Budapest not only captivates with its buildings and thermal baths, but also with your stomach. After several days exploring the city and trying everything—from traditional lángos to Thai curries—we leave you with our selection of restaurants and cafes that we liked the most. Some were recommended by locals, others we discovered after doing some research. At the very end, we'll leave you with a very complete little map With all the places marked, in case you want to plan your own foodie route. Enjoy!
CUNG Restaurant and Bar
CUNG It was one of those places that surprised us very, very pleasantly. We wanted to get away from the Hungarian routine and relive the flavors of other trips, and this Asian restaurant It seemed ideal to us. And boy were we right: the food was sooooo delicious.
What we were most amazed by was the dish of Vietnamese rice with BBQ pork: The meat was tender, juicy, with that smoky and spicy touch. We also tried the Thai green curry, very tasty and just the right amount of spice. As a finishing touch, we ordered the mango sticky rice Although it wasn't the best part of the meal, it made us happy to remember Thailand. A nostalgic treat.
The restaurant is modern, clean, and has a calm atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely, well-deserved meal. And the prices are quite reasonable for what they offer. You can tell they take great care with the ingredients and presentation, and the service was fast and very friendly.
- 💰 Average price per person: 20-25 €
- 🌟 Our favorite dish: Vietnamese BBQ Pork
NegroMangalica Bistro & Bar
This restaurant was one of those discoveries worth their weight in gold NegroMangalica Bistro & Bar It was recommended to us by the free tour guide, and it was a great choice... so much so that we went back a couple of times! It's very well located, close to where we were staying in the Jewish Quarter, and has a very welcoming atmosphere, with excellent service owners are Spanish and a large part of the team are Argentinian, so you'll almost certainly be able to order food even in Spanish.
We tried several dishes and loved them all paprika chicken It was delicious, with a smooth but characterful sauce pork Milanese was undoubtedly the star: huge, crispy and super tasty, perfect for sharing. And the goulash soup, delicious, one of the best we tried in Budapest. The menu is varied, and you can tell they use quality products.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is informal and when it gets late they put music A little more pub-like. The prices are quite reasonable for what they offer, and you can see the love with which the place is run.
- 💰 Average price per person: 25 €
- 🌟 Our favorite dish: Pork Milanese
Granny's Lángos
If you are looking for an authentic place to try the lángos, you have to go through Granny's Lángos It's a very small place, one of those you'll almost miss if you're not paying attention. It doesn't have many tables, just a few outside, so the most common choice is to order takeout and eat while you stroll around.
We tested the Lángos with garlic cream cheese, onion and bacon, and oh my goodness, what a delight! Crispy dough on the outside and tender on the inside, creamy cheese with a hint of garlic, and crispy bacon... a killer combination. It's the typical unpretentious place where what matters is what comes out of the kitchen, and it's always busy.
Ideal for a quick stop between visits. The service is fast and friendly, and the prices are very economical If you want to try a tasty and well-made version of this typical dish, this is your place.
- 💰 Average price per person: 10€
- 🌟 Our favorite dish: Langos with garlic cream cheese, onion and bacon
Hungarikum Bisztró
This restaurant, very popular with tourists and locals, specializes in traditional food of the country. The place is cozy, with traditional decor, checkered tablecloths, and Hungarian background music that accompanies without disturbing. It's close to Parliament, so you can take advantage of the opportunity to eat here if you visit in the morning.
We tried several classic dishes: the goulash in soup, which was spiced and very comforting; the paprika chicken with that creamy sauce and just the right touch of spice, and a beef stew with nokedli (a type of Hungarian gnocchi) that I wanted to have again. Everything was well presented and served with great care.
The prices are quite reasonable Considering its central location, the atmosphere is rather traditional, with plenty of tables occupied (make a reservation in advance!). It doesn't have a terrace, but the interior is authentic, perfect for a relaxing and tasty meal.
- 💰 Average price per person: 25€
- 🌟 Our favorite dish: Chicken with paprika
Menza Étterem és Kávéház
Menza is one of those places that mixes vibes modern with traditional kitchen, and it does it very well. It's right in the heart of Liszt Ferenc Square, a super lively area, ideal for dinner and then a drink in the surrounding area. The decor is retro, 70s-style, and there's always something going on great atmosphere, especially at night.
We set out to try the Mangalica Burger Bao, a wonderful combination of Hungarian and Asian dishes, with a tender roll, juicy meat, and a touch of kimchi that gave it a great touch. We also ordered a kind of Hungarian ratatouille with fresh pasta, very tasty. To top it off, we shared the lemon cake with raspberry ice cream: fresh, light and with a different touch.
The prices are a little higher than in other places in Budapest, but it's worth it for the quality, the surroundings and the atmosphere. It has a terrace Very nice and spacious and comfortable inside. Highly recommended!
- 💰 Average price per person: 30€
- 🌟 Our favorite dish: Mangalica Burger Bao
Rustico Étterem
Located on the emblematic Váci street, Rustico Étterem It is a restaurant of traditional Hungarian cuisine with a cozy and rustic atmosphere. Its decoration with wooden elements and vintage details creates a warm and pleasant environment, ideal for enjoying a typical Hungarian meal.
During our visit, we tried the goulash in soup, a Hungarian classic that we love and was perfectly seasoned. We also ordered the duck confit with red cabbage and mashed potatoes, a delicious combination. For dessert we shared a apple strudel Homemade, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, was what we liked most of all.
Prices at Rustico are reasonable, considering the quality of the dishes and its central location. The atmosphere is lively, with live traditional music some nights, which adds a special touch to the experience. The staff is also attentive and always willing to recommend traditional dishes.
- 💰 Average price per person: 20-25€
- 🌟 Our favorite dish: Apple strudel
Central Grand Café & Bar
Located in the heart of Budapest, the Central Grand Café & Bar It's an iconic place that combines history and gastronomy. Founded in 1887, it was a meeting place for intellectuals and artists. The café's style is similar to the New York Café but with slightly more affordable prices and a little less crowded. It's a good place especially for breakfast or take a brunch.
Among their recommended dishes are: Royal Benedict, a delicious version of Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and spinach on an English muffin with hollandaise sauce. They also have a good selection of cakes y coffees that will make you salivate.
The atmosphere of the cafe is elegant with piano and violin music live, which adds a special touch to the experience. It is recommended reserve in advance, especially during weekends.
- 💰 Average price per person: 20€
- 🌟 Our favorite dish: Royal Benedict
New York Café
The New York Café It is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and stately places in Budapest. High ceilings, chandeliers everywhere and that air of old-fashioned luxury It makes you feel like you're in another era. We didn't get to go in because we're not big on queuing at trendy places, but we couldn't leave it off our list of recommended places to eat in Budapest.
One would think that by calling it a café the place is a cafeteria type but it has much more: dishes of goulash, duck in sauce or pork schnitzel accompanied by a wide variety of desserts such as Dobostorta, is the Hungarian classic that can't be missed. It has several layers of sponge cake and chocolate cream with a layer of crunchy caramel on top.
Going to the cafe itself is an experience but for us the prices are a bit exorbitant just because it has become super touristy (a mini cake costs around €12).
- 💰 Average price per person: 15-35 € (depends a bit on whether you just order a coffee or eat there)
- 🌟 Recommended dish: a cheap coffee and a cake
Cirkusz Café
Cirkusz Café It's one of those places that, even though we didn't get to try, we were left wanting more. It's located in the Jewish quarter of Budapest, and is famous for its all-day brunch. Be prepared to queue, though, because it's always packed.
Among the most recommended dishes are: Eggs Benedict, served on an English muffin with prosciutto and hollandaise sauce. For those with a sweet tooth, American pancakes with red berries and vanilla ice cream are a delight. And if you're looking for something more substantial, the Huevos Rancheros with pulled pork and nachos they look great.
In addition, its specialty coffee, Bagira, is roasted by themselves and has won international awards. Ideal for accompanying any dish or simply enjoying on its own.
- 💰 Average price per person: 15-20 €
- 🌟 Recommended dish: Specialty Coffee and Eggs Benedict
Frici Papa Kifőzdéje
Although we couldn't get in because everything was booked, Frici Papa It is one of those places that everyone recommends to try homemade Hungarian food at very affordable prices. Located on Király Street, it's known for its simple, authentic atmosphere and a daily changing menu.
Among the most popular dishes are the paprika chicken the beef goulash to red wine and the fried Camembert cheese with cranberries. They also offer soups such as bean soup with smoked meat and traditional desserts such as Gundel pancakes.
The place is small and usually fills up quickly, so it is recommended book in advance Our friends were able to go and told us it was totally worth it; the food was delicious and the value for money was unbeatable.
- 💰 Average price per person: 15-20 €
- 🌟 Most recommended dish: Chicken with paprika
Drum Café
Drum Café It is one of those places that they recommend you to try typical food without complicating things or costing you a lot of money, and the truth is that it delivers. It was especially recommended to us to try the lángos, and although it didn't appeal to us much, we went to try it to take away.
We tried two varieties of lángos: one with fresh cream, garlic, onion and bacon, which was powerful and very tasty, and the classic with garlic sauce and a mountain of cheese, which is just what you need if you want something hearty and flavorful. But we warn you: they are somewhat greasy, but quite enjoyable.
The prices are super affordable, so it's a good option if you want something quick and traditional without spending a lot. We recommend ordering takeout, as we read that the service isn't very good.
- 💰 Average price per person: 10 €
- 🌟 Our favorite dish: Classic Lángos with garlic and cheese sauce
Gettó Gulyás
Gettó Gulyás is one of those restaurants where you feel like you are eating in Hungarian grandmother's house modern. It is in full swing Jewish quarter And it has a super pleasant atmosphere: simple but tasteful decor, and super-friendly waiters who can explain each dish if you need it. It was also recommended to us on the free tour, and when we went, it was packed with people.
The beef goulash It is the king of the menu: a thick soup, loaded with flavor, ideal for a starter. But the dish we liked the most was the chicken paprikash with nokedli. And if you have room for dessert, you have to try the cottage cheese dumplings with sour cream and cinnamon, they are amazing.
So if you're looking for a place to try well-made, homemade Hungarian classics, make a note of this one without hesitation.
- 💰 Average price per person: 20-25 €
- 🌟 Our favorite dish: Chicken paprikash with nokedli
Fuego Restaurant
If you fancy a change of food and a good barbecue in Budapest, Fuego Restaurant It is a must-stop. Located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, this establishment specializes in roast chicken and duck Spanish style, with a secret recipe that gives them a unique flavor.
We tested the half roasted chicken accompanied by his famous spiced potatoes (2,100 HUF) and a selection of homemade sauces like aioli and chimichurri. The chicken was tender with crispy skin, and the potatoes were the perfect complement.
The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with fast and friendly service. The prices are very reasonable for the quality they offer. It's an ideal place for a tasty, hassle-free meal.
- 💰 Average price per person: 20€
- 🌟 Our favorite dish: Roasted chicken
Hummusbar
If at any point during your trip you feel like changing Hungarian food a bit, hummusbar It's a great option. It's a chain with several locations in Budapest, and we went to the one in Jewish quarter, which was close to our apartment.
We tested the hummus with falafel and the shakshuka, and we really loved it. The hummus was creamy and flavorful, and the falafel was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect. The shakshuka was well spiced, with those poached eggs Tomato sauces that are great for both lunch and dinner. Everything we ordered was well prepared, served quickly, and presented simply but thoughtfully.
The place is informal, ideal for a quick but delicious meal, and the prices are very cheap, which is always appreciated. It's also a great option for vegetarians or if you simply want something lighter without sacrificing flavor.
- 💰 Average price per person: 15 €
- 🌟 Our favorite dish: Shakshuka
Map with Budapest restaurants
Here we leave you the map with the places that we have been telling you about, you can filter by the layer of restaurants and bars There are also ruin bars, some of which also offer food.
If you want to read other articles ideal for your trip that complement Where to eat in Budapest you can visit our posts about Hungary.
Español
English
Français
Other interesting articles: