Would you like to visit Budapest this year? Budapest is special for its beautiful buildings, hot springs and long history and its food scene stands out too. If you are a foodie, someone who loves cultural experiences or just want a memorable place to dine, the city centre has a lot of options for every taste. There are classic dishes from Hungary and also innovative versions and dishes inspired by other cultures. Here, we will compare some of the best restaurants you can find in the middle of Budapest, giving you a chance to enjoy Hungarian specialties and more. Whether you’re out with a partner, your family or alone, these dining places fit any occasion.

1. Café Kor

When you want to taste traditional Hungarian food, you have to try Café Kor. Because its location is right in the middle of Budapest, it becomes a favorite place for both residents and visitors to relax and meet up. With cozy seating and nice service, the environment helps diners relax and have a great meal. Traditional Hungarian meals that show its heritage are found throughout the menu.

You can enjoy goulash soup, stuffed cabbage and other traditional meals at a typical Hungarian home. Each meal is created carefully, so the traditional taste is not lost. You should really try their chimney cake for dessert. It’s a wonderful sweet desert that’s also lovely to look at.

Highlights:

Dishes that are known as traditional Hungarian food

Cozy atmosphere

Well-known chimney cake

2. Mazel Tov

Mazel Tov gives a vibrant twist to what the city has to offer in terms of dining and nightlife. Thanks to its Middle Eastern and Jewish dishes, this place is especially known for attracting visitors to Budapest’s busiest nightlife and cultural hotspot.

The courtyard, a feature of Mazel Tov, stands out because of its open-air setting with a light and fashionable ambiance. The combination of outdated ruin bar features and modern qualities gives the place a distinct atmosphere that’s comfortable and elegant. If you’re hankering for falafel, hummus, shawarma or similar foods, Mazel Tov makes them right. The selection includes healthy and tasty meals made with fresh items.

Because of the lively setting, great service and varied menu, this restaurant is much-loved by locals and tourists. You can stop here for lunch, dinner or just have a drink with friends.

Highlights:

Dishes that are Middle Eastern or inspired by Jewish cooking

Open-air courtyard

Vibrant atmosphere

3. Stand25

Fans of street food will love Stand25. You can find this restaurant inside Budapest’s Hold Street Market (Hold Utca Market Hall) because of its focus on great ingredients and strong flavors. Conceived by the group behind Stand restaurant which holds a Michelin star, it infuses high-quality flair into popular street food ideas.

The dishes at Stand25 are made with local ingredients and they taste delicious. No matter if you favor a great burger, creative hot dogs or iconic Hungarian meals, you’ll find yourself in a heaven for serious foodies here.

Because the market is not formal, it gives your meal a laid-back atmosphere, so it’s perfect for either lunch or an afternoon snack. Be sure to sample their lemonades which are both refreshing and have a strong natural taste.

Highlights:

Street food can be very enjoyable.

Good ingredients sourced from local suppliers

Homemade lemonades

4. Borkonyha Winekitchen

If you like both wine and fine cuisine, Borkonyha Winekitchen is a top choice in Budapest. The restaurant which is recognized with a Michelin star, combines tasty Hungarian food with an excellent wine list to make every dinner special.

There is Borkonyha near the city center, making it very convenient to visit and the atmosphere is cool and casual yet beautiful. Fresh, in-season ingredients are always featured on the menu because the menu changes with each season. Each meal is prepared carefully and represents the originality and skill of the staff.

Borkonyha is known distinctively for its impressive variety of local and global wines. No matter if you stay close to Hungarian wine or want to try something from another country, the sommelier will be happy to make suggestions for pairing. Go with the tasting menu to enjoy many kinds of dishes accompanied by different wines.

Highlights:

Michelin-starred restaurant

A wide variety of wines are available.

A monthly changing tasting menu

5. New York Café

If you want to enjoy food in an impressive setting, you should go to New York Café. Referred to by many as one of the world’s most beautiful cafés, this place combines splendid architecture, classic charm and rich food.

Within the Boscolo Budapest Hotel stands the New York Café, decorated with frescoed ceilings, stone columns and shining chandeliers. This place gathers art, history and cooking in unique ways. Because of the mix of Hungarian and world dishes, anyone can find something on the menu at this café.

The piano playing by live musicians adds to the elegant and romantic feel at the café. Guests are attracted to this restaurant because of its pastries which are sweet, appealing and delicious. Going to the New York Café is not only about eating; it’s an experience all on its own.

Highlights:

Historic and beautiful places to enjoy a coffee

The local food as well as food from abroad

Music played by a pianist live

Wrapping Up

Food lovers will find Budapest city centre full of great dining options. You can find traditional Hungarian meals, Middle Eastern flavors, creative street food and elegant dishes mixed with wine. These leading restaurants have both wonderful food and special settings that add to the pleasure of dining.