Dining in Budapest offers a rich culinary experience, with a mix of traditional Hungarian dishes and modern gastronomy. Popular dishes include goulash, pörkölt (stew), lángos (fried dough), and chimney cake.
The city is home to many cafés, local taverns (éttermek), and Michelin-starred restaurants, offering both Hungarian and international cuisine. Budapest has a vibrant street food scene, particularly in areas around Kazinczy Street and the Central Market Hall.
Beerstro 14
Beerstro 14 is a cosy, modern restaurant with a great atmosphere. Primarily offering a range of steaks, they also serve Hungarian cuisine.
We ordered the Argentinian fillet mignon, which was served with garlic spinach leaves, sweet potato purée, celery balls and pepper sauce. This was delicious and cooked to perfection. Priced at 11,900 HUF (€29), we felt it was value for money. The dishes are beautifully presented, and the service was good.
They also offer a wide range of craft beers on tap, an extensive wine list and a variety of cocktails.
It is a busy spot, so be sure to book in advance!
For more information, visit https://www.beerstro14.hu/en/home/.
Tapassio
Tapassio is a tapas restaurant, offering a mix of Spanish, Mediterranean, and Hungarian-inspired small plates. The menu is extensive with a wide range of options to choose from.
We ordered the ham croquettes, jalapeño croquettes, pork ribs, prawns pil-pil and patatas bravas. Each dish was as good as the next. All the food is beautifully presented.
Tapassio also offers an “I Trust the Chef” tasting menu, featuring a range of meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes for the table. This is priced at 14,900 HUF (€36) per person.
There is a wide selection of both Hungarian and Spanish wines available, as well as an extensive cocktail menu. The Spanish Alberino was a highlight for us.
Our experience throughout the meal was excellent, and the service was very good.
It is a popular spot for both tourists and locals – book in advance!
For more information, visit https://tapassio.com/.
Hoppá! Bistro
Hoppá! Bistro is a modern restaurant with a lively atmosphere. It is known for its creative take on Hungarian and European cuisine with French influences.
We opted for a traditional Hungarian dish, the Chicken Paprikash. It was beautifully presented and very tasty. The service was excellent, and the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive.
The restaurant also offers a wide range of Hungarian wines and a selection of craft beers.
Again, this is a busy spot, so book in advance.
For more information, visit https://www.hoppabistro.hu/en/home/.
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- Image credit: Hoppá! Bistro
New York Café
The New York Café is in the Anantara New York Palace Hotel. The Café first opened in 1894, and historically was a gathering place for artists, politicians and journalists. It is known as ‘the most beautiful café in the world’, and it is renowned for its 24-carat-gold coffee and Valrhona chocolate desserts.
No photo does this place justice, it must be seen to be believed! The live classical music adds to the elegant ambiance. Each day, there are queues of people outside. It is genuinely breathtaking.
Reservations can only be made for dinner after 6pm.
Otherwise, it is operated on a first come first served basis.
For more information, visit https://newyorkcafe.hu/en/.
Párisi Passage
Párisi Passage Café & Brasserie is in the Párisi Udvar Hotel. This stunning café combines the elegance of Parisian design with Hungarian culinary traditions.
The menu offers a mix of Hungarian classics and French-inspired dishes, including goulash and chicken paprikash.
Table reservations are available only in the restaurant. The café operates on a first come first served basis – expect to queue!
For more information, visit https://parisipassage.hu/.
Central Market Hall
The Central Market Hall is Budapest’s largest and oldest indoor market. It is a bustling hub of local culture and commerce. Opened in 1897, the market features a striking Neo-Gothic design with a vibrant tiled roof where a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, including meats, spices, and traditional Hungarian foods.
The market is open every day except Sunday.
For Sale Pub
For Sale Pub in Budapest is a quirky spot located near the Central Market Hall. The pub is famous for its unique interior, where the walls and ceilings are covered with notes, drawings, and personal messages left by visitors over the years. The floor is strewn with sawdust. The atmosphere is lively and informal.
The service was quite slow, and drinks were more expensive than other bars, but it’s worth a visit!
Ruin Bars
Ruin bars are a unique feature of Budapest’s nightlife. These are located in abandoned buildings and courtyards, often adorned with eclectic furniture and quirky décor. Szimpla Kert, opened in 2002, was the first ruin bar and remains one of the city’s most popular.
