Hotel Hrádok

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.

Anyukám Mondta is everything a good neighbourhood restaurant should be. It offers something to appeal to everyone, while prices cover a wide range to suit all occasions. Excellent produce is prepared with care, resulting in hearty, flavoursome dishes, and service is smooth, well-paced and comes with plenty of personality. Choose from homemade pizzas, refined modern Italian dishes and tempting daily specials – where you might find some Middle Eastern flavours too. The focaccia cooked in the wood-fired oven is a must.

A delightful villa at the base of the snow-capped Tatra mountains is the setting for this lovely, slightly Nordic-style basement restaurant where you’re welcomed in by the crackle of the log fire. The cooking offers great value for money, with top-quality produce fashioned into richly satisfying dishes, such as meltingly tender venison loin with a deep, intense reduction. If you’re exploring the area – as many skiing enthusiasts do – consider staying overnight in one of the sleek bedrooms.

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.

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.

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.

Nestled within the Bachleda hotel, this well-run restaurant provides the perfect restoration after a tiring day skiing on the nearby slopes. Go for a table by the window if you can, so you can make the most of the views of the Tatra Mountains, then order from the comfortingly classic menu that specialises in prime cuts cooked over charcoal. From a range of steaks to local lamb, it’s hearty, satisfying fare. Don’t miss the apple pie with cinnamon ice cream to finish.