Lately, Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, has attracted attention as an exciting place to try good food. A mix of original Hungarian dishes and modern ideas creates a unique dining experience that food lovers will enjoy. This article is about a selection of the trendiest establishments in Budapest that will make your taste buds dance and make you crave them again.

Budapest’s Food Scene on the Rise

Combining age-old traditions with worldwide tastes, the city’s food scene makes mains available for less than you’d pay in Paris. May 2025’s warmth and springtime bring a pleasant outdoor atmosphere to district restaurants. Reddit’s r/budapest speaks highly of Budapest’s newly merged cuisine which mixes famous goulash with exotic fusion meals, according to Eater.

1. New York Café

If you are looking for a luxurious dinner, New York Café is your answer. Inside a stunningly renovated palace, this café helps you experience the charm of Budapest’s glory years. Treat yourself to their special pastries, excellent coffees and Hungarian meals and enjoy the magnificent surroundings.

You can find goulash and pastries at New York Café on Anker köz 1–3; they cost 3,500 HUF and 1,200 HUF respectively. The mall is open until 11 PM and you’ll find it near M1 (Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út). Many guests on TripAdvisor (4.4/5) find the hotel to have a “palatial feel.”

2. Mazel Tov

Mazel Tov is a famous place to eat and drink in what is known as the Jewish Quarter. In a mesmerizingly redesigned courtyard, the restaurant combines elements of Turkish, Jewish and Mizrahi (Middle Eastern) dining. Taste their delicious traditional sandwiches, feel the fire from their grilled meats and taste interesting cocktails—and enjoy the vibrant community.

Mazel Tov charges 2,500 HUF (£5.21) for a hummus plate and 2,000 HUF (£4.17) for a cocktail at Akácfa u. 47. You can hear great live music there, close to M1 (Oktogon), featured with no admission cost. Viator says the hotel has “charming courtyard spaces to enjoy.”

3. Onyx

If you’re searching for something truly special, head straight to Onyx. This restaurant receives one of the best Michelin awards for its unmatched Hungarian food with a new style. Thanks to the cozy and elegant setting, top-quality service and beautifully made dishes, time spent at Onyx will make your journey through Hungarian food stand out.

For the tasting menu at Onyx in Vörösmarty tér 7–8 (District V), you’ll pay 35,000 HUF (£72.92). Evenings are open at M1 (Vörösmarty tér). “For Hungary, it stands out as an important culinary achievement,” Eater writes.

4. Kollázs Brasserie & Bar

Being part of the Four Seasons Gresham Palace, Kollázs Brasserie & Bar is one of Budapest’s most amazing restaurants. You’ll find dishes from all over the world here, including Hungarian meals with a modern take. Having already enjoyed superb food, the interior and views of the Chain Bridge and Danube River take the evening to another level.

At Széchenyi István tér 5–6, Kollázs offers paprikash (4,000 HUF) in District V. Tram 2 is open at this station until 11 PM. It is particularly praised on TripAdvisor for its lovely location by the river.

5. Bors GasztroBár

For an easygoing dining evening, try Bors GasztroBár, a place you might miss if you’re not paying close attention. Here, you’ll find fantastic sandwiches that are flavorful and delicious. No matter if your preference is pulled pork or vegetarian, their delicious dishes will impress taste buds of any kind. You might need to stand in line, as the locals love this place.

In the District VII area, at Kazinczy u. 10, you can buy a Bors’ sandwich for 1,800 HUF (£3.75). You can find this store open until 9 PM nearby M1 (Oktogon). “Quick bites” are a big favorite among the members of r/budapest.

6. Rosenstein Restaurant

Experience the traditional cooking of Hungarian-Jewish cuisine at Rosenstein Restaurant. The family behind it has been providing traditional dishes for almost five decades. Enjoy some traditional favorites such as matzo ball soup, cholent and stuffed cabbage in the friendly ambiance of this local favorite.

You can get Rosenstein’s cholent at Mosonyi u. 3 (District VIII) for 3,000 HUF (£6.25). Near M2 (Keleti pályaudvar), open until 10 o’clock in the evening. According to Viator, the restaurant is praised for its heritage flavors.

7. Dobrumba

Visit Dobrumba to sample the famous Levantine cuisine at this lively Middle Eastern restaurant. Enjoy a mix of beef, chicken and lamb kebabs as well as many flavorful mezes and dishes inspired by Lebanon, Israel and Morocco. Because of its attractive and different inside, dining inside Zoo Namche is memorable.

In District VII at Dob u. 5, one person will pay 2,500 HUF (£5.21) for a Dobrumba meze plate. Near M2 (Astoria), operating until 11 PM every night. Middle Eastern touches are what TripAdvisor loves best about the place (4.4/5).

8. Stand25 Bistro

At its home within the Great Market Hall in Budapest, Stand25 Bistro showcases the best of Hungarian cooking. The creative Hungarian menu at this bistro is overseen by chef Tamás Széll, using only local ingredients. The end result of every traditional Hungarian dish is a celebration of its cuisine.

A serving of goulash at Stand25 in Fővám tér 1–3 (District IX) prices at 3,000 HUF (£6.25). Open at M4 (Fővám tér) until 8 PM. Eater admires the sense of a fresh market about the place.

9. Zeller Bistro

Zeller Bistro will offer you a comfortable and appealing atmosphere. This place provides authentic Hungarian dishes made in a modern way. Check out meals such as Hungarian stew, paprika chicken and home-baked strudel, all carefully prepared with detail.

Zeller’s paprikash is sold for 3,500 HUF (UK£7.29) at Hercegprímás u. 18 (District V). Open until 10 PM., located near M3 (Arany János utca). TripAdvisor gives it 4.5 out of 5 stars and calls it a “cozy gem.”

10. Spíler Shanghai

Experience the excitement of Shanghai in the middle of Budapest at Spíler Shanghai. The fusion of Chinese cuisine with modern Central European tastes can be found at this attractive restaurant. Have a taste of their dim sum, various noodles and their tasty cocktails in a lively and modern setting.

For 2,500 HUF (£5.21*) at Király u. 13 (District VII), Spíler’s dim sum is available. Oktogon neighborhood, available until midnight. Reddit’s local forum is a fan of Asian fusion.

Useful Information for May 2025

• Use the websites of Onyx or Kollázs to reserve your table.
• Check out the lunch menus: Bors has offers (1,500 HUF, £3.13) for you.
• Keep it smart-casual for the event: avoid shorts and don’t wear jeans.
• Metro: M1/M2/M3/M4 gets you to restaurants and cafes for 350 HUF per journey (about £0.73).
• May’s festivals often include extra pop-ups, according to budapestinfo.hu.
• Look at Reviews: Use TripAdvisor for unexpected good finds.

Why Make Budapest Your Food Destination?

Restaurants offer value (£5–£20 mains vs. £30+ in London) and diversity, from Michelin stars to street food. Pair with visits to the Central Market Hall (free) or ruin bars (pints £1.46).

Final Thoughts

Budapest’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. From historic cafes to trendy modern eateries, the city offers a wide range of dining options to suit every palate. Whether you’re a fan of classic Hungarian cuisine or seeking global flavors, these trendy restaurants in Budapest are sure to make your culinary journey unforgettable. So, don’t miss the opportunity to explore these gastronomic gems during your visit to the Hungarian capital!