A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Restaurants in Budapest

If you’re planning a trip to Hungary’s capital and wondering where to eat in Budapest, let me save you the research spiral. This guide covers all the best restaurants in Budapest.

I’ve eaten my way through Budapest many times. And between the traditional market stalls, goulash restaurants, strudel bakeries, fine-dining experiences, rooftop bars, and ruin pubs, I’ve happily gained a few pounds in the name of research.

Budapest is one of my favorite European capitals – for its eclectic architecture, stunning Danube views, and fascinating, complex history, of course. But especially for its traditional cafés, modern Hungarian restaurants, and unexpectedly excellent local wineries.

In this foodie guide to the best restaurants in Budapest, you’ll find my curated list of favorite spots across the city – including traditional Hungarian kitchens, fine-dining experiences, and even a can’t-miss Danube dinner cruise.

Pair my favorite places to eat in Budapest with this 3-day Budapest itinerary – and if you still haven’t had your fill of paprika-laced goulash, potato dumplings, and beer, follow my Prague itinerary next and discover the best restaurants in Prague.

Welcome to one of Europe’s most underrated foodie destinations! Come hungry. Let’s eat – and practice pronouncing egészségére (that’s cheers, in Hungarian!).

Where to Eat & Drink in Budapest: Quick Picks

• Best traditional Hungarian restaurants: Café Kör, Gettó Gulyás, Retek Bisztró
• Best modern Hungarian restaurants: Aszú Étterem, Hoppá! Bistro, Stand25 Bisztró
• Splurge-worthy meals & special occasions: Candlelit Dinner Cruise on the Danube and Borkonyha WineKitchen
• Best cafés: Strudel Garden Café, Espresso Embassy, Zërgë Coffeeshop
• Best market stall: Fakanál Bistro (Central Market Hall)
• Best bars: Warm Up Bar, High Note SkyBar, Huncutka Bite and Wine, Beer Brothers

• Best wine & nightlife experiences: Countryside Wine Tour to Etyek and Budapest Ruin Bars Evening Walking Tour
• Best foodie experiences: Budapest Walking Food Tour (a must-do!) and Hungarian Cooking Class with Market Visit

Map of Budapest's Best Restaurants

Centuries of conquest – by the Magyars, Ottomans, Habsburgs, Soviets, and beyond – have shaped Hungarian food culture. The result? A bold, paprika-infused cuisine that’s comforting, flavorful, and unlike any other. You could try to compare it to Austrian, German, or Czech cuisine, but those are really just distant cousins…

In Budapest, you’ll find national dishes like gulyás (goulash), hortobágyi palacsinta (savory stuffed pancakes), catfish or chicken paprikás (creamy paprika stews), and crispy, deep-fried lángos (flatbread) slathered in sour cream, garlic, and cheese. Hungary’s paprika salami is in a league of its own. And no meal is complete without a strong shot of pálinka (fruit brandy) – and for some old-timer Hungarians, that rule includes breakfast.

Anthony Bourdain once said, “Foie gras is everywhere in Hungary. All over every menu, and it’s good, real good.” And that is also true. Make sure to try it. 

For dessert, you’ll find traditional rétes (strudel) – layered and flaky pastry filled with things like sour cherry or sweet cottage cheese and apricot. You’ll also spot sugar-dusted kürtőskalács (chimney cakes) roasting over open flames at markets. But if you want to try something extra special, order túrógombóc (cottage cheese dumplings) – they’re soft, sweet, rolled in buttery breadcrumbs, and topped with sour cream.

And then there’s the wine. Hungary has 22 official wine regions, though you’ve probably only heard of Tokaji Aszú wine – a golden dessert wine once served to European royalty. For something drier, go for a crisp white from the Etyek-Buda region. For dinner, a red blend called Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) from Eger will do the trick.

Oh, and make sure you order Hungarian lemonade. It’s the best in the world. Thank me later!

Must-Do Food & Drink Tours in Budapest

Want to eat and drink your way through Hungarian culture? I highly recommend these food and drink experiences.

• Budapest Walking Food Tour: One of my favorite to do in Budapest! Over 4 hours, we tasted all the essentials – strudel, lángos, paprika sausages, mushroom or beef goulash, and pálinka – while learning about Hungary’s turbulent history from a local guide. 
• Countryside Half-Day Wine Tour to Etyek: Wine-lovers, this is a must! Just 30 minutes from the city, you’ll visit family-run wineries, see Soviet-era wine cellars, taste eight fantastic wines (like pinot gris and Hungarian oak-aged pinot noir), and enjoy a traditional, home-cooked lunch. My husband and I loved this.
• Hungarian Cooking Class with Market Visit: Shop for ingredients at the Central Market Hall, then learn to make your own goulash or Hungarian crêpes from scratch with a local chef.
• Budapest Ruin Bars Evening Walking Tour: Book this fun ruin pub tour for a taste of Budapest’s eclectic nightlife.

Best Traditional Hungarian Restaurants in Budapest

Now that we’re up to speed on how and why Hungarian food is so bold, rich, and unapologetically heavy, let’s dive into my favorite traditional Hungarian restaurants.

From crispy lángos slathered in garlic sauce to soulful paprika-packed stews ladled over potato dumplings, Budapest’s classic food scene is heavenly. Just make sure to get your 10,000 steps in between meals!

Café Kör

Bustling, cozy, and packed with locals on their lunch breaks, Café Kör is everything I want in a classic Hungarian restaurant.

There’s absolutely nothing flashy here. No modern plating, no fusion concepts. Just old-school decor, a daily handwritten menu hung on the wall, and Hungarian food made exactly the way it should be.

On our last visit, we ordered the beef goulash with golden potato croquettes (crispy on the outside, pillowy perfection in the center), the homiest green bean stew with meatballs, and local beer on tap. It doesn’t get better than this.

Open for lunch and dinner. Closed on Sundays.

MADDY’S TIPS: This little café gets busy at lunchtime, so arrive right at noon to snag a table. Order whatever daily special the waiter recommends, pair it with a local wine, and enjoy the buzz of this Budapest institution.

Gettó Gulyás

If you’re only going to eat one hearty, soul-warming Hungarian meal in Budapest, make it at Gettó Gulyás. I’ve been coming here since 2016, and I always will.

Tucked into the eclectic Wesselényi Street in the Jewish Quarter, this cool yet classic spot specializes in stews. 

The menu covers all of Hungary’s greatest hits, like chicken paprikash with nokedli, pork knuckle stew with potatoes, and venison with mushrooms and juniper.

My personal favorite is the hortobágyi palacsinta. It’s a savory meat-stuffed crêpe smothered in creamy paprika sauce, and you have to try it.

Open daily for lunch and dinner.

MADDY’S TIP: This place is popular now. I tried to walk in for lunch recently, but they were booked for two days. Make a reservation. If they’re full, check out TATI Farm to Table (modern farm-fresh Hungarian) or Mazel Tov (stylish Middle Eastern-inspired) around the corner.

Retek Bisztró

The fact that Retek Bisztró is always booked out tells you everything you need to know. It’s good. 

Down a quiet street near the Chain Bridge, Retek Bisztró (that’s “radish bistro,” if you’re wondering) serves some of the most authentic Hungarian food in the city – in the loveliest white-brick dining room imaginable. 

On the menu, you’ll find beautifully plated classics like roasted pork knuckle with onion potatoes and braised cabbage, Hungarian-style deep-fried meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes and pickled cucumbers, and mushroom soup with sour cream and truffle dumplings.

For dessert, go for either Grandmother’s apple pie or the Túrógombóc (cottage cheese dumplings with apricot jam and sweet sour cream). 

Open daily for lunch and dinner.

MADDY’S TIP: Retek Bisztró books out way in advance (I’m talking weeks), so I’ll let you in on a secret. Try Retek Mini instead. It’s just around the corner, the menu is the same, and there’s usually availability. The only real difference is the vibe. Retek Mini is tiny and feels more old-school – with checked tablecloths, a homey vibe, paprika and garlic garlands hanging from the ceiling, and just enough elbow room.

Fakanál Bistro (Central Market Hall)

The Central Market Hall has become shockingly touristy over the years. But upstairs, you’ll still find one of the best grandma-style Hungarian market stalls in Budapest: Fakanál Bistro.

After browsing the paprika shops and Tokaji wine stands below, my husband and I ordered the spicy pork-stuffed cabbage dolloped with sour cream and found seats overlooking the market chaos below. This dish is nostalgic, comforting, and so delicious. But it’s heavy too, so splitting one portion is perfectly acceptable!

On the menu, you’ll also find homemade sausages, stuffed peppers, goulash, and other home-cooked classics.

Open for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner. Closed on Sundays.

MADDY’S TIP: Want to dive deeper into traditional Hungarian cuisine? Take this traditional Hungarian cooking class, which starts with shopping for fresh ingredients at the Central Market Hall! Back at the chef’s house, you’ll learn to cook their grandma’s time-tested recipe for chicken paprikash. Oh, and you’ll taste local cheeses, pickles, and sweets, and sip pálinka and local wine while you’re at it! Book your Hungarian cooking class here.

NOTE: In the market, you’ll see a restaurant called Fakanál Étterem (where they have a more elaborate menu and play live gypsy music!), but I just recommend a quick stop at the stall next door called Fakanál Bistro. Is it fancy? Absolutely not. But that’s the point. It’s a taste of Hungary, the way grannies intended it.

Retro Lángos

Honestly, I was completely turned off by the idea of lángos.

(Forgive me, but no matter how many times I walked by lángos stalls in the streets and Christmas markets, I could not get on board with fried dough, topped with sour cream and cheese. Gut bomb? I think yes.)

But then, I went to Retro Lángos during my Budapest Walking Food Tour, and became an instant raving lángos fanatic. Because, somehow, this crispy, chewy, garlic-loaded masterpiece is not as heavy as it should be… and it tastes so much better than it looks.

Since then, I’ve tried my fair share of lángos and can confirm, this place serves the best in town. If it’s your first time, I recommend sharing a classic: sour cream, shredded Hungarian cheese, and garlic sauce. Then, add a generous drizzle of Sriracha (pro move). 

It’s fried food heaven, if there is such a thing. Don’t skip it like I did my first few trips to Budapest.

Open daily.

Best Modern Hungarian Restaurants in Budapest

When you want tradition, refinement, and creativity blended into one unforgettable dining experience, consider these modern Hungarian restaurants in Budapest. They all lean toward fine-dining, but never lose their Hungarian soul.

Candlelit Dinner Cruise on the Danube

For a romantic fine-dining experience with front-row seats to Budapest’s glittering skyline, book the Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music. 

As you glide along the Danube past Parliament, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge, you’ll enjoy a refined multi-course dinner and live music aboard the city’s most elegant riverboat.

You’ll choose from starters like scallops with chili, shrimp in garlic white wine sauce, or tartar beefsteak with red onion cream. For mains, dishes like rosemary duck breast with sweet potato and fig await. And for dessert? Panna cotta with forest fruit jam or rich chocolate cake with strawberry ragout.

If you’re looking for the most memorable dining experience in Budapest, this is it. Whether you’re booking this for a special occasion or just because, I’ll just say: good idea.

Dinner cruises run most nights (though the exact time varies by season).

Click here to book your Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music.

READ MORE:  Visiting Paris too? Check out my review of the Gourmet Dinner Cruise on the Seine River in Paris! Same magic, different city.

Hoppá! Bistro

Ready for dinner? Hoppá! Bistro is where elegant meets quirky, and where Hungarian classics get the creative makeover you didn’t think they needed. (But when they arrive, you’re delighted they did!)

My husband and I went for dinner recently and loved the whole experience. We started with French-style steak tartare with quail egg, truffled squid-ink sauce, mustard seeds, and pickled radish. Complex, bold, and playful right out of the gate, we knew we were in for something special.

For my main, I couldn’t resist the catfish paprikash (with a twist). Smoked curd–filled pasta rolls, dill oil, dill pearls, sour cream, and a little bacon crisp on top. Over the top? Flavor-packed? Unexpected? Check, check, check.

And then, dessert stole my heart. Or really, the chef’s grandma did, with her recipe for cottage cheese dumplings (túrógombóc), poached in vanilla-infused water, served over warm blueberry sauce, with whipped lemon yogurt and fresh berries.

Get there early (or book), because this bistro’s reputation is rising fast.

Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Borkonyha WineKitchen

Borkonyha WineKitchen is a one-Michelin-starred Budapest institution – and has held that title for more than a decade.

I went for Saturday lunch service (for a special occasion!), and chose the 6-course dégustation menu with wine pairings. Every dish was a love letter to Hungary, featuring delicate textures, top-quality produce (like Mangalitsa pork, oh my goodness!), subtle Hungarian spices, wild herbs, and of course, beautiful plating.

The wine list here is impressive as the food – if not more so – and our wine pairings were flawless. The à la carte menu also shines, with seasonal options like lake saibling with whey and spinach or oxtail soup with mushrooms.

Whether you do the tasting or not, everything is beautifully done, with Hungarian influences and ingredients laced in every dish. And for a one-star Michelin experience, you’ll be pleased to know: the tasting menu is surprisingly affordable! Reservations are essential here.

Open Monday–Saturday for dinner service. Lunch service on Saturdays only. Closed on Sundays.

Stand25 Bisztró

After wandering the Castle District, Stand25 Bisztró is the perfect dinner spot in Buda, especially on a winter’s night. This buzzing bistro features food that’s equal parts elegant, refined, cozy, and creative, yet still faithful to authentic Hungarian flavors.

On a cold December evening, we dove in headfirst to the heartiest options on the menu… Like duck foie gras with toast and fruit chutney, and a Jókai bean soup with smoky pork knuckle and sour cream (essentially, the soul of Hungary in a bowl – so good).

For mains, we went with the slow-roasted duck leg served with potatoes and cabbage-apple salad, and the wild boar cheek stew in paprika sauce, with pillowy noodles, spicy gremolata, and a bright beetroot salad.

The service was a little lackluster, but the food earns its spot on the best restaurants in Budapest list.

Open for lunch and dinner. Closed on Sundays.

Aszú Étterem

Aszú Étterem is one of my forever favorites. Not just for its elegant space (I actually prefer sitting outside!) or its friendly service, but because this restaurant is where I first fell in love with Hungarian food… back in 2014. Every time I return to Budapest, I make sure to come back.

Here, they don’t try to reinvent Hungarian cuisine – just reimagine it a little bit. So expect dishes you know, only better. Like the paprika chicken breast supreme with spaetzle, cucumber relish, and sour cream (comforting and refined all at once). Or the medallions of Mangalitsa pork tenderloin with mushrooms, potatoes, and paprika sauce (which is as rich and luscious as it sounds).

The wine list here is stellar, while the vibe toes the line between elevated and welcoming. It’s the kind of spot you’ll be happy to linger over another bottle of wine and dessert!

Open for dinner every night.

MADDY’S TIP: When you see rare Hungarian Mangalitsa pork on a menu, you order it. No questions asked. Known as the “Kobe beef of pork” thanks to its incredibly rich flavor and beautiful marbling, it literally does not get any better. I first tried it at Aszú, and I will not forget it. Ever.

Aranybástya

Planning to take a guided tour of Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion? Or to soak at the Gellért Thermal Bath? After that, skip the overpriced tourist cafés and make your way to Aranybástya instead.

Perched just beyond the crowds, this sleek, stylish restaurant offers classic Hungarian dishes with a refined touch – and easily the best lunchtime view on the Buda side of town!

On a sunny day, the terrace is unreal. A front-row seat to the Danube, the Parliament Building, and the rest of the Pest skyline? With a glass of crisp Etyek white wine in hand? Yes, thank you very much.

And the food? It’s equally lovely. Think duck breast with plum sauce, creamy paprika chicken with dumplings, and rich stews served with a light, modern edge.

Open daily for lunch and dinner.

TATI Farm to Table

Many locals recommended TATI Farm to Table to me, but I couldn’t get a last-minute table during my last trip. So TATI is on top of my list for next time!

Drawing inspiration from the owner’s family farm and Hungary’s vibrant seasons, the menu is all about sustainability, hyper-local produce, and contemporary spins on classic flavors. (And in case you’re wondering, Tati is the name of a beloved horse on the farm.)

Best Cafés & Coffee Shops in Budapest

When it comes to specialty coffee, pastries, and brunch in Budapest, I have you covered with the best.

A quick side note on New York Café: Even though it’s undeniably beautiful, it’s a tourist trap – overpriced, underwhelming, and included on far too many “best restaurants in Budapest” lists purely for its ornate ceiling – not the food. It doesn’t make the cut here.

Strudel Garden Café & Bakery

I discovered Strudel Garden Café & Bakery during this Budapest Walking Food Tour, and from the outside, I wasn’t expecting anything special. (Yes, I know, don’t judge a book by its cover.) But my oat milk flat white was fantastic… and the strudels? The best I’ve ever had anywhere.

We tried all the flavors (poppyseed, salted cabbage, sour cherry, chocolate and plum, and cottage cheese and apricot), and every single one was loaded with filling, golden, and glorious. Unlike the sad, flat strudels you see in tourist trap restaurants, these were thick, flaky, and stuffed with homemade fillings. I’m still dreaming about the sour cherry one!

Don’t miss this spot!

Open daily.

Butter Brothers Bakery & Bistro

One word: croissants. I’ve been going to Butter Brothers for years, and the pastries and sourdough are simply the best. This is a total gem in District 9 (Ferencváros) for a quick breakfast and a specialty coffee.

Open daily.

Mantra Specialty Coffee Minibar

Mantra Specialty Coffee Minibar never disappoints. If you’re a coffee nerd, this is your spot.

Tucked in Belváros (District V), this tiny café is all about high-quality brews and big flavor. Just note: their “large” latte is more like an XXXL. You’ve been warned (or tempted).

Open daily.

MADDY’S TIP: Just a few steps from Mantra, make a detour to Rózsavölgyi Csokoládé. This artisan chocolate shop is a tiny temple to all things cacao. I always pop in for a little treat (or three).

Zërgë Coffeeshop

I love Zërgë Coffeeshop. If you love specialty coffee and fresh-baked, loaded bagels, you will too. This café is small, but stylish and full of locals and travelers alike. 

Open daily.

MADDY’S TIP: This café is the perfect pre-Buda Castle pitstop. You’ll find it on Fő Street, right after you cross the Chain Bridge onto the Buda side. If it’s a sunny day, take your order to-go and enjoy it on a bench at nearby Lánchíd Park!

Espresso Embassy

As one of the original specialty coffee shops in Budapest, Espresso Embassy is always packed. But also, it’s always worth a stop.

A stone’s throw from Liberty Square, this café is a convenient caffeination station as you explore Pest’s highlights. You’ll love the espresso and pecan pie here as much as the beautiful brick walls and vaulted ceilings.

Open daily.

READ MORE: If coffee culture is your thing (hi, same), check out my guides to where to eat in Paris and the best restaurants in Prague.

Best Bars in Budapest

From ruin pubs to sleek rooftop lounges, Budapest knows how to raise a glass… Whether you're craving craft cocktails, natural wine, or a frosty pint of local beer, here are my favorite bars in Budapest!

Blue Fox The Bar

In the colder months, Blue Fox at the Kempinski Hotel is one of my favorite places to cozy up with a craft cocktail. Plush interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and views over Elizabeth Square’s glowing Ferris wheel make it feel a little festive, no matter the time of year!

I recommend the Run Rabbit (with dark rum, carrot, kiwi, chili) or the Smooth Operator (with coconut-infused tequila, white cacao, and cherry), though everything we ordered was delicious and beautifully presented.

Open every evening until late.

Warm Up Bar

This isn’t your average cocktail bar. At Warm Up Bar, there’s no menu. Just a master mixologist who’ll ask you what flavors or spirits you’re into, and whip up something just for you.

Whether you’re into smoky mezcal, herbaceous gin, or something sweet and spicy, they’ll deliver a drink you didn’t know you needed. It’s a cool, personalized experience that feels more like a secret cocktail lab than a bar!

Open every night.

Szimpla Kert

Budapest’s original and most iconic ruin bar, Szimpla Kert is worth a stop for the experience.

Tucked into a former factory in the Jewish Quarter, Szimpla feels more like an immersive art installation than a bar. Every room is a surprise. Graffitied walls, vintage furniture, retro TVs, bicycles hanging from the ceiling, plants growing out of bathtubs…

It’s a fascinating spot for a pre- or post-dinner drink, especially early in the evening, before the rowdier crowd arrives. Order a local wine, a pálinka, or a craft beer, then wander the different rooms and levels to soak it all in.

MADDY’S TIP: Want to explore Budapest’s iconic ruin bars without the wild late-night scene? Book this Small-Group Evening Ruin Bar Tour (which runs from 6 to 9 PM). You’ll visit Szimpla Kert and a few off-the-beaten-path spots, sip local drinks, nibble street food, and learn about District 7’s underground history – all with a fun, knowledgeable guide. Click here to book your ruin pub tour!

Open every afternoon until very late. On Sundays, there’s a farmers’ market from 9 AM to 2 PM.

Beer Brothers

After a low-key night and excellent local beer? My husband and I loved Beer Brothers, a low-key, local pub with a vast selection of Hungarian craft beers on tap, including standout options from Monyo Brewing Co.

Open every afternoon until late.

Huncutka Bite and Wine

I first visited Huncutka during this Budapest Walking Food Tour and loved its vibe. This cute little wine-focused bar serves all-natural, organic Hungarian wines – and it’s one of the only spots in town that does. Right up my alley! 

Here, you’ll find spicy, fruity reds like Kékfrankos, crisp whites, and the occasional orange – all paired with rustic small plates like paprika salami, local cheeses, and savory Hungarian crêpes.

Open daily for brunch and/or dinner.

READ MORE: Can’t get enough of Europe’s bar scene? My Paris restaurant guide has you covered for romantic wine bars, rooftop apéros, and cozy spots near the Seine.

High Note SkyBar

Come summer, High Note SkyBar is my favorite! Perched atop the music-themed Aria Hotel Budapest (my favorite hotel, as mentioned in my Budapest itinerary), this luxe rooftop cocktail bar offers stunning views of St. Stephen’s Basilica and the rest of Pest.

The drinks here are playfully named after music legends like Frank Sinatra (Aperol, white wine, cherry, amarena) and Amy Winehouse (white rum, banana, sage). The food here is also fantastic.

Open every afternoon until late.

Best Food & Drink Activities in Budapest

Beyond dining at the best restaurants in Budapest, there are a few Budapest foodie experiences you can't miss:

• Budapest Walking Food Tour: Taste traditional food at a variety of authentic restaurants and stalls. Do not miss this one!
• Countryside Half-Day Wine Tour to Etyek: Drink delicious pinot gris and pinot noir in the nearby Etyek wine region.
• Budapest Ruin Bars Evening Walking Tour: Hop between Pest’s quirkiest bars, with plenty of drinks included!
• Hungarian Cooking Class with Market Visit: Shop for local ingredients and learn to make chicken paprikash (just like your Hungarian grandma would… if you had one).

Best Budapest Restaurants: FAQs