Puszta Hotel

Set on a cobbled street in the Old Town, alongside the castle walls, this bright, colourful bistro is known by food-lovers across the country – and it certainly deserves its reputation. It’s family-owned and professionally run by a friendly team, and the menu is an appealing mix of colourful Hungarian and Mediterranean dishes. While classic flavours are in abundance, presentation is decidedly modern; the wild boar soup is not to be missed, as is the beef cheek goulash. As well as a wine shop, they also have bedrooms, and in summer you can sit in the courtyard beside the working water wheel.

This lovely neighbourhood restaurant sits in a small village in the Bükk Mountains and is run by charming couple Adam and Luca. It couldn’t be a bigger part of the community. Not only does it reside in Adam’s home village, but the locals get involved by growing produce for them – and that's without considering the host of events on offer, from live music and guest chef evenings to seasonal Farmers' Markets. The generously proportioned, country-style dishes change with the seasons and use every part of the ingredient. In summer, sit on the decked terrace; in winter, cosy up beside the fire.

Set on a main street in the heart of the city, IKON stands out among the other eateries for its smart look, structured service and confident cooking. The chef spent time working in England and his dishes are an intriguing mix of reworked Hungarian classics and some British influences – go for something from the ‘Traditions Reborn’ section and be sure not to miss dessert. For a more immersive experience, book the chic Kitchen Table.

Expectation builds as you follow the winding road that leads up to the Avalon Resort & SPA hotel in the Bükk Mountains. A village unto itself, it’s a family friendly place – and the restaurant’s menu reflects this. There’s something for everyone here, from pizzas and pastas to Wagyu cooked on the Josper grill, while the wine list offers a great selection to accompany your meal. Sit in the stylish bar beside the open kitchen or head through further into the conservatory.

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.

It might be tucked away in the suburbs, but this neighbourhood bistro is so highly regarded that plenty of people come from further afield. The cosy terrace has its own wooden bar, and the split-level interior has a relaxed, traditional feel. The ever-evolving menu of seasonal dishes offers something for everyone, and the lunchtime options are great value; keep an eye out for the Bird’s milk and orange egg white foam dessert.

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!