A Guide to Budapest’s Best Places to Eat

Anyone visiting Budapest should take advantage of its delicious food. Budapest’s old traditions and interesting mix of cultures ensure that guests can enjoy dishes their taste buds appreciate. We will offer some guidance on where to enjoy great food in the area surrounding Budapest in this guide.

1. Café Gerbeaud

Opened in 1858, Café Gerbeaud is a famous café at the center of Budapest. Famous for its stylish décor, this establishment serves many delicious desserts and pastries. Café Gerbeaud is where you’ll find the best Dobos cake or chocolate torte to satisfy your sweet hunger.

Entering Café Gerbeaud seems rather like going back in time. The well-made wood detailing, shiny chandeliers and comfortable seating create a delicious sense of royalty. Even though the desserts are the stars, the many varieties of coffee and tea offered can make a great addition to your meal or mid-day break. Due to its location by Vörösmarty Square, it’s a wonderful stop for any Budapest sightseeing trip.

2. Gundel Restaurant

If you want to try exceptional fine dining, Gundel Restaurant won’t disappoint. Since 1894, Gundel has gained fame for serving classic Hungarian meals with a modern twist. The dishes here such as tasty goulash and delicious venison, represent the highest food quality. Make sure you don’t miss the Gundel Pancake, a dessert that has walnuts, raisins and rum inside.

Because it neighbours City Park and the Budapest Zoo, Gundel has welcomed members of royalty, important political figures and celebrities for more than 100 years. You’ll find that the restaurant brings delicious dishes and a refined setting, along with heavenly service. You can fully explore Hungary’s gastronomy by making a reservation for one of their wine-paired menus.

3. Mák Bistro

If you’re curious about what contemporary Hungarian cuisine tastes like, pay a visit to Mák Bistro. At this restaurant, you’ll enjoy dishes that are based on regular classics but use local produce instead. Because the menu is seasonal, your meal will always be fresh and interesting. Expect to try different flavor mixes and attractive dishes with an authentic Hungarian touch.

Mák Bistro is enjoyed by many, both those who live here and those who visit, because of its structured design and tasty food. The chefs in Spanish cuisine are proud of their creativity, making memorable dishes from normal everyday ingredients. That’s a great place for enthusiasts of both Nordic and molecular cuisine since they can see these touches in Hungarian recipes as well.

4. Két Szerecsen

Located in the beautiful Buda Castle district, Két Szerecsen mixes Hungarian and Mediterranean tastes in its menu. Because of the intimate and cosy atmosphere and their fantastic service, you will always remember your meal at this restaurant. It’s a wonderful opportunity to sample both their tasty homemade pasta meals and their amazing seafood dishes.

Besides the tasty food, Két Szerecsen impresses its guests with its cozy lighting, tasteful setting and chosen wines. You can come here at lunch or dinner and the restaurant welcomes everyone from couples and families to solo visitors. You can find a little bit of Hungary and the Mediterranean mingling here to make some delicious dishes.

5. Rosenstein Restaurant

Traditional Jewish-Hungarian dishes have been enjoyed at Rosenstein Restaurant ever since 1887. In the center of the Jewish Quarter, this restaurant run by a family gives guests a cozy and friendly visit. Eat their chicken paprikash, matzo ball soup or gefilte fish to taste the delicious traditions handed down by families.

Rosenstein is well-known for its food, but it is also an important part of the city’s culture. Some customers come back for the cozy environment as well as the menu. Because the family uses age-old cooking methods and recipes, all their meals taste traditional. The old family pictures and well-known cooking make eating in this restaurant feel like taking in history.

6. Kőleves

For some simple and satisfying Hungarian meals, Kőleves in the Jewish Quarter is an easy choice. It’s a great spot for a casual dinner, because the space and people make you feel comfortable. Experience the heart of Hungarian cuisine with goulash, stuffed cabbage rolls or crispy schnitzel.

In warmer periods, the outdoor area of Kőleves turns into a place for people to talk and enjoy a bit of fresh air. Both those who like meat and those who prefer vegetarian meals will find something delicious and what’s on the seasonal list changes with the harvest. It’s more than just a restaurant—it helps you pause and taste the delicious foods of Hungary in an easy-going setting.

7. Bors GasztroBár

When you want a filling fast lunch or an ornate sandwich, check out Bors GasztroBár. You can find this place in downtown, where you can get delicious and affordable street food. You can pick anything on the menu, like the pulled pork sandwich or panini full of goat cheese and honey and be pleasantly surprised by the mix of tastes.

Because it appears so simple, Bors GasztroBár always has lines of customers waiting for their unique and tasty menu. The friendly servers, chalkboard foods and silly titles make the place cheerful. This is the perfect place to get food when you’re in the city and need a meal quickly.