Gilde Panzió

Portuguese Chef-Owner Tiago and his Hungarian wife Éva have created a warmly run and deliciously different restaurant in the heart of the city. A bright front room with arched windows leads past the open kitchen to a more intimate room where patches of blue and white tiling hint at Tiago’s heritage. At dinner, pick from 5 or 7 courses – some have choices, allowing you to lead with either Portuguese or Hungarian influences, or to combine them for the best of both worlds. The interesting, flavour-packed dishes are poised and elegant, and Tiago has a deft touch when it comes to seasoning.

While it would be easy to do, to pass by this unassuming-looking restaurant near the Basilica would be a mistake. The kitchen here sources top-class ingredients, treats them with the utmost respect and allows them to shine. Subtle Hungarian influences run throughout dishes which are well-conceived, skilfully executed and have a notable intensity of flavour. There is an à la carte, but go for the tasting menu for the best experience. Wines are key here too: they offer 100 labels, including some of Hungary’s top producers, with many available by the glass.

After travelling the world, Chef Jenő returned home to open this unique restaurant. Located in the heart of the city, it comes with concrete walls hung with mirrors, and a 21-seater counter which wraps around the large open kitchen. Red leather stools and placemats provide colour, while a trendy soundtrack adds to the vibe. The set menu showcases elements from Jenő’s travels via a series of refined, creative, sometimes playful dishes that burst with flavour. These are matched by some serious wine pairings, with the Hungarian option offering some wonderfully unique, bespoke choices.

Within a boutique hotel sits this small, sophisticated restaurant, whose open kitchen forms an integral part of the stylishly lit room. Shelves are full of jars containing colourfully preserved foraged fruits, vegetables and herbs, and the butter, lardo and Mangalitsa ham are all produced in-house. The surprise set menu is made up of intricate, exquisitely constructed dishes – many of which are updated versions of classic Hungarian recipes – and tables all face the wood-clad ‘pass’, where the chefs assemble the dishes in front of your eyes with skill and dexterity.

Elegance and sophistication lead the way at Costes, from the smart décor to the well-orchestrated service. Ask for a seat to the front of the main room for a feeling of space, then enjoy the eager anticipation as the sommelier presents an exceptional, mostly Hungarian wine selection. The modern 7 course tasting menu comprises memorable dishes which not only look stunning with their bright colours and artistic style, but are packed with vibrant, complementary flavours. Seasonality plays an important role here too, with the featured ingredients always informing you of what’s in season right now.

A pastel blue townhouse plays host to this series of intimate, elegant dining rooms, but many favour a spot in the striking glass-enclosed terrace overlooking the street. The multi-course menu opens with dishes inspired by the chef’s global travels, before moving on to offer refined versions of more local recipes. Beautifully presented, wonderfully flavoured Hungarian produce might include Danube salmon – accompanied by caviar, butter sauce and dill – or aged Mangalitsa ham with white asparagus, morels and chervil. Charming service and an impressive wine cellar add to the experience, as do the

Set within the former Goldberger textile factory, Goli refers to the nickname the locals gave to this historic building. It’s a small place with a simple terrace and a colourful, cramped interior, but it’s gloriously friendly and positive vibes simply pour out of the kitchen. Sit at the counter to talk with the chefs, who are eager to guide you through the menu of fresh, tasty Middle Eastern favourites, from warm pita, vibrant salads, and green beans with chilli and lemon, to charred entrecôte with tahini. Deliciously fruity soft drinks and cocktails complete your meal.