Hotel Kristály Konferencia & Wellness

Head away from the lakeside to seek out this honest all-day bistro with a smart modern interior and a popular terrace. Dishes have a Hungarian heart and perfectly reflect the seasons, with the likes of chilled fruit soups in summer and hearty, warming dishes in winter. Meat-lovers should order the mangalitsa Wellington if they see it on the menu, while fish fanatics should come on Fridays for the special seafood menu. They offer wines from around the world, but don't pass up the opportunity to try some of the superb local Lake Balaton options.

A short walk from the southern shores of Lake Balaton, Kistücsök is part of a small hotel which comes complete with its own swimming pool. Well-regarded locally, the restaurant is known for its consistently good interpretations of classic Hungarian dishes, which have been modernised both in their composition and their look. Flavours are fresh, with the occasional global influence, and prices are reasonable. The ‘Taste of the Region’ menu with wine pairings is always a great choice, and the floating island dessert has become something of a speciality.

Your evening starts with an aperitif and snacks at the Chef's Table, before you are shown through to a barrel-vaulted cellar with an open kitchen. Here, the team work with calm efficiency and meticulous precision to create a 12 course tasting menu composed of highly sophisticated dishes packed with deep, well-balanced flavours and bags of personality. The setting beneath the castle is magical; for the full experience, stay the night in one of the nearby bedrooms and make the most of their spa.

Pajta means ‘barn’, which is where it all began for Flóra and Ferenc – in the small barn beside this glass-fronted restaurant. The whole complex has a natural feel, from the beautiful meadow to the two-storey, nature-inspired forest lodges 1km down the road (they arrange transportation). Menus change with the seasons and perfectly reflect the area, championing produce from Őrség in historical Hungarian dishes. Fermenting and pickling are a feature, adding a welcome punch to the flavour-packed creations. Neighbouring Austria and Slovenia join Hungary for a tri-country wine pairing experience.

This inviting roadside pub sits in an elevated spot and is fronted by a pleasant terrace. Inside it’s warm and welcoming with a rustic feel – thanks to a log burner crackling away on colder nights. Its name translates as ‘I cooked for you’. The concise menu lists all things Hungarian and the friendly team are happy to talk you through it and offer suggestions. The gutsy home-cooking has plenty of flavour and can be paired with a selection of local wines.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a traditional Hungarian experience, then head straight for Petrányi Csopak. Perched high on the hillside, this period house sits within the sloping Petrányi Pince vineyard and affords lovely views out over the countryside and towards Lake Balaton in the middle distance. The menu offers a range of dishes that are inspired by the traditional home-cooked meals of the past – the kind of dishes that most Hungarian households have their own family recipes for, such as soups, stews and ragouts. The salmon trout with leek, potato, béchamel and lemon is a great

An exclusive lakeside resort plays host to this elegant restaurant (if you’re not staying the night, then pre-booking is essential in high season). Grab a cocktail in the stylish bar before enjoying a carefully curated selection of contemporary Hungarian dishes which fuse tradition with inventive modern touches. Local wines are a feature, and the smooth service shows the team’s knowledge and care. If the chocolate and cherry dessert is on the menu, be sure to choose it.