Szinyei Merse-Kastély

There are few places more relaxing to dine than on the stepped riverside terrace of this modern wood and glass building located in the heart of wine country. Szabó and his front-of-house team warmly welcome you in, while his brother Bém works behind the scenes in the kitchen preparing a concise menu of modern Hungarian dishes. Good quality produce comes from their carefully selected suppliers, whether that’s local Mangalitsa or trout from Lillafüred, which could arrive served ‘kárpáti’ style with a creamy fish bone sauce. Considering the location, a Tokaj wine is the natural accompaniment.

If wine’s your thing, you can’t go wrong with a visit to this striking hillside building in the heart of wine country. You must open, of course, with one of their own Sauska wines in the smart bar, before heading through to the sleek restaurant whose wonderful terrace offers views over the vines below. There’s a small à la carte of refined, eye-catching dishes as well as two tasting menus on offer, one themed around Tokaj itself – choose this option along with their local wine recommendations to fully immerse yourself in the region. To really complete the experience, ask for a peek into their

The Andrássy Kúria & Spa hotel sits within a 200-year-old manor house once used as a hunting lodge by the Andrássy family, and the warmly run talu restaurant occupies its impressive vaulted cellar – as well as spilling out onto its terrace in the warmer months. The chef reinterprets traditional regional and family recipes to create modern versions of old favourites, with Hungarian produce such as Mangalitsa pork kept to the fore. Local Tokaj wines are also a draw, with many available by the glass; a stay one of their bedrooms provides the perfect excuse to sample more than one!

Simplicity leads the way at this endearing restaurant set just a short stroll from the River Tisza. The room has an unfussy lodge style and there’s plenty of outdoor space courtesy of both a front and rear terrace. Cooking is fresh and well-executed, and offers something for everyone, from Hungarian classics to pizzas, burgers and street food. The wood-fired oven plays a key role, and everything is prepared with love and care.