Budapest mixes history, culture, and food into one amazing experience. As Hungary’s capital, it’s famous for tasty dishes like goulash, chicken paprikash, and lángos. These foods have been part of Hungarian cooking for hundreds of years. Today, Budapest has become an exciting place to eat. New restaurants are opening, and creative chefs are putting fresh spins on old recipes.
This article will show you some of the best places to eat in Budapest. We’ll look at casual spots and fancy Michelin-starred restaurants. Whether you want real Hungarian food, Mediterranean flavors, or modern dishes made with local ingredients, this guide will help you find the perfect meal.
1. Mazel Tov
Tucked in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, Mazel Tov is a special place that mixes ruin bar style with cozy dining. Its pretty courtyard has many plants and a glass roof that lets in natural light, making it feel lively and relaxing.
Mazel Tov specializes in Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine, making it a great choice for those looking to explore flavors beyond traditional Hungarian fare. The menu is packed with high-quality, fresh ingredients, with dishes ranging from mezze platters to grilled meats and falafel burgers. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or a meat lover, there’s something to enjoy.
Some standout dishes include the grilled aubergine, Jerusalem mixed plate, and creamy hummus served with warm pita bread. If you’re in the mood for a drink, Mazel Tov also offers a selection of signature cocktails, including the Frangelico Sour, a customer favorite.
This place gets busy! Book ahead, especially for dinner. It’s perfect for both a full meal and just drinks with friends. The restaurant is located at Akácfa u. 47, 1072 Budapest, and is open every day from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
2. Gettó Gulyás
In the middle of Budapest’s lively 7th district, GettĂł Gulyás is the perfect spot for anyone wanting to taste real Hungarian food. This welcoming restaurant feels both cozy and a bit fancy, with wooden tables, warm lights, and staff who make you feel at home.
The menu at GettĂł Gulyás celebrates Hungary’s most beloved dishes. Their beef goulash is slow-cooked with smoky paprika and comes with soft dumplings that soak up all the tasty sauce. Another favorite is the chicken paprikash—tender chicken in a creamy paprika sauce served with nokedli (Hungarian dumplings).
What makes this place special is how they change their menu with the seasons, always using the freshest local ingredients. To make your meal even better, try a glass of Hungarian wine or pálinka (fruit brandy) on the side.
After filling up on delicious Hungarian food, you’re in the perfect spot to explore Budapest’s famous ruin bars. The legendary Szimpla Kert is just a short walk away, making GettĂł Gulyás an ideal starting point for a fun night out!
Since this small restaurant is quite popular, it’s a good idea to book ahead, especially for dinner and on weekends. Located at WesselĂ©nyi u. 18, 1077 Budapest, this restaurant is open daily from 12–11 PM.
3. Rosenstein Vendéglő
Just a short trip from the busy tourist areas, you’ll find Rosenstein VendĂ©glĹ‘, a wonderful family-run spot that serves some of the tastiest Hungarian and Jewish-Hungarian food in Budapest. Located at Mosonyi Street 3, walking in feels like stepping into someone’s home—friendly, welcoming, and full of character!
The menu at Rosenstein celebrates both Hungarian traditions and Jewish influences. Their kitchen prepares classics like stuffed peppers, pan-seared foie gras, and creamy paprikash using time-tested methods passed down through generations.
Don’t miss their weekend special, cholent. This slow-cooked Sabbath stew with beef, beans, and eggs shows off the family’s Jewish heritage and has become one of their signature dishes. The veal paprikash with homemade dumplings is another must-try, perfectly balancing bold paprika flavors with tender meat. And if you love fine dining, their goose liver showcases Hungary’s famous skill with foie gras.
What makes Rosenstein even more special is the personal touch. The owners often stop by to greet guests, share stories, and offer insights into Hungarian cooking traditions. It’s a dining experience that feels as personal as it is delicious. Open Monday to Saturday from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM (closed on Sundays), it’s best to book ahead, especially for dinner, to ensure you don’t miss out on this delightful, home-style culinary gem.
4. Borkonyha
If you’re looking for a special meal in Budapest that’s delicious yet relaxed, Borkonyha is the perfect choice! Located at Sas Utca 3, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers incredible food in a welcoming atmosphere where you’ll feel right at home.
Borkonyha’s talented chefs elevate traditional Hungarian dishes with fresh, local ingredients and creative techniques. Their seasonal menu might include flavorful options like partridge with vegetables, pigeon with red cabbage, or perfectly prepared foie gras—always beautifully presented and bursting with flavor.
One of Borkonyha’s highlights is its impressive wine collection. With over 200 Hungarian wines to choose from, it’s a great chance to discover local varieties you might not have tried before. And don’t worry if wine isn’t your specialty—the friendly staff will gladly recommend the perfect pairing for your meal.
Since Borkonyha is a popular spot with limited seating, it’s best to book ahead, especially since they’re only open for dinner on weekdays. You can visit Monday through Friday from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM. They’re closed on Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly for one of Budapest’s most delightful dining experiences!
5. EssĂŞncia
In the heart of Budapest, Essência blends two wonderful food traditions in one exceptional restaurant. Created by Portuguese chef Tiago Sabarigo and his Hungarian wife, Éva Janei, this Michelin-starred gem brings together the best flavors from Portugal and Hungary, offering a dining experience unlike any other city. Located at Sas Utca 17, Essência is all about celebrating these rich culinary heritages with creativity and care.
The menu feels like a delicious adventure. You’ll savor dishes like tender octopus and flavorful Mangalica pork, crafted with top-quality ingredients from both countries. Every plate looks stunning and tastes even better!
For a truly unforgettable experience, try their seven-course tasting menu in the evening, which takes you on a flavorful journey through the chef’s inventive cooking. If you’re visiting at lunchtime, they offer à la carte options that are quicker and more budget-friendly.
Essência is open Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM and Thursday through Saturday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. They’re closed Sunday through Tuesday, so be sure to plan ahead. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable meal, Essência promises an exquisite dining experience where two culinary worlds come together beautifully.
6. Stand25 Bistro
If you’re craving amazing Hungarian food without the fancy price tag, Stand25 Bistro is the perfect spot! Located at Attila út 10, this relaxed yet top-quality bistro is run by talented chefs Szabina Szulló and Tamás Széll, who also own the two-Michelin-starred Stand restaurant. Stand25 earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for serving incredible food at reasonable prices, making it one of Budapest’s best finds.
Here, you’ll enjoy beloved Hungarian dishes made even better. Their hearty goulash, Brassói pork, and sweet túrógombóc (cottage cheese dumplings) are crafted with fresh, local ingredients. The chefs skillfully modernize these traditional dishes while keeping the comforting flavors you love.
For an unbeatable deal, try the two- or three-course tasting menu. It’s a great way to explore different flavors, and you can even add wine pairings to sample delicious Hungarian wines.
Since Stand25 is becoming more popular, booking ahead is a smart idea, especially during busy lunch or dinner times. The restaurant is open Monday to Saturday, from 12:00 to 16:00 and 17:30 to midnight, but it’s closed on Sundays. Don’t miss out on this delightful dining experience in the heart of Budapest!
7. The Garden Café
Have you ever walked into a place that instantly felt like home? That’s The Garden Café for you! Tucked away at Bródy Sándor Utca 10, this charming café started small behind a boutique shop, but its cozy atmosphere and delicious Turkish-Hungarian flavors quickly made it a must-visit in Budapest. Created by Merve Ilgim Deprem, it’s a little world of warmth, greenery, and mouthwatering food.
Their breakfast is a real treat—don’t miss the cilbir (poached eggs in garlicky yogurt with chili butter) or crispy, stuffed gözleme. Vegetarians and vegans will love the colorful mezze plates, stuffed grape leaves, and spicy bulgur patties. Pair it all with Turkish tea or coffee for the full experience.
With hanging plants, comfy cushions, and sunlight streaming in, it’s the perfect spot to relax, read, or catch up with friends. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, they also serve dinner on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Whether you’re here for breakfast, lunch, or a peaceful coffee break, The Garden Café’s warm, inviting vibe will make you want to visit again and again!
8. Szaletly
Tucked away in the peaceful ZuglĂł neighborhood near City Park, Szaletly is one of Budapest’s best-kept secrets. This wonderful restaurant serves creative, modern Hungarian food that changes with the seasons. Since it’s away from the busy tourist areas, you’ll mostly find locals here enjoying some of the city’s most delicious meals in a relaxed setting.
What makes Szaletly special is how they balance tradition with new ideas. Their menu changes often to use the freshest local ingredients available. You might find delicious options like veal tartare, Hungarian lecso (a colorful dish of peppers, tomatoes, and onions), rich venison stroganoff, or juicy chicken meatballs. If you can’t decide what to order, try one of their tasting menus—they even have one just for vegetarians. The portions are generous, and while prices might be a bit higher than in some places, the quality makes every bite worth it.
Whatever you do, save some room for dessert at Szaletly! Their sweets are truly special, from rich chocolate and blueberry ganache tarts to traditional flĂłdni, a Hungarian layered pastry filled with poppy seeds, walnuts, and plum jam. These desserts are the perfect way to end your meal.
With its friendly service, relaxed atmosphere, and delicious food, Szaletly offers a dining experience that shows you a side of Budapest that many tourists never discover. Open from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM it’s an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or cozy dinner, though it’s closed on Mondays. It’s worth the short trip from the city center!
9. Kőleves Vendéglő
In the heart of Budapest’s lively Jewish Quarter sits KĹ‘leves VendĂ©glĹ‘ (meaning “stone soup”). This charming restaurant takes its name from the folk tale where simple ingredients become something wonderful—just like the food they serve! Housed in a beautiful 19th-century building near two synagogues, KĹ‘leves brings together Jewish and Hungarian cooking traditions in the most delicious ways.
The menu at KĹ‘leves features beloved Jewish-Hungarian classics like warming cholent (a slow-cooked bean stew), comforting matzo ball soup, and their famous KĹ‘leves soup. What makes their food special is how they use the freshest seasonal ingredients from local farms to create dishes that honor tradition while feeling fresh and exciting.
One of the best things about KĹ‘leves is that you can enjoy really good food without spending too much money! The restaurant feels both casual and stylish, with vintage decorations and colorful touches that make you feel right at home.
Since this popular spot is in a busy area, it’s a good idea to book ahead. After your meal, you’re perfectly placed to explore nearby ruin bars or take a nice walk through the historic Jewish Quarter with a happy, full stomach! Open from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM on most days (and until 11:00 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays), it’s easy to drop by for lunch or dinner, though it’s closed on Mondays.
10. Felix
Imagine eating dinner in a beautiful old building that once pumped water to the Royal Palace! That’s what makes Felix so special. Located in the Burggartenbasar, this restaurant brings back the elegant feeling of Budapest’s golden age while serving amazing modern food. With its creative menu, great wines, and changing art displays, Felix is perfect for celebrating something special or just having an unforgettable night out. Open every day from 11:30 AM to midnight, it’s easy to plan a visit that fits your schedule.
Felix loves using local, organic ingredients in their kitchen. The chefs create wonderful dishes that mix Hungarian traditions with international flavors, all with a modern twist. You might try their beautifully prepared Hungarian cured meats, melt-in-your-mouth foie gras, or innovative seafood and vegetable dishes.
What makes eating at Felix extra special is how they combine food with art. The restaurant regularly hosts art exhibitions, so you can enjoy beautiful artwork while you dine. The modern, stylish decoration blends perfectly with the historic building, creating a place that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.
11. Róma Ételbár
Stepping into RĂłma Ételbár feels like traveling back in time to experience authentic Hungarian home cooking. Open since 1990, this beloved lunch spot has become a Budapest institution where both locals and visitors come to enjoy traditional dishes in a charming, nostalgic setting. Located at Budapest, Csalogány u. 20, it’s one of the few traditional Ă©tkezdes (lunch-only places) left. It offers a warm, nostalgic experience that feels like dining in a Hungarian grandmother’s kitchen.
The food here is everything you’d hope for—mouthwatering schnitzels with perfectly crispy coating, rich yellow pea pottage that warms you from the inside out, and sweet cottage cheese dumplings that melt in your mouth. Every dish is made with love using simple, quality ingredients, and the portions are generous enough to keep you smiling all afternoon! With vintage photos on the walls, pretty lace curtains, and charming old furniture, the cozy atmosphere makes your meal even more special.
Since RĂłma Ételbár is a traditional lunch spot, it’s busiest during midday when locals come in for their favorite meals, and it’s open from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM every day Try to arrive a bit early to get a table—it’s definitely worth planning ahead!
12. Tati
You’ll love discovering Tati, one of Budapest’s newest food treasures! Located on Dohány Street near the lively nightlife district, this wonderful restaurant brings farm-to-table dining to a whole new level. What makes Tati truly special is that they grow many of their ingredients on their very own farm just outside the city—talk about fresh! Their creative approach to traditional Hungarian cooking has quickly earned them recognition, even receiving a recommendation from Michelin shortly after opening.
Imagine biting into the most flavorful potato stew you’ve ever tasted or savoring a goulash made with vegetables picked that same morning. Tati transforms familiar Hungarian favorites into exciting new dishes that still feel comforting and familiar. And don’t miss their handcrafted cocktails—they’re some of the most creative and delicious drinks in town! Whether you come for dinner or just drinks, you’re in for a treat.
The moment you step inside Tati, you’ll feel right at home in their stylish yet cozy space. With its exposed brick walls, warm wooden floors, and comfortable seating, the restaurant strikes that perfect balance between looking good and feeling relaxed. Tati is open Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM and on Friday and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Discover the Flavors of Budapest
Budapest’s food scene shows off the city’s rich past and lively spirit. From top restaurants like EssĂŞncia to local favorites like RĂłma Ételbár, there’s something tasty for everyone.
Try classic Hungarian dishes or exciting new food combos—both are great! The friendly feel and cool restaurant ideas make eating here even better.
Wherever you eat in Budapest, you’ll enjoy a mix of old and new flavors served with a warm Hungarian welcome. So grab your fork and dive into this amazing food paradise—your taste buds will thank you! As the locals say when wishing you a good meal: JĂł Ă©tvágyat!
