Ilona Panzió

It’s all in the name. Set in a small village on the southern banks of Lake Balaton, just a stone’s throw from the water, this intimate bistro follows a purely local ethos. From the fixtures and fittings to the furnishings and the food, everything you see has been produced in the region. The rustic small plates have a fittingly traditional Hungarian heart and come with bold flavours – you might find green pea soup with goat’s cheese and mint, followed by rabbit with vegetable sauce and bread pudding. Choose four per person or opt for the excellent value Chef’s Menu of current kitchen favourites

Take the lift to the 3rd floor of the Balaton Üzletház shopping mall and you’ll find this bright restaurant with a smart interior and a partial view over the lake. Chef and well-known personality, Gabriella Szikra – kitted out in her trademark cap – has a genuine desire to please, and her modern Hungarian dishes come with bold flavours and arty presentation. Be sure to go for the excellent local wine pairings.