Szőnyi Garden 酒店 Pest

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.

You’ll be greeted as if you’re a regular diner here, even on your first visit, which immediately sets a cheerful tone. The welcoming team come, in part, from the Bock Bistzró stable – and they know how to look after their guests. The surroundings might be modern, but there’s a traditional element to the menu, which looks to the Hungarian larder for its base. Expect seasonally changing dishes such as a tasty vichyssoise soup, followed by juicy wild boar and then a delicious poppy seed cake. 95% of the wines are Hungarian, and everything comes at a great price.

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.

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.

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.

Tucked away in the city centre on a small square, Cabrio’s tree-shaded terrace is the perfect place to kick back with a glass of wine. A 100% natural wine bar, it offers generously priced bottles from both Hungary and across Europe, and comes with a vintage look and a trendy vibe. The friendly team are keen to offer recommendations when it comes to both the wine and the concise selection of seasonal small plates (three per person is about right). Boldly flavoured, well-judged combinations could include burnt celeriac carpaccio, salmon trout tartare with green gazpacho or raspberry chocolate cr