€€Modern Cuisine
The owners of this restaurant in up-and-coming District 7 also have a farm in Biatorbágy, on the outskirts of the city, where they grow their own fruit and veg. Menus comprise a mix of meat, fish and plant-based combinations, and the use of traditional Hungarian recipes results in hearty, wholesome cooking. There’s a natural feel to both the appearance and the flavour of the dishes, as well as to the accompanying natural, biodynamic and organic wines, which are sourced from vineyards in close proximity to the city.
€€€Modern Cuisine
Set almost opposite its sister restaurant, Borkonyha Winekitchen, is this stylish, design-led brasserie with a relaxed atmosphere, a living wall of moss and a central wooden ‘tree’. Seasonally led dishes are ambitious and creative, and there are some real gems from Hungary on the wine list.
€€€€Japanese
Wherever you hail from, there’s a high chance you’ll have heard of Nobu, as the group’s restaurants now span the globe. At the Budapest branch – which sits inside a chic hotel – you’ll find a stylish, minimalist aesthetic that takes in wooden tables, fretwork screens and Japanese lanterns. The extensive menu follows the usual Nobu format, with a wide range of sushi and both hot and cold Nobu classics (such as miso black cod or yellowtail tartare with caviar), and there’s also a section dedicated to Wagyu beef. Bento boxes are available at lunch and there’s an omakase on offer for the undecided
€€Contemporary
This contemporary eatery stands out amongst the myriad choices on vibrant Október Street, both for its smooth service and its modern, well-presented cooking – and it's certainly a popular spot. The menu sees traditional Hungarian recipes brought up-to-date, and there’s a range of daily specials and an excellent value lunch menu on offer too. You might find smoked catfish with onions and sesame seeds, followed by veal with bread dumplings and sage, then, for dessert, crème brûlée accompanied by seasonal fruit. Local beers and wines complete the picture.
€€€Contemporary
Located in an old townhouse midway between the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and St. Stephen's Basilica, Bilanx takes a fresh, modern approach to dining out. Its interior is sparsely decorated, with varnished wooden chairs set at white-tile-topped tables, while neon light strips create glowing archways above and pop music plays through the speakers. The chef offers a tasting menu which combines his two loves – Hungarian produce and classical French techniques, so you’ll find dishes like Mangalitsa pork with choron sauce and parsley root cream. There’s also an interesting three-course menu available a
€€€€Modern Cuisine
Pinpointing the Onyx experience can be a challenging task, as this is a place that undergoes constant evolution in the pursuit of self-improvement. What can be said, is that you will be part of a truly immersive experience, as you arrive at the same time as your fellow guests, ready to share a memorable evening together. The communal experience is a stimulating, sensory and provocative one, that uses a multi-course tasting menu to showcase the development of food in the past, present and future. Without giving too much away, your night here will include light, sound, capes and contemplation!
€€€International
The Matild Palace Hotel – one of a pair of matching belle époque palaces bult by the Archduchess of Austria – is a grand building in a stunning setting beside the Elizabeth Bridge. It’s fitting then, that it’s home to a smart restaurant run by an Austrian Chef. Wolfgang Puck’s fun dining concept brings something a little different to Budapest’s culinary scene, with a selection of appealing, well-executed dishes that draw their inspiration from across the world. From Hungarian buffalo steak tartare and Austrian wiener schnitzel to scallop pad thai and some delicious pastas, everything is here.
€€Italian
Romance is in the air at this elegant, high-ceilinged restaurant inside the Dorothea Hotel in the heart of Budapest. Start with a classic cocktail in the chic bar, then move on to Italian favourites, from delicious focaccias and salads dressed at the table to freshly made pizzas, pastas and risottos. The spaghetti cacio e pepe is not to be missed, and the tiramisu is large enough to share. Much of the produce is imported from Italy and the authentic flavours shine through. Service is friendly and professional, with the staff keen to recommend both dishes and wines.
€€€Spanish Contemporary, Hungarian
Take the dedicated lift up to the seventh floor of the Dorothea Hotel and you’ll be warmly greeted with magical views across the river towards Budapest Castle. Start with one of their signature cocktails on the terrace to take it all in, then choose from a menu that fuses Hungary and Spain with aplomb. From rock prawn tempura to their signature ‘Garcia’ burgers or chicken stuffed with morels – as well as dishes to share – everything is generously proportioned and expertly delivered. Providing a perfect match is a wine list that favours, you may have guessed it, Hungary and Spain.
€€€French
The Four Seasons Gresham Palace hotel is a beautiful art nouveau building which was constructed in 1906 for the Gresham Life Assurance Company. Set in the heart of Budapest, directly opposite the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, its restaurant makes the perfect place to dine when visiting the city. The relaxed, cosy atmosphere is matched perfectly by a menu of familiar French brasserie classics, with a few Hungarian dishes thrown in. The steak tartare is made at the table, the roast chicken for two is carved in front of you and the rum baba is a hit.
€€€€Modern Cuisine
Rustic charm abounds at this laid-back restaurant, from the décor to the vaulted brick ceiling. Seasonality is key here and Chef János takes time to visit his small, artisan suppliers personally. His travels inform the interesting set menu (go for the longer version), with vegetables treated as reverently as meat and fish, and curing, pickling and ageing all playing their part. Knowledgably prepared, consummately seasoned dishes have a delicate touch and could include grey catfish with buckwheat or duck with celery and pine. The unobtrusive, expertly paced service is spot-on too.
€€Moroccan
Named after the vibrant botanical garden in Marrakesh, this Moroccan restaurant, set in an impressive five-storey building boasting a balconied frontage, certainly won’t disappoint. All the Moroccan greats are here, from pastilla and briouats to zaalouk and tajines, and Chef Saad imports his spices directly, so his dishes burst with authentic combinations of spicy and sweet. Sharing is a given, but maybe not when it comes to the delicious jawhara (crisp layered pastry filled with orange blossom cream). The fresh mint tea is a must-try, delivered by a warm, friendly team.
€€Modern Cuisine
This stylish bar-cum-restaurant is owned by a small boutique winery and the creative dishes are designed to match their wines – some of which aren’t sold anywhere else in the world! The evening sees an à la carte menu that appeals to all, while during the day there’s a great value set lunch that’s a hit with the business community. Dishes are refined and well-presented, with a mix of local and international flavours; you might find salmon trout with blueberries and goat's cheese or Mangalitsa shoulder with butternut squash and peach. For the full experience, go for the 'Made in Hungary' chef’s
€€€Mediterranean Cuisine
FELIX Kitchen & Bar sits behind the breathtaking neo-renaissance façade of the Várkert Kioszk, a building whose original function was to pump water to the Royal Palace. Today, along with a gallery, it’s now home to this plush restaurant boasting a stunningly restored ceiling and an air-conditioned terrace. While maintaining a certain air of elegance that’s suited to the historic building, it takes on something of a Mediterranean vibe, serving an extensive range of dishes that covers everything from carpaccios and risottos to mezze plates and lobster to share.
€€€International, South American
Housed within a boutique hotel, Umo comprises two parts: a contemporary brasserie in the atrium, and an enclosed courtyard towards the back of the building. The latter was formerly a monastery and is a wonderful place to sit – it even comes complete with an open kitchen where dishes are cooked over flames and smoke. Menus showcase the best of Latin American flavours, with everything from ceviches and a baja shrimp cocktail to a selection of fire-cooked meats and some delicious churros. A fine range of gins is on offer alongside the in-depth wine list, and the super-friendly team bring the whol
€Russian
The younger sibling of Arany Kaviár sits on the ground floor of a characterful hotel that was once a monastery. The cuisine here, too, has a Russian theme, with plenty of favourites such as chicken Kiev and some delicious pelmeni (dumplings). The young team are bright and friendly, and a concise list of Hungarian wines completes the picture.
€€Traditional Cuisine
There’s always a contented buzz to this neighbourhood bistro on the Buda side of the Danube. It’s owned by the same team as Stand, so their ethos around quality is the same, and you’ll be looked after by a slick team. Cooking focuses on Hungarian classics with a Mediterranean edge and, while dishes are hearty with robust flavours, they also have a refined edge.
€€€€Modern Cuisine
As its name implies, caviar plays a starring role here, with a range of almost 20 Hungarian and Siberian options on offer, as well as two different caviar tasting experiences. French and Russian influences guide the cooking, with the à la carte featuring a selection of dishes which have appeared on the menu since their opening under the heading 'Since 1990', and the tasting menu showcasing the chef's favourite creations. Sit in the opulent, richly appointed dining room or the more modern extension which opens out onto the garden – or book the Chef’s Table to really get in on the action.
€€Hungarian
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.
€€Hungarian, Modern Cuisine
Zazie Bistro sits within the tallest skyscraper in Budapest, the MOL Campus, and offers some great views out over the city. It’s a spacious place that incorporates a large open restaurant, a terrace and even a café. The chef brings with him plenty of experience, which shines through in the well-executed, classically inspired, rustic dishes. These could include chilled fruit soups in the summer, or a top-class schnitzel with deliciously creamy potato salad – with the potatoes supplied by the chef’s brother-in-law. There’s also a great value business lunch on offer.
€€€Meats and Grills, Latin American
Set away from the city centre in the old Goldberger textile factory, this lovely warehouse conversion comprises a wine shop, an impressive bar, a large dining room with a terrace and a smaller anteroom offering counter dining. The stunning shop comes complete with an incredible selection of wines from around the country – including from the owner’s vineyard (Haraszthy Wines in Etyek) – as well as a Harley Davidson, a Porsche and a Rolls Royce. The food has a strong Latin American base but it’s their own charcuterie and succulent steaks from the Josper grill that lead the way.
€€€€Modern Cuisine
Three hours pass in a flash at this intimate little restaurant, which is proudly run by a friendly couple. Dinner starts at 7pm, with Fanni welcoming guests and looking after their every need. Dávid, meanwhile, is behind the scenes preparing a very personalised multi-course set menu that combines classic Hungarian favourites with family recipes and his childhood memories. Dishes have a feel-good factor, from tarragon soup with charcoal-roasted Mangalitsa to sugar bread with ice cream, caramel and Tokaji jus – and Dávid tells their story to the room as he brings each one out of the kitchen or f
€€€€Modern Cuisine
Restaurant
🕐 Tu-Sa 12:00-15:00,18:00-23:00
€€€€Modern Cuisine, Creative
Restaurant
€€€Modern Cuisine
Restaurant
🕐 We-Sa 11:30-22:30
€€Italian
Restaurant