Budapest is a city that knows how to do food. This capital of Hungary is full of history and culture and a visit here means revelling in the delicious cuisine that will please the most finicky of eaters. A mouthwatering brunch is one of the best ways to try the local cuisine. In this article we will share our thoughts about what are the best brunch spots in Budapest and will give you some tips how to get the best experience out of it.

Much is to be said in favor of brunch.

Brunch is a nice meal that puts together features of breakfast and lunch. If you are a late riser, it is a great pick to start your day something special. Good brunches move away from the hustle bustle of the regular day and allow you to enjoy great food at your own pace, with the company of friends and family. In recent years though, Budapest has taken breakfast to the next level with a thriving brunch scene, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants serving everything from baked eggs to vegan hangover plates.

And, no matter if you like your brunch sweet or savory, light bites or heavy meals, Budapest definitely delivers in the variety of brunch menus you can find which are often accompanied by some excellent coffee, fresh juices and sometimes you can even get brunch cocktails: mimosas and Bloody Marys. Because everything about brunch is laid back, brunch is ideal for both low key meetups and celebratory get togethers.

Budapest will make you full of day twice.

1. Központ Café

It’s located in the heart of Budapest and Központ Café is a must visit for brunch ambushes. Featuring both traditional and modern brunch options, this cozy cafe is inviting and is a great place to dine on all kinds of food. Whether you prefer something fluffy or savory there is something for everyone. For a truly authentic experience don’t forget to try their famous Hungarian pastries and locally roasted coffee.

It’s the food too – and the vibe, with its artsy ambiance and live DJ sets (weekends only), elevating the brunch with an upbeat but easy feel. The food is likewise as enjoyable as the atmosphere whether seated indoors or in the intimate terrace.

2. Mazel Tov

Do you live for a unique brunch? Well, Mazel Tov is the rally up. A trendy restaurant housed in a former factory featuring a remodeling of Middle Eastern and Hungarian dishes. The brunch menu offers their yummy dishes like shakshuka, falafel and lamb kebabs. Mazel Tov is known for its atmosphere and stylish decor, with local and tourist crowd.

It is an urban garden, spacious layout, full of greenery, twinkling lights that feel just perfect to spend a lazy weekend brunch. For the complete experience make sure you try some of their house made lemonade or a local wine with your meal.

3. Zoska Reggeliző

The one to hit a sugary spot is Budapest’s Jewish Quarter’s Zoska Reggelíző: a cozy, charming brunch spot, with dainty quiches, pastries and a good assortment of brunch cocktails – not to mention a central location. A hidden gem with a wide range of tempting breakfast and brunch options such as mouth watering sandwiches, freshly baked pastries and delicious smoothies. Staff are very friendly and the atmosphere is laid back perfect place to start your day.

Handwritten menus and chalkboard specials are known for the cafe as well which is another thing that ensures all the people visit that place time and again. Students, freelancers and creatives flock to it for a quiet little corner of the city to eat nourishing food.

What’s Good for the Perfect Brunch?

1. Reserve

Brunch is quite popular in Budapest and on weekends it is advisable to make a reservation. So you can ensure to cement a table at your favorite brunch spot and skip the waiting around.

There are lots of popular places that let you make online reservations, (or you may even be able to make reservations through social media or by phone). As a walk in, chances are best to grab a seat first thing in the day (especially in small or extremely popular places).

2. Try out Different Neighborhoods

There are so many brunch destinations in the city center and then don’t be scared to leave the tourist areas. Although the well known brunch scene in Budapest (and North Europe in general) is a thing of the past, the city has its fair share of good consumed bites in less known neighbourhoods. Look at districts such as Újlipótváros, Ferencváros or Józsefváros for hidden gems.

Every neighborhood has its own flavour and culinary scene. For example, the popular Art Deco architecture and laid back cafés in Újlipótváros as well as the trendy bistros and specialty coffee shop that the locals haunt in Ferencváros.

3. HYNT – Try Traditional Hungarian Dishes

Take the chance to taste traditional Hungarian dishes for brunch. For brunch, many of Budapest’s most unique dining places serve local specialties, ranging from lángos (deep-fried dough) to túróscsusza (curd cheese pasta). Let yourself be embraced by the local flavors and widen your knowledge of kitchen.

Meanwhile, some brunch spots even forgo Hungarian classics in favour of creative spin offs of Hungarian classics – things like goulash inspired breakfast bowls or scrambled eggs seasoned with paprika. These are fusion style dishes that give you the best of the traditional and contemporary Budapest cuisine.

4. Take pleasure in the Ambience.

There’s more to brunch that just the food. The brunch spots in Budapest often have unique and cool looking interiors so take your time and make sure to enjoy the atmosphere as well. Restaurant experience extended to all kinds of restaurants, for example, whether it is a cozy cafe or a trendy eatery, the atmosphere adds an extra layer of joy to have a meal in such a place.

A lot of brunch cafe’s in Budapest are Instagram worthy destinations on their own and, from minimalist Scandinavian designs, to bohemian and vintage style interiors style abound. Spring and summer outdoor seating options allow you to eat while you enjoy the city’s charm.

In Conclusion

Budapest has outstanding brunch and the selection is not meant for locals only, but for visitors, too. It offers traditional Hungarian dishes but also tastes from everywhere in the world. If you want to have a memorable gastronomic experience in Budapest, you can do it: just visit the top brunch spots in the city and follow the mentioned tips. Then make a reservation, explore different ares, try new local delicacies and enjoy your brunch adventure to the fullest!

If you’re starting your day in a catch up after a night out or live for your weekend brunch ritual, brunch in Budapest is going to be one of the most satisfying things about your journey. So grab your fork and your coffee and just enjoy every single bite!