Budapest is a city of contrasts, dynamic and with a very varied and complete gastronomic offer that make up the authentic Hungarian cuisine. 

Don’t turn lunch into a mere formality and take your time to enjoy every nuance in the flavours, discover new spices and let yourself be enveloped by the roots of the most Hungarian recipes. 

Here is a list of the best Hungarian restaurants where it’s not so much the décor that matters as what’s on the table.

Bors GasztroBar

Kazinczy u. 10, 1075 Budapest

An amazing street food bistro. One of the best rated both on social networks and by professionals in the sector. And we must make it clear that street food is not the same as fast food. 

Although the format may sometimes seem the same, the difference can be seen in the content and quality. 

To clear up any doubts, we recommend that, on your first visit, you order grilled baguettes, half or full portions, or some kind of hot soup or stew. There you will discover a typical taste of the area, full of nuances and high quality. 

It’s a lively place, with a youthful atmosphere and a great positive energy. You will find a lot of locals eating and ordering there, and as we know, this is a great sign of quality. 

You can find this place in the Jewish quarter, with other great street food places like the Karavan market or one of the most famous ruin bars; Szimpla Kert. This neighbourhood is a vibrant and dynamic area of the city, with interesting shops, bars and numerous venues.

Menza Restaurant and Café

2 Liszt Ferenc tér 

From coffee to fine dining. This is what this canteen disguised as a café, or vice versa, is all about. Its décor is reminiscent of this type of place from the 60s and 70s. 

It is highly recommended to go having booked in advance, and that speaks for itself. It is very busy and no wonder. The food is very tasty and the service is great, all in a great location to continue discovering the city afterwards.  

If you are in doubt about which dish might be the best for you, let yourself be carried away by their menu, and this way you will be sure to get it right. All of their dishes, and we emphasise all of them, are delicious.  

Gozsdu Udvar

Gozsdu udvar, 1075 Budapest

This last place is not a place per se, but rather a whole area. 

It is a complex of seven interconnected buildings with six courtyards in the heart of the Jewish quarter, with numerous restaurants serving typical Hungarian food, as well as some more international options, cafés, shops and bars. 

The profile of visitors is not limited to tourists, as many locals are part of the radiant atmosphere. Some of the establishments can be considered a little more exclusive than those in other places such as Szimpla Kert. 

It is a great place to spend the evening and enjoy a pleasant and dynamic atmosphere.

Rézkakas Bistro Easy Terasz

Sas u 3, 1051

This street contains many of the best bistros and restaurants in the city. Let the majestic St. Stephen’s Basilica be your penultimate stop of the day and end your day with the best dishes in the country.

The first thing you’ll find in this bistro is a cosy interior dominated by wood, the warmth of elegance and attention to detail. A special charm that only unique places can achieve.

Enjoy a luxury dinner inside or on the terrace, where you can pair the most delicious flavours with the small Hungarian oenological works of art in their showcases.   

Let live classical music be the backdrop to a journey where chef Daniel Bernat will take you to explore the most traditional flavours of Hungarian cuisine from a new and exciting perspective. His expertise and creativity will leave you speechless.

Borkonyha Winekitchen

Sas u 3, 1051

We continue our review with a stop that is a must if you are looking for quality with capital letters. We have arrived at Borkonyha Winekitchen, which has a Michelin star in its possession, achieved and retained since 2018.

Its décor evokes tradition and simplicity. It may even remind you of a traditional Hungarian canteen, but what is presented on the table is something totally innovative and creative.

Chef Ákos Sárközi uses the best ingredients from the region for his creations, which can be conceived as handcrafted works of art, they are as ephemeral as absolutely delicious. 

He has defined his own style as “free”, capturing the essence of Transylvanian cuisine with Spanish, French or Italian Mediterranean nuances and making ones the inspiration for the others.

Special mention should be made of the incredible range of wines, where more than 100 brands are offered with nuances and intensities that cover the national geography. At the same level is the service, which makes this a place that will be the highlight of your trip to Budapest.

Aszú Étterem

Sas u 4, 1051

Without leaving the neighbourhood, or even the street, you simply cross the pavement and you have arrived at our new destination; Aszú Étterem.

A gilded wood interior carved with care and craftsmanship is the dominant decoration. This gives it a calm and cosy appearance. 

They understand their cuisine as a place where the roots run deep but let the contemporary cuisine show its full potential. Their wine list is extensive and tasteful. 

Attentive and professional staff, live music and a great atmosphere will make your meal here an experience.