Introduction

 The city is admired for its amazing architecture, past and also for the large variety and flavor offered in the local food. The lively streets and pleasant neighborhoods in the city centre are where you’ll find some of Budapest’s top restaurants. No matter if food excites you every day or on occasion, this information will help you find the top local restaurants, helping you enjoy true Budapest cuisine.

There are choices available for everyone in the city centre, from Michelin-starred fine dining to simple street food you can buy at food trucks. If your trip is about falling in love, exploring Asia’s culture or trying out cuisines, you’ll undoubtedly admire the many flavors on offer.

1. Onyx

One of Budapest’s best fine dining places, Onyx, is positioned right in the city’s center. On account of its Michelin-starred dishes, Onyx combines traditional Hungarian cuisine with imaginative cooking. Dishes you should certainly try are the Mangalica pork and Hungarian fish soup. The elegance and style of the place enhance what makes dining enjoyable.

You can see the restaurant’s insistence on excellence in every dish they serve, using select and delicately displayed items. The menu allows a guest to enjoy Hungarian traditional recipes, refreshed by today’s culinary methods. I would definitely reserve if I plan to visit, because it’s so popular and often crowded.

On these occasions, onyx is also a favorite pick for gifts or ornaments. Great service and delicious wines give every guest a night to remember.

2. A large and impressive market building

One the best ways to enjoy local dishes in Budapest is to visit the Great Market Hall. At the end of Váci Street, you’ll find this well-known market which is perfect for food enthusiasts with a selection of fresh foods, spices, meat and Hungarian food. You should also try lángos which is dough that’s fried and topped with cheese and sour cream and kürtőskalács, a sweet pastry roasted on an open fire.

Going to the Great Market Hall isn’t limited to buying—it includes finding interesting things to see, taste and smell. The bright markets, the scented paprika and everyone’s energy are what make it one of the most popular cultural sights. Food counters upstairs serve goulash and stuffed cabbage and other traditional Hungarian dishes for a fast and delicious way to enjoy lunch.

You can also collect tasty souvenirs such as Tokaji wine, Hungarian salami or local honey here. It’s best to go up and down all the floors to get a real sense of the diversity and mood of the market.

3. New York Café

Feel the grandeur of New York Café, known by many as the most beautiful café anywhere. Inside the Boscolo Budapest Hotel, this café is famous for its beautiful style, decor and amazing desserts. Pair your coffee with a piece of Dobos cake or some renowned Hungarian strudel, but don’t forget to think about the amazing scenery.

For more than a century, New York Café has served as a gathering spot for writers, artists and intellectuals, because it first opened its doors in 1894. You’ll notice the marvelous marble columns, beautiful frescoed art on the ceilings and the shining golden chandeliers once you’re inside.

This café is a bit pricier than most and the ambience makes it worth a first visit at least once. Sometimes, dinners are more enjoyable when there is live classical music during the night.

4. Café Gerbeaud

Café Gerbeaud has existed in Budapest since 1858. Situated in Vörösmarty Square, the café offers many varieties of cakes, pastries and coffee drinks. Walnut and apricot jam layers make up the Gerbeaud slice, a Hungarian cake that’s worth a try. Try to enjoy your treat in front of the square, since the view from the outdoor terrace is spectacular.

Wood surfaces, numerous crystal chandeliers and used furniture give the café a long-lasting appearance. You can stop here for a rest if you’ve been sightseeing or out shopping. On top of desserts, Gerbeaud also provides light lunches and special chocolates.

People make holiday traditions around visits to Café Gerbeaud. At Christmas, the square is beautifully arranged and is a major part of the area’s festive mood.

5. Street Food Karavan

If you’re searching for an easier and inexpensive meal, try Street Food Karavan. This market in the Jewish Quarter is very busy and offers plenty of food from Israel and around the world. Whatever your hunger is, you’ll find delicious burgers, Hungarian sausages or falafels here. Choose one of the group tables to enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Many people from abroad come here for the calm and local atmosphere. You can find interesting preferences of Hungarian classics, like goulash burgers and spicy paprika fries. There is a selection of vegan and vegetarian meals, so anyone is welcome.

Karavan is especially good for people looking for dinner before exploring Budapest’s busy nightlife scene. Enjoying the food is only part of it, as you’ll also find lively and modern Hungarian culture in one of its busiest areas.

Conclusion

Food lovers will be spoiled for choice in the city centre of Budapest because of its variety of dishes. You can enjoy international cuisine, traditional street dishes or anything in between—and all will make your meal memorable. Don’t limit yourself to big attractions, go where others don’t and find amazing local dishes that aren’t known to many tourists. Bon appétit!

Around the city center, you’ll stumble upon eateries that combine rich history, multiple patterns of culture and modern food ideas. You’ll find that every food you try offers its own set of special experiences on your journey.