Richter Pansion

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.

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.

Whether you’re after a drink, a snack or a full meal, this neighbourhood spot is for you if you’re after a laid-back vibe. It’s a spacious place, with a large terrace-cum-garden to boot, but the efficient team cope well with the numbers. Dishes offer a diverse range of influences, but there’s always a Hungarian vein running through their hearts. The tasting menus with matching wines are worth ordering, the gödöllő chicken breast is delicious and, for dessert, it has to be the esterházy. You can even buy a post-dessert ice cream for the way home.

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.

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.

It might have changed location, but a warm welcome and great value food awaits at 94' Konyha & Bar. The super-fresh, vibrantly flavoured cooking has a clear Vietnamese heart, with dishes including a tasty pho and creations such as their own 94' Gohan – a blend of beef, fried rice and XO sauce – but you’ll find some other Asian flavours at play here too. The ‘Lunch Break’ menu is a particular steal and always be sure to finish with a Vietnamese coffee, you won't regret it.