Hétkúti Wellness Hotel

Part of the Platán complex – which also includes a hotel and spa – this charming bistro sits within the same historic castle outbuilding as Two Michelin Starred Platán Gourmet. It has a pleasingly relaxed, contemporary style, and in the corner is a small shop selling desserts and ice cream. In summer you can dine beneath the branches of a 230-year-old sycamore tree on a charming stepped terrace which borders the lake. The concise menu sees robust Hungarian dishes given a refined bistro-style makeover while still staying true to their roots. Service is fittingly warm and chatty.

Start with a stroll around the pretty Old Town, then head to this historic property tucked away on a cobbled street; you enter via an enclosed courtyard and terrace, into a smart restaurant with plenty of atmosphere. Good quality produce is used to create fresh, flavoursome Hungarian dishes in a modern style. Courteous service comes from a local team.

There’s no denying that a meal at Csopaki Resti provides something a little different, as this tiny restaurant comprises just six seats and sits within the old village railway station. Because of its compact size, every diner can watch the chefs preparing the dishes in the on-view kitchen, but the four counter seats are undeniably the best place to be; wherever you sit, the chefs will serve you personally. The multi-course set menu takes on a refreshingly modern approach, while still keeping traditional Hungarian flavours to the fore.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a traditional Hungarian experience, then head straight for Petrányi Csopak. Perched high on the hillside, this period house sits within the sloping Petrányi Pince vineyard and affords lovely views out over the countryside and towards Lake Balaton in the middle distance. The menu offers a range of dishes that are inspired by the traditional home-cooked meals of the past – the kind of dishes that most Hungarian households have their own family recipes for, such as soups, stews and ragouts. The salmon trout with leek, potato, béchamel and lemon is a great

This traditional-looking tavern comes with plenty of character and is certainly a hit with the locals. There’s a rustic, slightly Mediterranean feel to the décor, which works well with its location near the lake, but the best place to sit is on the large terrace beside the working water wheel. Fairly priced, hearty Hungarian classics are the order of the day, with the meat-stuffed pancakes a speciality. Children have their own menu too, and you’ll be well looked after by the friendly owners and their team. It’s a place for every occasion, so can get very busy at peak times.