Introduction

When arranging a visit to Budapest, Hungary and seeking the tastiest food and drinks, our guide will help you out. There is no shortage of delicious food and lively bars for everyone to try in Budapest. Regardless of if you like strong traditional dishes, creative fusions or simple eats from vendors, you’ll find plenty of places to try here. This guide will discuss some of the best destinations and give advice on how to enjoy dining in New York.

1. Hungarian Cuisine

Getting to know Hungarian cuisine is a real highlight when you visit Budapest. Nourishing and relying on a rich culinary history, Hungarian dishes use strong meats, colorful spices and primitive ways of preparing them. Hungarian cuisine includes goulash and chicken paprikash and you should definitely try them. People can find these famous dishes at both neighborhood taverns and at more formal dining places. You should try pairing your food with a glass of Tokaji or a shot of pálinka, a fruit brandy.

You may find these genuine Hungarian meals at restaurants all over the city. Throughout the city, favorite spots for Hungarian cuisine are Gettó Gulyás in the Jewish Quarter and Hungarikum Bisztró by the Parliament Building. These restaurants serve real ethnic dishes in a friendly and relaxing setting.

2. Ruin Bars

A stop at the city’s world-famous ruin bars is a must for visitors to Budapest. Because they are housed in shabby buildings and courtyards, these unique bars have developed a signature bohemian feeling. You’ll often find these bars decorated with unlikely combinations of old and new, like mismatched furniture, unique art and city plants. You must see Szimpla Kert which launched the ruin bar scene. At the Jewish Quarter, not only is it a place to drink—it’s a place you can feel before you know it.

Sip on great drinks, listen to live performances and enjoy the different styles of interior design found in each place. Some ruin bars organize cultural activities, movie showings, local markets and art displays, so they’re great for spending your days there.

How to Make the Most of a Visit to a Ruin Bar

Show up before the crowds to guarantee yourself a nice place in one of these bars.

Experience authenticity by drinking Hungarian wines or trying local craft beers.

Try to look in every little spot inside each bar – you might be surprised!

Ruin bars are all different in style, so feel free to move between a few to see which is best for you. Similar to Szimpla Kert, Instant-Fogas is a huge, many-roomed party venue and Mazel Tov offers both traditional ruin bar atmosphere and a modern Mediterranean restaurant.

3. Michelin-Starred Restaurants

Budapest offers several restaurants with Michelin stars if you want a high- quality meal. These places serve outstanding meals created by celebrated chefs who cook with unique techniques and great ingredients. You should definitely check out Costes, since it was the first restaurant in Budapest to be given a Michelin star. The restaurant’s tasting menu is designed to both amaze with creativity and honor Hungarian traditions.

Onyx, Babel and Borkonyha Winekitchen are three other notable restaurants, along with Costes. You’ll find both Hungarian and international cuisine at these places which usually contains food that is local and in season.

3.1 Reservations

Do not wait at the last minute to book, especially when it is very busy with tourists. Because Michelin-starred restaurants are so popular, it’s smart to book your table in advance. If you are on a budget, try booking a lunch tasting menu to enjoy fine dining.

4. Everyday Markets

If you like to eat casually, the food you’ll find at Budapest’s street food markets is just right. You can find here many inexpensive local and international foods. There’s a mix of Hungarian eats and dishes from all over the world, served with a happy vibe.

4.1 Market Hall

Hungarian street food is best tasted at the Great Market Hall or Central Market Hall. Positioned near the Liberty Bridge, it’s both the biggest and oldest indoor market in Budapest. To try something traditional, go for chimney cake. Besides flowers, you’ll discover fresh vegetables, souvenirs and local items such as sausages, cheeses and pickled foods.

The Downtown Market is another destination for street food lovers, as is the Karaván Street Food Court, found right near Szimpla Kert.

5. There are vegan and vegetarian options.

Vegans and vegetarians have many choices in Budapest. Because more people are eating plant-based, many restaurants offer options for them. At Napfényes Restaurant and Pizzeria, you’ll find many delicious options and Vegan Love is the place for inventive and tasty vegan burgers. Offering both tofu cuts and raw foods, as well as hearty soups, there are many different dishes to try.

Try out Flow Specialty Coffee Bar & Bistro and Kozmosz Vegan Étterem if you’re looking for vegan choices. A lot of mainstream establishments make sure to note which dishes are vegetarian or vegan on their menus.

6. Coffee Culture

Anyone who loves coffee will find much to discover in Budapest’s many specialty coffee shops. Regardless of whether you want a strong espresso or a creamy cappuccino, you’ll find a great place for your favorite among the city’s cafes. New York Café is one of the most beautiful cafes in the world and no visit to Belgrade would be complete without seeing it for its lovely atmosphere and excellent coffee. Coffee in such a place feels like you’re a member of royalty due to its beautiful columns, sparkling chandeliers and frescoed ceilings.

If you’re a fan of espresso, try our special version with whipped cream. Apart from New York Café, go to Espresso Embassy, My Little Melbourne or Madal Café for excellent coffee and a good atmosphere.

Conclusion

Budapest’s bar and restaurant scene has something for everyone, from traditional Hungarian cuisine to trendy ruin bars and fine dining establishments. Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking to enjoy a good meal, Budapest will not disappoint. Plan your dining experiences in advance to make the most of your trip, and be sure to explore the local culinary gems that this captivating city has to offer! From street food stalls to elegant cafes and everything in between, every bite and sip in Budapest tells a story worth savoring.