Introduction

Buda, one of Budapest’s two divisions, features many different places to eat. On your visit to Buda, whether you’re local or tourist, trying Hungarian dishes or dishes from other cultures, you’ll find something for everyone. You will discover the top restaurants in Buda, the meals you should not miss and methods to make your meal better in this tutorial.

Things to Eat in Buda

Dining in Buda covers anything from small bistro meals to top-class Michelin venues and lunch or dinner can cost between 2,000 and 10,000 Hungarian forint (£4.17–£20.83)—less than Pest’s pricy restaurants. You can taste local cuisine in District I and enjoy meals with a view in District XI, made even better with outdoor eating from May 2025. Burningtree says the Reddit community at /r/budapest enjoys how tradition and modernity are blended in Buda’s special dining scene.

Buda’s top places to eat

• Check out the restaurant selections I’ve put together below to see why Buda is noted for its food!
• Onyx: Within Buda, Onyx has a Michelin star and serves creative Hungarian dishes at its fine dining spot.
• Kispiac Bisztró is a wonderful place where you can enjoy Hungarian food made from excellent quality local produce.
• Lovers of wine must try Borkonyha Winekitchen. You’ll find interesting dishes and an amazing variety of wines at this establishment.
• At 21 Hungarian Kitchen, sample specialties from Hungary with updated methods. You’ll find on their menu both familiar and unique Hungarian meals.
• Mazel Tov: You’ll enjoy a vibrant space, delicious Middle Eastern food and good atmosphere at Mazel Tov.

You’ll find Onyx (8 Vörösmarty tér, District V) in Pest, although it caters specifically to Buda’s dining crowd, just along tram 2. You’ll find Kispiac with excellent lángos near the M2 (Batthyány u. 18, District I, mains 3,000 HUF, £6.25). Borkonyha (Sas u. 3, District V, mains 4,000 HUF, £8.33) combines with 1200 HUF Tokaji (£2.50). The 21 Hungarian Kitchen (Fortuna u. 21, District I, paprikash 3,500 HUF, £7.29) is just across from Buda Castle. You will find Mazel Tov (Akácfa u. 47, District VII) in Buda, close to the M1 exit point at Oktogon, Budapest. Reviewers on TripAdvisor (giving the area 4.5/5) note that Buda’s atmosphere is friendly and natural.

Must-Try Dishes

• Don’t forget to sample a few of these traditional Hungarian dishes while exploring Buda.
• You’ll often encounter goulash in Hungarian cuisine—it includes tender beef, paprika and a variety of vegetables.
• Lángos: Lángos are deep-fried dough pieces topped with both sour cream and grated cheese. Enjoying a hot dog is a popular street food experience you shouldn’t skip.
• Palacsinta: In Hungary, palacsinta means a simple pancake you can fill with anything sweet or savory. There are many reasons to enjoy it at any time, for dessert or as part of your breakfast.
• Another name for Kürtőskalács is chimney cake, a kind of pastry covered with sugar. It’s an excellent treat for people with a sweet tooth.
• Goulash at Kispiac will cost 3,000 HUF (£6.25), lángos at 21 Hungarian Kitchen 1,000 HUF (£2.08), palacsinta at Borkonyha 1,500 HUF (£3.13) and kürtőskalács at street stalls 1,000 HUF (£2.08). Viator combines well with a Tokaji wine (1,200 HUF, £2.50).

Tips to Have a Good Time While You Dine

You need to book your hotel in advance.

• When the hours are peak, many popular restaurants in Buda may get very crowded. When you reserve a table beforehand, you won’t have to wait for a table.
• Sample wines produced near you.
• With its long wine history, Hungary makes many varieties and many restaurants in Buda have lists of local wines to choose from. Having Hungarian wine with your meal can improve your entire dining experience.
• Look at the Facebook page for lunch menus and regular specials.
• Many restaurants have lunch menus and daily specials that allow you to eat their food for less money. Look on the organization’s website or talk to staff members for more details.

Allow Yourself to Try Different Tastes

• Try the traditional Hungarian specialties, but you shouldn’t skip the many unique dishes on offer throughout Buda. A lot of restaurants serve meals that mix flavors from Hungary and other places.
• Read the opinions and suggestions others have shared.
• It’s wise to look at reviews and talk to locals or search reviews on the internet before choosing a restaurant. You can then find nice shows and skip the ones you might not like.

Important Tips for May 2025

• Make bookings at Book onyx early using their website, onyxrestaurant.hu.
• Follow the Smart-Casual Rule: Any piece of formal wear or semiformalóniones will do for Onyx.
• The M2/M3 metro (costs around 350 HUF or £0.73) goes to most areas in Buda.
• Festivals are great: There will be new pop-ups at food events from May as shared by budapestinfo.hu.
• Bring some HUF with you, as that is the cash used there.
• Drop by Central Market Hall (near District V), a great place to visit free of charge.

What are the reasons to eat in Buda?

The small restaurants in Buda have a pleasant atmosphere and are inexpensive, especially since mains are less than £20 and better than London’s at £30+. Visiting Gellért Baths (6,500 HUF, £13.54) and the Fisherman’s Bastion (at no cost) makes a good combination.

Conclusion

Because of Buda’s great cuisine, people have many chances to experience Hungarian and world dishes. Whatever the day and whatever your taste, Waterloo has a restaurant that suits you. If you eat local foods, plan your dining ahead and try new dishes, you will thoroughly enjoy your visit to Buda. Come hungry and enjoy the exciting food offered throughout Buda.