16 Best Restaurants in Budapest [2024] - All Things Budapest (2024)

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1. Alma & Körte Étterem

Cuisine:Contemporary Hungarian, Central European

Alma & Korte, embodying the essence of nature as reflected in its name translating to “apple” and “pear,” is a culinary gem. Here, you’ll be introduced to dishes like herb-infused salads, tender roasted meats accompanied by aromatic herbs, and Hungarian-inspired pastries like flódni, a layered cake filled with apple, walnut, and poppy seeds, or chimney cake, a beloved local treat. With a seasonally rotating menu, the emphasis is always on capturing the freshest ingredients.

2. Dobrumba

Cuisine:Lebanese, Moroccan, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Israeli

Dobrumba, located in the vibrant 7th district, is a testament to culinary diversity, and one of the most beautiful restaurants in Budapest. You can try a medley of Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Moroccan, Israeli, Lebanese, Georgian, Armenian, and Turkish dishes, each crafted with high-quality ingredients. Dishes like Piri Piri Chicken, Beef Tagine, or the iconic ‘Shakshuka’ reflect the tapestry of flavors on offer. The atmosphere is complemented by the multitude of plants and treasures from various countries, as well as a selection of drinks and music.

3. VakVarjú

Cuisine:Hungarian Fusion

In VakVarjú Restaurant you’ll find a blend of Hungarian recipes with contemporary flavors. The restaurant’s name, which translates to ‘blind crow,’ is a playful homage to its specialty – a delectable oven-baked flatbread with crusty edges, topped with an array of mouth-watering delicacies. The menu, rich with Hungarian classics like the goulash shoup, beef cheek or duck liver, is complemented by the restaurant’s ambiance, cozy and sophisticated. No doubt a great place if you’re looking for the best food in Budapest.

4. Menza

Cuisine:TraditionalHungarian

Menza offers a modern twist on traditional Hungarian cuisine. With its retro-inspired interior, Menza has a menu that celebrates Hungarian culinary traditions and features classic dishes prepared with a contemporary flair. From hearty goulash to savory langos, each dish is crafted with the utmost care and precision, using locally sourced ingredients. Menza’s commitment to quality and innovation makes it a standout destination for locals and tourists alike, eager to explore the rich flavors of Hungary’s gastronomic heritage.

5. Mazel Tov

Cuisine:Mediterranean, fusional Middle-Eastern

Mazel Tov, located in Budapest’s 7th district, besides being considered one of thebest ruin bars in Budapest, is also a culinary haven for those seeking the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. With a menu full of various hummus options, shawarmas, Middle Eastern salads, tabboulehs and more, diners are treated to a gastronomic journey. The experience is complemented with its open-air interior garden and contemporary design, perhaps some live music, making Mazel Tov one of the best restaurants to visit in Budapest.

6. Twentysix Budapest

Cuisine: Modern Hungarian, Mediterranean

Twentysix Budapest, nestled in the party street called Király utca, is a soulful restaurant known for its lush garden oasis in the urban setting of downtown Budapest. The restaurant, offering a modern Hungarian and Mediterranean menu, is not only a great place for meals, but also serves as a popular spot for events, with its HOUSE unit offering kitchen workshops and tailored events. In addition to the restaurant and garden, Twentysix Budapest also features a fancy bar called KAA, if you feel like moving on to co*cktails after dinner.

7. Hachapuri

Cuisine: Georgian

Hachapuri, located in Budapest city center, offers a unique culinary experience centered around its namesake dish, khachapuri – a warm, cheese-filled bread that is a staple in Georgian cuisine. But the menu doesn’t stop there; it’s filled with a variety of Georgian specialties, from rich and savory stews to a range of grilled meats, and an assortment of traditional salads and side dishes. Also, be sure to complement your meal with a sip of Georgian wine, a treasure with a history spanning thousands of years, as Georgia is considered the cradle of winemaking, with a tradition dating back more than 8,000 years.

8. Most Bisztró

Cuisine:Hungarian International

Having food at Most Kortárs Bistro is a great dining experience, with a menu that combines traditional Hungarian favorites and international classics. You can have dishes like beef goulash, schnitzel, risotto and burgers with fries, or just lighter options, like salads, sandwiches, and other snacks. Paired with a selection of Hungarian wines and creative co*cktails, and often accompanied by live music, a meal at Most Bisztró can be quite fun.

9. Pingrumba

Cuisine:Indian, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, Arabic

Catering to the curious palate, Pingrumba transports diners to a world filled with the aromatic spices of the Middle East and the bold flavors of South Asian cuisine. Located on the Buda side of the city, this brother restaurant to the celebrated Dobrumba presents a menu that weaves through the culinary landscapes of Cairo to Calcutta, offering an eclectic mix of Iranian, Indian, and other Middle Eastern countries dishes. The ambiance of Pingrumba reflects the richness and diversity of the regions it represents, providing an immersive dining experience that stands out in Budapest’s vibrant food scene.

10. Retek Bisztró

Cuisine: Traditional Hungarian

Still wondering where to eat in Budapest? Well – if you want something local, Retek Bisztró is a culinary celebration of Hungarian heritage. You can savor traditional dishes ranging from the savory chicken paprikash, Hortobágyi pancake filled with minced chicken and paprika sauce, Beef cheek “vadas” style to vegetarian options. For those with a sweet tooth, the iconic Somlói sponge cake and Grandmother’s apple pie are there too. At Retek Bisztró, every dish is a journey into Hungary’s rich gastronomic past, reimagined for the contemporary palate. If you’re looking for the typical Budapest food, this is certainly a place to go.

11. Belli di Mamma

Cuisine:Italian

When you’re yearning for a break from traditional Hungarian dishes and are drawn to the universally comforting flavors of pizza, Budapest has many options to offer. But Belli di Mamma, originating from Milan and located in the heart of Pest, stands out as an exceptional pizzeria choice and, for us, one of the best restaurants in Budapest. Not only do they serve mouthwatering pizzas, but they also have a great selection of wines to complement your meal.

12. Borbíróság

Cuisine:TraditionalHungarian

Borbíróság, located near the bustlingGreat Market Hall in Budapest, provides a good dining experience that showcases the best of Hungarian cuisine. Here, guests can indulge in a variety of traditional dishes prepared with a contemporary touch, including succulent stews, flavorful sausages, and tender meats paired with hearty sides. The restaurant takes pride in its extensive wine list, featuring a carefully curated selection of Hungarian wines.

13. A La Gringa

Cuisine:Brazilian, Latin, Spanish, South American

When the longing for Brazilian culinary delights emerges amidst the historic backdrop of Budapest, A La Gringa is your destination. This restaurant offers a quite vibrant and colorful journey straight to Brazil, with dishes deeply rooted in authenticity, yet presented in a modern way. From delectable “churrasco” and “feijoada” to the beloved “brigadeiros”, each plate is an homage to traditional Brazilian cuisine.

14. Onyx Műhely

Cuisine:European, Central European, Hungarian, International

For those with a penchant for fine dining, Onyx Muhely stands out. As Hungary’s only two Michelin-starred restaurant, this restaurant claims to fuses gastronomy with art and science. With sustainability as a cornerstone and a dedication to mentoring the next generation of culinary talent, every visit promises to be more than just a meal. So if you don’t mind to spend some extra money, this might be the experience you’re looking for.

15. M. Restaurant

Cuisine:Fusion Hungarian,European, International

M. Restaurant is a gem, and deserves a special place amongst the Budapest best restaurants. If you’re into something a bit smaller, with an intimate ambiance, book a table here. Centrally situated in Pest, M. is elegant and cozy. Melding a rich blend of modern and traditional and foods from different places, you’ll find a bit of everything – the typical Hungarian Fisherman’s soup will be there, as well as the chicken paprikash; but you might find some French specialties too, a bit of Italian, some Moroccan, or even Vietnamese.

16. Negro Mangalica

Cuisine:Traditional Hungarian,Modern

If you’re into fine dining and want to try to local cuisine, there’s another option. Located in Budapest’s 7th district, Negro Mangalica restaurant offers a tantalizing array of Hungarian culinary delights. Their specialty is the typical Mangalica pork, as well as dishes like savory ham plates with forest mushrooms and tender cuts cooked in red wine. Other traditional dishes, lile Goulash, chicken paprikash, and cottage cheese dumplings, also grace their menu, each infused with a modern twist. Committed to using high-quality ingredients, they present these dishes with flair. Their drink selection boasts Hungarian wines, pálinkas, and local specialties.