Ultimate gastro guide to Budapest’s restaurants (2025 updates)
Ultimate gastro guide to Budapest, capital of Hungary: discover the best restaurants of the city (2025 updates)
Budapest is a city where eating is more than a necessity—it’s a cultural experience. Whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for the next big flavor, a casual traveler looking for a great place to eat near your hotel, or someone with dietary restrictions, capital of Hungary has something for everyone. This gastro guide to Budapest offers an overview of the city’s rich and varied culinary scene, helping you find the best places to eat, drink, and unwind—from traditional Hungarian dishes to international cuisine, rooftop bars, Michelin starred restaurants and cozy artisan bakeries.
Traditional Hungarian food – where to try the classics
If you’re visiting Budapest, tasting traditional Hungarian food is a must. Think goulash soup, chicken paprikash, beef pörkölt (stew), stuffed cabbage, and fish soup made with freshwater carp. These dishes are hearty, flavorful, and often come with a generous helping of paprika.
Some great places to try traditional Hungarian cuisine as not jus the famous Hungarian Gundel Restaurant offers delicious traditional dishes:
- Paprika Vendéglő – Cozy and affordable, close to the city center.
- Rosenstein Vendéglő – A family-run restaurant near Keleti Railway Station, offering high-quality Hungarian and Jewish-Hungarian dishes.
- Hungarikum Bistro – A friendly, tourist-favorite spot with live folk music on select nights.
Pro tip: Traditional Hungarian portions are generous. Bring your appetite or a friend to share!
Breakfast and brunch spots
Budapest has truly embraced the brunch culture. Whether you’re an early riser or prefer a late morning coffee and eggs, the city offers a range of stylish, international-inspired breakfast spots.
Some must-visit brunch places:
- Szimply – Tiny but mighty, with beautifully plated seasonal dishes.
- Cirkusz – Lively and popular, located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter.
- Zoska Reggelizőkávézó – Friendly, cozy, and budget-friendly.
- Double Shot – Great coffee, amazing breakfast, and dog-friendly.
For a sunny terrace brunch, try Fekete or À la Maison Grand. Many of these spots are dog-friendly, so you don’t need to leave your four-legged friend behind.
Cafés and classic pastry shops
Budapest’s coffee scene ranges from grand, gilded historical cafés to tiny, third-wave specialty coffee bars. Many of them offers possibility to sit outside.
For a taste of the past:
- New York Cafe – Often dubbed “the most beautiful café in the world.”
- Gerbeaud – Elegant, with classic Hungarian pastries like Dobos torte and zserbó.
For modern coffee lovers:
- Espresso Embassy – Excellent beans, cool minimalist vibe.
- Madal Cafe – Vegan options, great atmosphere, and friendly staff.
- My Little Melbourne – Australian-style coffee excellence.
Don’t forget to try a kürtőskalács (chimney cake) at one of the street vendors or bakeries.
Artisan bakeries
Budapest has experienced a bread renaissance over the past few years. If you love pastries, sourdough, or a buttery croissant, you’ll be in heaven.
- Artizán – Right by the Parliament, known for their croissants and creative sandwiches.
- Pékműhely – Authentic, rustic breads with a focus on natural ingredients.
- Butter Brothers – Friendly service and amazing pain au chocolat.
- Nor/ma – Scandi-style minimalism and beautiful baked goods.
Many of these bakeries offer vegan options as well.
Street food and market eats
For a quick bite or a casual meal, Budapest’s street food scene won’t disappoint.
Top locations:
- Karaván Street Food Court – Right next to Szimpla Kert, with diverse options.
- Hold Street Market (Belvárosi Piac) – Upstairs, you’ll find everything from goulash to gourmet burgers.
- Rákóczi Market Hall – More local and less touristy, but worth the visit.
Street food favorites include lángos (fried dough with sour cream and cheese), sausages, and Hungarian strudels.
International cuisine
Craving something global? Budapest’s culinary scene is international and inclusive.
Recommended spots where you can enjogy a great lunch or dinner:
- Tereza – Mexican vibes with great cocktails.
- Sao – Trendy Asian fusion.
- Mazel Tov – Modern Israeli dishes in a stunning ruin garden setting.
- Okuyama no Sushi – Authentic and cozy sushi experience.
- Meatology – A local favorite for gourmet burgers and sandwiches.
Vegan and vegetarian-friendly options
Budapest is surprisingly vegan-friendly, and the list of plant-based eateries is growing fast. Many restaurants offer vegetarian friendly options.
Best bets:
- Napfényes Restaurant and Pastry Shop – 100% vegan and hearty.
- Vegan Garden – Outdoor food court with multiple vegan stalls.
- Las Vegans – Known for their juicy plant-based burgers.
- Great Bistro – Stylish interior, seasonal vegan dishes.
- Slow Foodiez – Home-style vegan and gluten-free meals.
You’ll also find many mainstream restaurants in Budapest now labeling vegetarian and vegan items clearly on their menus.
Fine dining and Michelin starred experiences
For those special nights or fine palates, Budapest has a strong presence in the fine dining world.
Highly rated Hungarian restaurants:
- Stand – Michelin starred, modern Hungarian cuisine.
- Costes Downtown – Sleek and elegant, also Michelin starred (lunch menu is available).
- Borkonyha – Wine-focused fine dining with seasonal menus.
- Salt – New Nordic meets Hungarian, beautiful presentation.
Reservations are recommended, and a smart casual dress code is usually expected.
Wine bars, craft beer, and rooftop cocktails
Hungary has 22 wine regions, and many of them are represented in Budapest’s wine bars. As a plus Budapest is home to many famous ruin bars, known for their unique atmosphere and vibrant nightlife.
Try these:
- Kadarka Wine Bar – Relaxed, extensive wine list.
- Drop Shop – A favorite among wine aficionados.
- Divino – Trendy and central, with a young crowd.
For beer lovers:
- Élesztőház – Industrial vibe and lots of taps.
- KEG Sörbar – Great beer selection and cozy cellar ambiance.
- Horizont Taproom – Modern Hungarian craft brewery with flair.
Cocktail and view?
- High Note SkyBar – Classy rooftop with a panoramic city view.
- 360 Bar – Young and vibrant, perfect for sunsets, popular place among tourists.
- Leo Rooftop Bar – Stylish with creative drinks and snacks.
Beyond the city center – worth the trip
Looking for a real local dining experience but stay with good reviews? While the city center is packed with food options, some of Budapest’s best culinary gems lie a bit farther out.
Worth the detour (check info about public transport!):
- Náncsi Néni Vendéglője – A countryside feel in Buda side, perfect for families for lunch or dinner.
- Tanti – Michelin recommended, modern bistro in the 12th district.
- Zazzi Cukrászda – A patisserie in Solymár famous for French-style desserts.
- Pajta Budapest – A hidden gem in Óbuda with a Scandinavian aesthetic.
- La Maréda – Elegant yet unpretentious in the peaceful 13th district (Ujlipotvaros).
- Víg Kalmár – Cozy Hungarian restaurant known for its generous portions and authentic, home-style cooking. Really off the beaten track.
These spots are ideal if you’re heading out for a walk in the Buda hills or visiting local thermal baths.
Special diets and food allergies
Navigating Budapest with dietary restrictions is getting easier. Many places now offer:
- Gluten-free options
- Lactose-free milk and dishes
- Low-carb and keto meals
Useful tip: Look out for “gluténmentes,” “laktózmentes,” or “vegán” on menus. If you’re unsure, staff in most places speak at least basic English and are happy to help.
Tips and tricks for dining out in Budapest
- Tipping: 10-15% is customary; check if it’s already included on the bill. Bankcard is widely accepted.
- Reservations: Recommended for dinner and brunch on weekends.
- Busy hours: 12:00-14:00 for lunch, 19:00-21:00 for dinner.
- Menu language: Most places offer English menus; Google Translate also works great with photos.
Final words
Budapest is a true culinary playground. Whether you’re sipping espresso in a historic café, enjoying a slow brunch with a view, or diving into a bowl of rich goulash, every meal here is an opportunity to discover the city’s flavors and stories. Stay curious, eat well, and don’t hesitate to stray off the beaten path—some of the most memorable meals happen where you least expect them.
Bon appétit, or as the locals say: Jó étvágyat!
FAQ
What are the must-try dishes in Budapest?
When you visit Budapest, you absolutely can’t skip trying goulash. It’s this hearty stew packed with beef, vegetables, and a good dose of paprika. Another favorite is langos, a deep-fried flatbread that you can top with sour cream and cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t forget to try fish soup, which is a unique take on soup that will have your taste buds dancing. And for dessert, grab a chimney cake, a sweet treat that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Where are the best restaurants in Budapest?
There are so many amazing restaurants in Budapest that it’s hard to choose just a few! For a fancy night out, check out those with a Michelin star, like Onyx or Costes. If you’re looking for something more casual, try Hungarian restaurants like Paprika or Hungarikum Bistro for authentic Hungarian food. Don’t forget about the local dining scene in the jewish quarter, where you can find hidden gems! For an unforgettable experience, head to Buda side and enjoy a meal with a stunning view.
Is Hungarian food spicy?
Hungarian food isn’t really known for being super spicy like some other cuisines, but it does use a lot of paprika, which adds a distinct flavor rather than heat. You’ll find that dishes like goulash and paprikash are flavorful and rich without blowing your head off. So, if you’re worried about spice, you can relax—you can enjoy the flavors without the burn!
What’s the best way to experience local dining in Budapest?
If you want to dive into local dining in Budapest, start with the central market. It’s a bustling hub where you can taste local delicacies, buy fresh produce, and soak in the atmosphere. Also, try to eat at family-run cafés and restaurants, where you can get a taste of homemade dishes. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from locals; they usually know the best spots. And if you get the chance, join a food tour to learn about Hungarian cuisine while tasting your way through the city!
