Budapest is Hungary's capital and largest city, straddling the Danube River between the historic Buda and Pest sides. The city is famous for its stunning architecture, thermal baths, vibrant ruin bars, and rich cultural heritage. Budapest is one of Europe's most beautiful cities, blending imperial grandeur with modern energy.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Onyx Restaurant
Budapest's most acclaimed fine dining restaurant with two Michelin stars. Onyx offers innovative Hungarian tasting menus that reimagine traditional Magyar flavors with contemporary techniques. The elegant dining room with its black-and-gold Art Deco interior is on Vörösmarty Square, and reservations are essential months in advance.
Vörösmarty tér 7-8, Budapest 1051, Hungary
Costes Restaurant
The first Hungarian restaurant to receive a Michelin star (2010), Costes serves creative European cuisine with seasonal Hungarian ingredients. Elegant and understated, it offers tasting menus and à la carte options in a chic contemporary setting in the IX. district. Exceptional wine list focusing on Hungarian wines.
Ráday utca 4, Budapest 1092, Hungary
Stand Restaurant
A Michelin-starred contemporary Hungarian restaurant run by Chef Tamás Széll, winner of the Bocuse d'Or Europe competition. Stand focuses on premium Hungarian ingredients and modern culinary techniques, offering refined tasting menus in an elegant but welcoming atmosphere. One of Budapest's most creative dining experiences.
Székely Mihály utca 2, Budapest 1061, Hungary
SALT Restaurant
An intimate and highly acclaimed fine dining restaurant in a charming townhouse setting, SALT offers creative tasting menus that change with the seasons. Known for exceptional attention to detail and a focus on local and seasonal produce. Michelin recommended with a warm, personal atmosphere.
Alkotmány utca 21, Budapest 1054, Hungary
Gerbeaud Café
Budapest's most legendary café, Gerbeaud has been serving guests since 1858. Located on Vörösmarty Square, it is famous for its elaborate pastries, ice creams, pralines, and chocolates. The elegant interior with marble tables, chandeliers, and oil paintings evokes imperial Budapest. A must-visit for the atmosphere alone, though prices reflect the prestige.
Vörösmarty tér 7-8, Budapest 1051, Hungary
New York Café
Housed in the magnificent Anantara New York Palace Hotel, this is arguably the most beautiful café in the world. Opened in 1894, its neo-baroque interior with gilded columns, frescoes, marble tables, and crystal chandeliers is breathtaking. The breakfast here—served with 24-carat gold coffee and Valrhona chocolate—is an experience unlike any other. Evening menu features Hungarian classics.
Erzsébet körút 9-11, Budapest 1073, Hungary
Menza
One of Budapest's most popular restaurants for modern Hungarian cuisine, Menza is set in a stylish space evoking a 1970s socialist canteen (menza means school canteen in Hungarian). The menu features updated Hungarian classics—goulash soup, stuffed cabbage, chicken paprikash—made with quality ingredients. Great value with a lively atmosphere on Liszt Ferenc tér.
Liszt Ferenc tér 2, Budapest 1061, Hungary
Borkonyha (Wine Kitchen)
A highly regarded wine-focused restaurant in the heart of central Pest, Borkonyha (Wine Kitchen) has a Michelin star and specializes in outstanding Hungarian wine pairings with creative seasonal dishes. The blackboard menu changes daily based on market availability. Casual yet refined, with one of the best natural wine selections in Budapest.
Sas utca 3, Budapest 1051, Hungary
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
European
Costes Restaurant
SALT Restaurant
Rumour Restaurant and Bar
Klassz Restaurant
Robinson Restaurant
Bistro
Déryné Bisztró
Kiosk Budapest
PEST-BUDA Bistro
Zeller Bistro
Hungarian Street Food
Molnár's Kürtőskalács
Langos at the Great Market Hall
Rákóczi Kürtős
Contemporary Hungarian
Onyx Restaurant
Babel Budapest
Hungarian
Menza
Borkonyha (Wine Kitchen)
Jewish
Rosenstein Restaurant
Sólet
Seafood
Ősbudai Halászkert (Old Buda Fisherman's Garden)
Halkakas
Australian Specialty Coffee
My Little Melbourne
Café And All
Café Vian
French
Comme Chez Soi
Historic Café
Central Kávéház
Historic Hungarian Restaurant
Múzeum Kávéház és Étterem
Hungarian Café And Breakfast
New York Café
Hungarian Dairy And Street Food
Cserpes Tejtivoda
Hungarian Pastries And Café
Gerbeaud Café
Hungarian Pork And Comfort Food
Buja Disznó
Hungarian Street Food And Casual
Gettó Gulyás
Italian
Trattoria Pomo D'Oro
Mediterranean
Padron Budapest
Middle Eastern
Mazel Tov
Modern Hungarian
Stand Restaurant
Modern International
Baraka Restaurant
Spanish
Pata Negra
Specialty Coffee And Light Meals
Kelet Café
Specialty Coffee And Pastries
Espresso Embassy
Steakhouse
Baltazár Restaurant and Grill
Traditional Hungarian
Három Testvér
Traditional Hungarian Home Cooking
Frici Papa Kifőzdéje
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |