Introduction

Budapest awaits you, a city that combines its past, inspiring sights and delicious meals. We will look at many well-known cafés around Budapest in this guide, where you can savor delicious food and mingle with the locals.

Enjoying coffee at Budapest’s cafes

The Austro-Hungarian Empire played an important part in the growth of Budapest’s cafe society, when in the late 1800s, the city’s main cafes were hotbeds of intellectual activity. Many writers, poets and revolutionaries started meetings at places such as New York and Central which gave these cafes special historical importance. In modern times, these places combine the best of their past with friendly service, selling pastries, coffee and a glimpse into the city’s vibe. For just 1,000–2,500 HUF (£2–£5), you get a cake and the chance to sit in one-of-a-kind surroundings that match those of Vienna’s cafes.

1. New York Cafe is located in the Cultural Center.

Discover the luxury and elegance of the New York Cafe. Occupying a space in the Boscolo Budapest Hotel, this cafe is usually called “the most beautiful cafe in the world.” The moment you enter, you will be amazed by the beautiful frescoes, dazzling chandeliers and fancy furniture inside.

Try their mouthwatering desserts such as Dobos or strudel, after a cup of divine coffee. People also know the New York Cafe for their tasty breakfast and the many global cuisines available.

Opening Hours:

Monday–Friday: 8am–12am

Saturday–Sunday: 9am–12am

The ceiling embellishments and marble pillars at Erzsébet krt. 9–11 are evidence of the restaurant’s 1890s majesty. You will pay 2,500 HUF (£5) for a Dobos cake and 1,500 HUF (£3) for a cappuccino. The breakfast selection, including sometime eggs Benedict, is priced at 4,000 HUF (£8). While Google awards the place a 4.4 rating for the ambiance, the service can be slow when it’s busy. Booking online on the cafe’s website is the best method.

2. Gerbeaud Cafe

Gerbeaud Cafe began business in 1858 and today stands for Budapest’s food heritage. The elegant cafe in Vörösmarty Square has tasty traditional and modern pastries, chocolate and coffee.

Among all their desserts, Dobos torte stands out: a layered cake made with sponges, chocolate buttercream and caramel. The cafe includes an outdoor area where you can eat and admire the city of Budapest.

Opening Hours:

Monday–Sunday: 9am–9pm

The traditional motif at Vörösmarty tér 7–8 results from the chandeliers and woodwork inside Gerbeaud. Dobos torte is priced at 2,000 HUF (£4) for a slice and the most popular macarons are 800 HUF (£1.60) each. You get a view over Pest’s busy square from the terrace. Customers can find gift boxes in Gerbeaud’s chocolate shop.

3. Central Cafe

Its Art Nouveau decor makes it easy to imagine a visit from early in the 20th century. Many artists, writers and intellectuals have gathered here at this famous cafe through the years.

Discover their wonderful menu filled with Hungarian favorites, including goulash soup and stuffed cabbage and several cakes and pastries. Central Cafe is where you should start your morning with a great breakfast.

Opening Hours:

Monday–Sunday: 7:30am–11pm

Just look at the arched windows and gorgeous mosaic floors of Central at Károlyi u. 9 and you’ll picture the grandeur of 1887. A portion of goulash will cost you 2,500 HUF (£5) and rétes (strudel) is 1,200 HUF (£2.40). If you want to have breakfast such as an omelet with paprika, it’ll cost you 2,800 HUF (£5.60). The presence of poets like Endre Ady contributes more richness to the literary life of the nation.

4. Ruszwurm Confectionery

Nestled in the fairytale-like Castle District of Budapest, Ruszwurm Confectionery is the city’s oldest cafe and feels very welcoming. Since it was established in 1827, this renowned cafe still has its historical atmosphere and is worth a visit by all coffee lovers.

Sampling the delicious apple, cherry or poppy seed strudels is one of the highlights of eating Viennese fare. Taste it along with some Hungarian coffee to complete the meal.

Opening Hours:

Monday–Sunday: 10am–8pm

Its smallness, furniture and furnishings give the feeling of stepping back in time at Ruszwurm’s. Strudles are sold for 1,000 HUF (£2) and the price for an espresso is 800 HUF (£1.60). Most tourists who travel to the Castle District find the location near Matthias Church convinient in Buda. Since seating is limited, get there ahead of time.

5. Művész Cafe

If you’re looking for a bohemian atmosphere in a cafe, try Művész Cafe to fit the bill. Due to its interesting decor and performances, the cafe has brought in artists and musicians for several years.

Try some of their freshly made cakes, sandwiches and local soups in a setting full of energy and color. You should also try their “Kossuth Cake,” which is layers of hazelnut cake and chocolate ganache.

Opening Hours:

Monday–Sunday: 10am–12am

Művész’s cozy, velvet curtains and piano music offer guests a lively bohemian mood just where Andrássy út 29 is across from the Opera House. Kossuth Cake goes for 1,800 HUF (£3.60) and a lentil soup is 1,500 HUF (£3). Because of its proximity to District VI’s theaters, people often stop there before a show.

Practical Tips

Wear something between formal and casual if you want to eat at a trendy New York cafe and make the reservations by phone or email for your group. Even though Ruszwurm is a smaller spot, you pay with cards more often. Make your visit to the cafe part of a day trip to Váci utca. When you visit at Christmas, check the menus, as many cafes offer mulled wine. You are expected to tip 10% when you have good service.

The history of food in Budapest

The cafes of Budapest serve much more than just food—they are important cultural spots too. József Dobos’s Dobos torte is a sign of Hungarian contribution and strudels represent influences from Austria and Hungary. Many cafes arrange readings or jazz nights to celebrate their artistic background. You’ll find that the cafes in Budapest are more affordable than in Paris or Vienna, so every coffee fan will have a great time here no matter what the price range.

Conclusion

Cafés in Budapest are famous for combining beauty, taste and interesting events from the past. Budapest offers luxurious places inside, traditional sweets to enjoy and a cheerful bohemian setting.

Make sure to look at the opening hours first, since they can be different at different times of the year. Therefore, select a book or a friend and let yourself be carried away by the great atmosphere here.