Hello and welcome to Budapest, the city that symbolizes Hungary. Lover of food? You’re going to love Central Grocery and Deli. For food, you’ll find Budapest offers many traditional restaurants that will please your taste buds. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the top traditional restaurants in Budapest where you can enjoy tasty Hungarian meals.

1. Gundel

You’ll find Gundel, a famous restaurant in Budapest, almost right next to Heroes’ Square. The restaurant was founded in 1910 and has represented Hungarian cooking ever since. Their menu houses the traditional goulash soup, chicken paprikash and Gundel pancakes. The nice décor and wonderful service are part of what make this restaurant special.

Gundel, after whom the restaurant is named, was a leader in Hungarian fine dining and contributed to putting Hungarian food on the world map. A rich chocolate sauce makes the Gundel pancake with walnuts a delicious and well-known representative of Hungarian cuisine. If you are marking a highlight, the posh atmosphere and beautiful garden terrace at Gundel will make your evening special.

2. Rézkakas Bistro

Rezkakas Bistro combines a low-key atmosphere with faithful, authentic cuisine. This lovely place reflects the traditional cooking found at Hungarian home meals. Stuffed cabbage rolls and crispy pork knuckle are among the large portions you can find there. Always try some Hungarian pálinka crude brandy which goes perfectly with your dinner.

Just by St. Stephen’s Basilica, the place combines easy-going elegance with delicious dishes made from locally grown resources. The choices on the menu are updated each season, so each meal you have is always unique. Bright lights, older-style decorations and live music sometimes help create a friendly dining experience for all who visit. Rézkakas provides a taste of Hungarian wine culture by listing regional and well-known wines.

3. Kéhli Vendéglő

When you want a traditional place without many tourists, visit Kéhli Vendéglő. In the heart of a residential area, this little place specializes in Hungarian food and gives its diners a welcoming feeling. Enjoy some special beef stew served with tasty homemade dumplings and finish it off with traditional somlói galuska dessert that has cake, chocolate and cream inside.

Opened in the 1890s, the restaurant kept its rustic atmosphere by using wood-covered walls and folky tablecloths. You’ll find many people here who visit for the simple comfort food of their childhood. You hear your food sizzling, watch over a bottle of Tokaji wine and share laughs with servers who act like your family.

4. This building is listed for sale.

Ruin bars are an essential part of the city and shouldn’t be missed. For Sale Pub is popular because it offers traditional Hungarian food with its own style. Vintage memorabilia and graffiti on every wall add to the homey and colorful vibe of the place. You should try lángos, a Hungarian flatbread fried and served with sour cream and cheese.

If you stand across from the Great Market Hall, For Sale Pub is the perfect place for a great meal and an unusual vibe. At the pub, anyone can write notes on the walls or ceilings to keep memories and help those coming later. Meal sizes are large, the food is lively and you won’t feel the need to dress up. If you’re ready to be served a basket of peanuts in the shell, you’ll fit right in and your shells will end up on the floor before you know it.

5. Mátyás Pince

If you visit Mátyás Pince in the center of Buda Castle, you’ll discover its historic setting. Because of its medieval surroundings and gypsy tunes playing all around, it’s easy to feel like you’re in history. Have a duck leg meal and Red Cabbage and drink Hungarian wine as you look at the amazing sights on the Danube River.

Besides using wood, iron and lead, the cellars and stained-glass windows have kept the restaurant’s old charm since 1904. Gypsy music brings energy to the mealtime experience and continues to build the cultural mood. Anyone who wants an evening full of culture and traditional food should pick Mátyás Pince.

6. Rosenstein Restaurant

Anyone who wants a classy dining experience will find Rosenstein Restaurant to be the very best option. The restaurant has been sharing Jewish-Hungarian dishes with guests since 1991. Slow-cooked bean stew called cholent, together with sweet and sour cabbage, both display the special taste of Hungarian Jewish cuisine. Reservation ahead of time will help you ensure you get a place.

Finding its home near Keleti Railway Station, Rosenstein is renowned for continuing the family’s culinary customs. Hospitality is very important to the staff and the understated interior makes sure your eyes gravitate to the dishes. You can sample foods inspired by Hungary’s diverse history which are lovingly prepared and offered here.

Conclusion

Experience the food of Budapest by visiting some of its national restaurants. Hungarian cuisine has many typical dishes as well as interesting and unknown specialties that you’ll learn about. Try new types of foods when you travel; you’ll likely enjoy the experience.

You should always book your table ahead of time, particularly when lots of tourists are there and be ready to feast on Hungarian specialties. Traditional restaurants in Budapest will please every visitor, regardless of whether you are a food expert or a newcomer to the city.

Hungary’s food is based on traditions going back through the centuries and each meal shares something important from their culture. Get your fork (and perhaps a taste of pálinka) and let your taste buds explore one of Europe’s most exciting food cities.