibrant gathering spot for local intellectuals and artists, combining a café, bistro, and jazz club into one welcoming venue. The concise menu features breakfast options and classic bistro dishes, complemented by a curated selection of midrange Hungarian wines to enjoy alongside live jazz performances on Friday and Saturday evenings (with no concerts during the summer). While the atmosphere is a major draw, the bundáskenyér, Hungary’s savory twist on French toast, and the all-in scrambled eggs are sure to impress.

Étkezdes are budget-friendly, quick-service Mytouries in Hungary, primarily frequented by locals, reminiscent of Italian osterias. Kívánság, situated in a working-class neighborhood of Budapest not far from the city center, stands out as one of the finest examples of this dwindling tradition. The must-try dish here is the daily soup special, followed by mátrai borzas: a crispy, fried pork loin coated in potato batter, drizzled with sour cream and cheese, served with a side of rice. The interior has largely remained unchanged since its establishment in 1985, which adds to its charm. Kívánság operates only on weekdays.

While Budapest offers numerous spots for a satisfying goulash or chicken paprikash, the clear champion of traditional Hungarian cuisine is Rosenstein, a family-owned restaurant established in 1996. Popular dishes here include stuffed peppers and pan-seared foie gras paired with potato croquettes in a sweet Tokaji sauce. Honoring their Jewish heritage, the restaurant serves cholent, a slow-cooked Sabbath dish with baked beans and beef, along with flódni, a decadent Jewish Hungarian layered cake, on Fridays and Saturdays. Though it's slightly removed from the city center, the journey is absolutely worthwhile.

Home to the largest Chinese community in Central Europe, Budapest boasts a plethora of excellent Chinese dining options, particularly in Monori Center, the city's Chinatown. He He might appear to be an ordinary takeout joint, but it specializes in exceptional Sichuan cuisine and renowned hand-pulled noodles crafted by a skilled noodle chef from Lanzhou. For a sure bet, try the boiled fish in chile oil with Sichuan peppercorns or the sizzling beef.

Over the past few years, numerous specialty coffee shops have emerged in Budapest, yet only a handful offer something distinctive beyond the usual third-wave café experience. Snug Kelet Kávézó, situated along the trendy Bartók Béla Boulevard on the Buda side of the Danube, attracts a diverse crowd of locals with its book-filled ambiance, excellent espresso, filter and Turkish coffees, and delectable vegan cheesecakes. The café also organizes community events, including a recent exhibition showcasing Hungarian architectural photography from the 1970s.

Since cocktail maestro Zoltán Nagy launched Boutiq in 2008, it has become a trailblazer for mixed drinks in Budapest. The dimly lit venue buzzes with activity, but the skilled team of bartenders ensures drinks are served promptly. Whether you choose a classic Manhattan, allow the bartenders to showcase their creativity, or try a local favorite like the Budapest Spritz featuring Zwack Unicum, Hungary's cherished herbal liqueur, you won't be disappointed.

Artizán is a well-loved, modern bakery located in the heart of Budapest. Here, you can find an array of sourdough breads, pastries, sandwiches, and fresh juices. Don't miss their breakfast highlights: the kakaós csiga, a roll with generous chocolate layers, and the cardamom bun filled with vanilla and berries. While you're there, take a moment to admire Hungary’s most iconic Art Nouveau building, designed by Ödön Lechner, just across the street.

If you're seeking a lavish dining experience, head to one of Budapest’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Led by Swedish chef Daniel Berlin, a talented local team crafts stunning dishes inspired by Austro-Hungarian cuisine alongside traditional fine dining offerings. A standout is the succulent sturgeon filet, honoring the historic presence of these majestic fish in the Danube. The setting is equally remarkable, surrounded by Roman ruins and a medieval church, with the riverbank just a short walk away. Both the eight- and 13-course tasting menus come at a premium.

Situated on a serene side street in the heart of downtown, Hilda is a contemporary Hungarian Mytoury celebrated for its dedication to quality ingredients. The marbled Mangalica pork is sourced from a farm in eastern Hungary, the sweet paprika hails from the paprika capital near Kalocsa, and the fresh trout comes from Tahitótfalu. The restaurant features a charming interior adorned with vibrant Art Nouveau tiles and plush midcentury chairs nestled in cozy, dimly lit corners. Hilda is the perfect choice for a romantic evening complemented by exquisite Hungarian wines.

It's tough to find a more stylish dining spot in Budapest than Dobrumba, situated in the heart of the vibrant old Jewish Quarter. The lively atmosphere is always filled with a fashionable mix of locals and visitors. This restaurant features a delightful selection of dishes from North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Caucasus, including standout hot mezze such as baharat-spiced pomegranate chicken livers and the beloved Moroccan lemon chicken tagine, paired with Hungarian wines and cocktails. Reservations are highly recommended.

Hungary has a rich history as a wine-loving country, featuring 22 distinct wine regions, with the renowned Tokaj in the northeast standing out. At Marlou, a stylish wine bar tucked away on a side street behind the Hungarian State Opera House, you can sample both sweet and dry wines from Tokaj, along with a selection of other local and French varieties. Managed by French owner Jean-Julien Ricard, the bar collaborates with small, dedicated producers, offering many natural and biodynamic options on the menu.

While you may find yourself waiting in line to enter this historic pastry shop and coffeehouse, Gerbeaud is far from a tourist trap. Established in 1884, it’s one of the few places that endured the Communist era, operating under the name Vörösmarty during that time. The establishment still boasts much of its stunning original decor, featuring chandeliers and cherrywood paneling. Besides the ambiance, you must try the Esterházy torte, named after a Hungarian noble family, which layers buttercream and ground walnuts beneath a white fondant topping.