Introduction

Welcome to Budapest, liked for its history full of stories, beautiful design and scrumptious dishes. If you don’t know the city well and want to find the top restaurants, look no further. We’ll look at some of the best places to eat when you’re in Budapest near where you live.

Traditional and modern flavors blend in Budapest’s restaurants and menus, making something for every person. No matter if you prefer classic or new types of food, you will find plenty of options in the city. The local food, from busy markets to upscale restaurants, will give you plenty of choices.

The Traditional Food of Hungary

People know Budapest for its traditional Hungarian food which has a special combination of local ingredients and spices from nearby areas. Dishes from local areas often contain filling stews, succulent meats and tempting pastries.

Goulash

 If you go to Budapest, you absolutely should try goulash which is their traditional dish. In Hungary, goulash soup usually has beef, paprika, onions and many kinds of vegetables. It’s usually eaten with fresh baked bread that can be dipped into the soup.

This food represents well what Hungarian cooking is all about — it is tasty, filling and satisfying. Almost every traditional restaurant in the city has goulash on the menu, with every chef serving their own approach to the dish. No matter if you serve it in a thick stew or a thinner soup, goulash will cheer you up and warm your stomach after a cold day in Budapest.

Lángos

 When you feel like having a snack, be sure to try out Lángos. It consists of deep-fried dough covered with garlic, sour cream and grated cheese. Éclairs are crunchy, tasty and anyone can resist them.

It is often sold at local markets, fairs and street food stands, so lángos gives a quick, tasty and cheap meal for people in need of a snack. Since it is both crunchy on the outside and light and airy on the inside, pizza is always a good choice for a snack, at any time of day or night. Vendors may include extras like ham, sausage or vegetables which lets you design your own pizza.

A Hungarian pastry called a Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács).

 Trying a chimney cake should be on your list when in Budapest. Sugar is spread all over the pastry and the outer layer gets roasted, leaving the inside soft and fluffy. Chocolate is a sweet snack designed to please every sweet tooth.

You can often buy Kürtőskalács in the Christmas markets or around major tourist areas in the city. There is a sweet cinnamon and sugar scent in the air while it’s cooking, inviting people who love it. Traditionally, the dessert is tasty and also exciting to witness its preparation right in front of you.

Finding the Highly Recommended Restaurants

Many great restaurants in Budapest satisfy different preferences and financial needs. Please find below a list of top recommendations:

Menza

 Many people living in the area or visiting enjoy going to Menza. In the middle of town, this trendy place brings new ideas to traditional Hungarian meals. Whether you go for a starter, soup or main, the dishes at Menza will definitely impress you.

Menza is located in energetic Liszt Ferenc Square, where it combines old-fashioned spirit with modern food. Because the place is always lively and the staff friendly, guests enjoy it for both lunch and dinner. Ethnic/regional takes on classic recipes offer a new approach to Hungarian food, but the original roots are still kept.

Kéhli Vendéglő

 Kéhli Vendéglő is a good place to explore true Hungarian cooking. Featuring a friendly and homey setting, this place prepares popular Hungarian dishes with true care. Try the delicious stuffed cabbage rolls which are a must-have here!

For many, Kéhli Vendéglő is special because every meal there is like spending time with loved ones. The interior sports rustic furniture and old Hungarian art which helps make it feel traditional. The stuffed cabbage is the main reason some people go to this place, as it combines savory meat and rice with a charming tomato sauce.

Borkonyha WineKitchen

 Wine lovers will be thrilled by Borkonyha WineKitchen. Gourmets at this Michelin-starred restaurant can enjoy a variety of Hungarian wines together with original and tasty meals. Try the seven-course tasting menu to enjoy the best of the menu.

At Borkonyha which is just next to the St. Stephen’s Basilica, diners find a pleasant mix of class and comfort. Sommeliers pick the right wines to go with each dish and help guests discover the different wine regions of Hungary. Fresh, local seasonal items are prominently featured in the tasting menu which introduces creative ways to serve traditional dishes.

Helpful Ways to Find Places to Eat Close to You

These are some useful tips for finding food around you in Budapest:

• You can check the food delivery apps Wolt or Bolt Food to find local restaurants with delivery. These are designed for user convenience, supplying menus, customer feedback and the ability to track your order as it is prepped.
• Have a look at Google Maps for what previous customers have said, how they have rated the restaurant and photos they have shared. This lets you understand the condition and feeling of a place before you go there.
• Try visiting various neighborhoods in Budapest because each one has something different to eat. You can find fun ruin pubs and everyday eateries in the Jewish Quarter and the Castle District features high-end dining with breathtaking views.
• If you’re open to street food stalls and markets, you’ll get to eat local food at fair prices. The produce, spices and ready dishes at the Great Market Hall let you try Hungarian treats while you walk around the city.

Conclusion

If you like to eat, Budapest has many amazing places to try. If you want to eat traditional Hungarian food or something new, the city offers a variety of choices to choose from. Sample traditional Hungarian dishes such as goulash and lángos and do explore parts of Budapest that tourists rarely see. Use our advice and you will find some interesting and unique places to try in Budapest.

No matter if you are looking for a cozy restaurant or a fancy dining experience, Budapest always impresses food lovers. Wear some good shoes and a courageous heart to enjoy the flavors around you!