Budapest is a very gastronomic city. This isn’t something you can say about much of Central Europe, by the way. Its gastronomic nature is the result of the many cultures and religions that have left their mark on Hungary. Therefore, typical Hungarian cuisine (link to URL on typical cuisine) has such a wide range of nuances and ingredients, and you can find such a diverse range of restaurants.
There are all kinds of places to eat in Budapest, both in the historic quarters of the centre of Buda and Pest and in parks and suburbs.
Below is a small selection of some of the most popular restaurants, bars, pubs, cafés, and markets. But, as always, the best thing to do is to take advice from the locals themselves, the people who work at the accommodation where you’re staying and, of course, your instincts and sense of smell.
- The restaurant at the Barceló Budapest Hotel
- A selection of restaurants where to eat in Budapest
- Some great places to eat in Budapest
The restaurant at the Barceló Budapest Hotel
Like the rest of the facilities, the restaurant at the Barceló Budapest Hotel opened its doors in 2017 and has a very modern, colourful, and undoubtedly attractive design. It’s a good place to eat in Budapest and to begin to explore the most authentic flavours of Hungarian cuisine, albeit with hints of other international cuisines, including Spanish cuisine. All with a fantastic hint of sophistication and with eye-catching and very appetising presentation.
During the summer season (May to October), after-dinner conversation can be moved to the top floor of the building, where people can have a cocktail or a drink in the lovely Skybar, which has a great atmosphere and magnificent views of the old town.
A selection of restaurants where to eat in Budapest
If you’re looking for restaurants to eat at in Budapest, here are some of the best-rated and popular ones, with a wide variety of gastronomic offerings spread all over the city:
– Mazel Tov (Akácfa u. 47): this restaurant and late-night bar boasts a Mediterranean flair, both in terms of its ambience and culinary offerings. Its terrace, so lively on summer evenings, is covered up when the weather is bad so that diners can continue to relax and “as if they were in the great outdoors”. The menu features an interesting fusion of cuisines from Israel, Turkey, Greece, and North African countries, with salads and grilled meats taking centre stage.
– Hungarikum Biztró (Steindl Imre u. 13): this is one of the most popular places to eat in Budapest for those looking for typical Hungarian cuisine (link to corresponding URL). In this restaurant they avoid modern cooking techniques and modern presentation, offering dishes just as they were prepared by the grandmothers and mothers of those who work at the restaurant. Sometimes with a hint of spice, something with a profound Hungarian feel.
– Parisi 6 (Párizsi u. 6b): purely Hungarian cuisine, with the occasional modern touch (such as the vegan part of the menu) and intense flavours, with a strong emphasis on Hungarian paprika. As for the décor, the place is simple but very cosy. As is the terrace, which they set up as soon as the good weather arrives.
– Meatology Budapest (Bajcsy-Zsilinszky u. 15c): the meat in the name of this restaurant refers to the passion for meat (of all kinds of varieties and prepared in many different ways) shown by the three owners of the restaurant. You can enjoy it all day long, from breakfast to dinner. There’s a large section on the menu dedicated to hamburgers, but where you can really enjoy the skill of the chefs is in the grilled steaks and the “real dishes”, which are refined and very tasty.
– Comme Chez Soi (Aranykéz u. 2): this restaurant, which has won several awards over the years from Hungarian gourmet organisations and associations, specialises in French and Italian cuisine using high quality ingredients and spectacular presentation. A place with classic tastes, ideal for lovers of international flavours.
– Caviar & Bull Budapest (Erzsébet krt. 43-49): the gastronomic haven of Maltese chef Marvin Gauci is one of the most sophisticated restaurants in the city. His culinary concept is one of innovation, experimentation, and creativity, based on some classics of European and Hungarian haute cuisine. There are two tasting menus, Contemporary and Cosmopolitan, and you can also order à la carte.
– Ruben Étterem (Magyar u. 12-14): this is a contemporary-style restaurant, where you come for lunch (or dinner), but also to see, be seen, and have fun. In fact, they sometimes put on shows. As for the cuisine, it’s mainly Hungarian in origin, but with many international and signature twists. Dishes include red wine venison stew, salmon fillet baked in butter, and sirloin steak from New Zealand with grilled foie gras.
– Rapaz Étterem (Erzsébet krt. 4): this is the ideal restaurant for a quick lunch or dinner in the heart of the city centre. And yes, it’s a fast food restaurant, but the quality and presentation of its products has nothing to do with fast food joints. Their burgers (beef, pork, or chicken) can be accompanied by one of the delicious soups they make on the premises, forming a very comforting duo.
Some great places to eat in Budapest
In addition to the wide range of restaurants where you can eat in Budapest, the city has a good selection of bars. Some of them are in the style of ruin bars, or rather in abandoned houses, warehouses, and premises which, thanks to this trend, have managed to avoid demolition due to dilapidation. This is something that has been popular for years and some of them also provide an outstanding gastronomic experience.
Here’s a small selection of bars in Budapest where you can eat, drink, and have fun.
– KönyvBár (Dob u. 45): a bar and restaurant for book lovers. This is one way to define this delightful place, where the walls are covered with bookshelves full of books and where you can enjoy a lovely evening with wine, beer and, of course, good food. Among the dishes, classics such as goulash, beef stroganoff, or the trio of chocolates are highly recommended.
– Bors Gastro Bar (Kazinczy u. 10): This bistro proves that Hungarian and international street cuisine can be of high quality. This is a very popular establishment among the locals, who come here to have a beer or a drink, as well as to have a casual lunch or dinner. Also for their particularly tasty cakes and pastries.
– Szimpla Kert (Kazinczy u. 14): Its name in Hungarian (simple garden) is already a statement of intent, as in renting this space the owners intended to create a relaxing atmosphere around beer and other beverages, as well as food. It’s considered to be the city’s first ruin bar and, apart from eating and drinking, people also come here to enjoy its cultural programme, which features concerts and exhibitions.
– Corvin Gastropub (Corvin tér. 6) is one of the most outstanding bars in the Buda area. Because of its atmosphere but, above all, for its menu based on French cuisine, with a touch of sophistication and innovation, like the decor of the place itself. The beer menu is particularly worth mentioning, with varieties, colours, strengths, and textures unimaginable in southern Europe.
– La Movida Bar & Restaurant (Dohány u. 36): This bar is a Latin (or rather Mexican) breath of fresh air amidst so much on offer from Hungary and Central Europe. The tacos and other Mexican dishes are surprising and very enjoyable. There’s also a cocktail menu and the great atmosphere that’s always in the air in this colourful place.
