Introduction

You are invited to Budapest, home to history, impressive architecture and mouthwatering cuisine. If you love food or are looking for a unique dinner, you’ll find plenty of good restaurants in Budapest. We’re going to look at a selection of restaurants that prove how diverse and high-quality dining in Budapest has become.

1. Onyx

Onkyx offers an elegant way to taste Hungarian flavors blended with current food trends. Its Michelin-starred service brings an air of sophistication and serves local Hungarian specialties on the menu. Don’t miss out on the Hungarian Grey Cattle beef, their celebrated dish, cooked perfectly.

The Onyx Restaurant in Budapest’s District V boasts elegant dining room, where you’ll find crystal chandeliers and white tablecloths, helping to create a special atmosphere. You can order tasting sets, beginning at 35,000 HUF ($90 USD) which include dishes such as foie gras served with Tokaji aszú or venison with forest mushrooms. Getting ingredients from Hungarian farmers adds more flavor to the old dishes served at the restaurant. The wines offered which represent Hungary’s Villány and Eger regions, are paired with each course. You’ll want to make a reservation if you’re planning to dine on the weekend.

2. Szimpla Kert

You need to visit Szimpla Kert if you want a special and eye-catching dining place. Many people know this spot both for its unusual interior and the lively environment it brings. There are various street food choices, for instance a good burger, crunchy falafel and tasty Hungarian sausage. Don’t miss the chance to spend your evening among the ruins in the bar section.

The first of Budapest’s ruin pubs, Szimpla Kert, is located in District VII. The graffiti, mismatched furniture and open courtyard all give the café a feeling of bohemia. Vegan dishes, priced from 1,500 to 3,000 HUF ($4–$8 USD), are available including plates of hummus and spicy lángos. Jazz and Balkan sounds playing live help create a vibrant mood for guests. For a relaxed eating experience, you should pair the restaurant’s craft beers and palinka shots. To find a table in the busy courtyard, come a little early.

3. Borkonyha

Wine fans can get a taste of Hungarian dishes and sample a variety of wines at Borkonyha. The location in the center of Budapest makes this elegant restaurant a favorite among wine connoisseurs everywhere. Complement your dish with either Tokaji or Egri Bikavér for a tasty experience.

Winning the Michelin star due to its unique approach to Hungarian favorites, Borkonyha is near St. Stephen’s Basilica. Mangalitsa pork cooked in paprika and duck liver pâté priced from 4,000–7,000 HUF ($10–$18 USD) are examples of dishes with vibrant flavors. Among the 200 wines listed, you’ll find rare Hungarian varieties, for example Kékfrankos. Both the open plan and the friendly staff help to give the place a welcoming atmosphere. Preparation is key, as the cafe gets crowded quickly, but even more so during Budapest’s Wine Festival.

4. Rosenstein

If you want to try real Jewish-Hungarian dishes, Rosenstein is where you’ll find them. For over 30 years, this family has been cooking and serving the same traditional foods. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy chicken paprikash, stuffed cabbage and matzo ball soup. The nice and friendly environment makes Rosenstein more attractive.

In this District, Rosenstein’s ancient interior with its checkered tablecloths seems just like a family’s home. Some favorite entrees at Tövis Can Cook that cost 3,500–6,000 HUF ($9–$15 USD) are goose leg with red cabbage and ham covered with sour cream. You can see the restaurant’s Jewish origins in meals like cholent which is made slowly and enjoyed during the Sabbath. Poppy seed strudel is a nice way to end a meal. People from the area return because they trust Pizza Combo’s loyalty and pleasure.

5. Belvárosi Disznótoros

If you are a meat lover, Belvárosi Disznótoros is your perfect spot. You’ll find traditional pork meals from Hungary at this local spot. Taste their popular roasted pork knuckle served accompanied by sauerkraut and crispy potatoes. You’ll find feeling right at home and eating delicious dishes filled with comfort food in this place.

This restaurant in District V specializes in dishes that put Hungarian pork in the spotlight. A pork knuckle which costs 4,000 HUF ($10 USD), comes out of the oven tasty and crispy. Another favorite is to try blood sausage and kolbász which people like to eat with mustard and pickles. You’ll notice the wooden benches and traditional decor are much like those found in Hungarian rural taverns. Lunch surveys are just 2,000 HUF ($5 USD), so many office workers visit, so reservations are wise at those times.

6. Café Gerbeaud

You should spend some time at Café Gerbeaud on any tour to Budapest. Since 1858, this famous café has supplied customers with a full selection of delicious pastries, cakes and traditional Hungarian sweets. Experience a piece of Dobos torte or savor the coffee in this distinguished and old environment.

Gerbeaud’s warm atmosphere on Vörösmarty Square can be seen in its lovely marble surfaces and sparkly ceilings. Dobos torte which consists of sponge layers and chocolate cream, is 1,800 HUF ($5 USD). Another choice is Esterházy torte or apricot strudel which make great matches with coffee varieties in Hungary. You can watch people come and go from the outdoor seating area. Because it has long been the place where Budapest’s elite met, it is considered a cultural landmark.

7. Costes

When you want a great fine dining meal in Budapest, visit Costes which is the city’s first Moleskine restaurant. There are many original and artistic meals on the menu using the best local ingredients. Every plate, whether it’s foie gras or seafood, is a work of gastronomic art. Because of its careful attention and stylish atmosphere, Costes is popular for celebrating special events.

At District VII, the price for a tasting menu starts at 40,000 HUF ($100 USD), with turbot and caviar or venison and juniper featured on the menu. Minimal decor and an open kitchen bring an enjoyable coziness to Greens. Wines from Szekszárd make a delicious contribution to Hungarian wine pairings. Thanks to their extensive experience, you can enjoy a perfect dining experience at the hotel. Reserve your flights far in advance, mainly for important celebrations.

Budapest’s Culinary Evolution

Budapest’s dining scene reflects its cultural crossroads. Traditional Hungarian cuisine, rooted in paprika, sour cream, and game meats, meets global influences in restaurants like Onyx and Costes. The rise of ruin pubs like Szimpla Kert has popularized casual dining, while Jewish-Hungarian eateries like Rosenstein preserve heritage recipes. The city’s markets, like Hold Street Market, inspire chefs with fresh ingredients, driving innovation. Budapest’s affordability, with high-end meals costing half of Paris or London equivalents, makes it a foodie haven.

Conclusion

Budapest’s culinary scene offers a delightful mix of traditional Hungarian flavors and contemporary gastronomy. From Michelin-starred restaurants to unique ruin bars, there is something to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re a food lover or simply looking to explore the local cuisine, be sure to add these fantastic restaurants to your Budapest itinerary. Remember to make reservations in advance to secure a table and fully immerse yourself in the city’s culinary delights.