Hungry for adventure: the ultimate guide to Budapest’s best restaurants & bars🍸
Welcome to Budapest, a foodie’s paradise where the culinary scene is as diverse as the city itself! From fine dining to delightful street food, this gastronomic melting pot on the banks of the Danube will inspire your taste buds and leave you craving more.
❣️ P.S. If you’re looking for more activities to fill your day in Budapest, check out our article!
Read our list of the best places to eat in Budapest, perfect for every budget and palate.
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🍴 Must-try restaurants in Budapest
#1 Onyx
Get ready to be wowed at Onyx, one of the most illustrious culinary spots in town. With two Michelin stars, Chef Ádám Mészáros has crafted a perfect blend of Hungarian heritage and innovation. Plus, the wine list featuring Hungarian vineyards take the whole experience to divine levels.
#2 Costes Downtown
Another Michelin-star dining chance in the heart of Budapest? Yes, please! Costes Downtown’s Chef Tiago Sabarigo’s creative twists on Hungarian classics will leave you wanting more. And the refined interior adds a touch of sophistication to your meal.
#3 MÁK Bistro
For a contemporary twist on traditional Hungarian cuisine, head to MÁK Bistro. Known for its minimalist and stylish design, the restaurant offers you a rotating seasonal menu crafted from local ingredients. Chef János Mizsei’s attention to detail and innovative dishes has made MÁK Bistro a shining star on Budapest’s food map.
#4 Rosenstein
Craving traditional Hungarian Jewish cuisine? Rosenstein, with warm, family-friendly vibes, is your go-to spot! Classic dishes like goulash and stuffed cabbage are transformed into masterpieces by Chef Tibor Rosenstein.
#5 Tasting Table
Wine lovers, run to Tasting Table. Enjoy the vast range of Hungarian wines, and this bar’s specialization in curating tasting experiences. Take a guided tasting session paired with locally sourced charcuterie and cheese while learning everything about wines from passionate sommeliers.
🥪 Street Food in Budapest
Beyond the fancy restaurants, Budapest’s street-food scene is buzzing with delights:
#1 Street Food Karaván
Located next to the famous Szimpla Kert ruin bar, Karaván is a foodie hotspot. With a variety of food trucks serving everything from traditional Hungarian langos (a deep-fried flatbread topped with sour cream and cheese) to gourmet sausages and vegan burgers, your cravings will be satisfied.
This MEININGER article offers you the complete veggie food guide to the best places in Budapest for vegetarians.
#2 Bors Gastro Bar
Small but mighty, Bors Gastro Bar is famous for its inventive soups, stews, and sandwiches. Find it in the Jewish Quarter, ready to tempt you with its daily specials combining flavors from around the world. Don’t miss their French Lady soup, it’s truly out of this wolrd!
#3 Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake)
A trip to Budapest is never complete without trying the iconic Kürtőskalács, also known as Chimney Cake! These sweet, spiral-shaped pastries, cooked over an open fire and covered in sugar, are street-food perfection. Look for a street vendor at Váci Street, or around the Great Market Hall.
#4 Great Market Hall
And talking about the Great Market Hall in Budapest… It’s a true paradise for all of you, food lovers. As you stroll around its aisles, you can savor traditional dishes like goulash, stuffed peppers, Hungarian sausages, or local cheeses. And of course, remember to try local wines and pálinka, the traditional Hungarian fruit brandy.
We know that the Grand Market Hall is a must-see in Budapest. That’s why we’ve dedicated a separate article to this wonderful Hungarian gem! And did we mention that our MEININGER Budapest Grand Market Hall is just around the corner?
🍹 Bar hopping, Budapest style
Once your stomach’s satisfied, let’s explore the lively bars and nightlife of Budapest:
#1 Szimpla Kert
Experience Budapest’s iconic “ruin bars” and feel like a local. Start with Szimpla Kert. With its mismatched furniture, quirky decor, and energetic vibe, it’s the best place to enjoy local beers, wines, and innovative cocktails in combo with live music and film screenings.
#2 Boutiq’Bar
A cocktail paradise, Boutiq’Bar is among the World’s 50 Best Bars and a must-visit. Their beautifully presented cocktails served in a 1920s-inspired setting are simply divine. And the knowledgeable and friendly staff are always ready to guide you through the menu and give you tips.
#3 iF Jazz Café
Jazz lovers, this one’s for you! Enjoy nightly live concerts while savoring the local cuisine at iF Café; just a short walk from the MEININGER Budapest Great Market Hall. There’s also a live concert every night from 7:30 PM.
#4 High Note SkyBar
For breathtaking views, head to High Note SkyBar atop the Aria Hotel. Sip creative cocktails, unique wines, and craft beers against the stunning backdrop of St. Stephen’s Basilica.
📸 This rooftop bar is surely the perfect place to take your next Insta photo. We’ve put together an article on the most instagrammable places in Budapest to keep your feed shining!
#5 Könyvbár
Calling all bookworms! Könyvbár offers you a truly special experience. Praised by both local and international press, its menu is inspired by popular books like Harry Potter, Poirot, The Da Vinci Code, The Pillars of the Earth, Chocolat, The Jungle Book, and many more. Wow! Such a unique spot to enjoy the best food in Budapest.
From the Michelin stars to street food delights, Budapest’s culinary adventure will leave you amazed. Pack your bags and get ready to explore this gastronomic wonderland. And while you’re at it, our centrally located hotel is the perfect base for your food adventures. Bon appétit and cheers to a delicious Budapest experience!
Where to eat in Budapest: FAQs
What are the top fine-dining restaurants in Budapest?
Budapest is home to several high-end restaurants. The top ones include Onyx, which has earned two Michelin stars for its innovative interpretation of Hungarian cuisine; and Costes Downtown, another Michelin-starred establishment known for its modern take on traditional dishes. MÁK Bistro is also a notable destination for its seasonal menu and contemporary approach to Hungarian cuisine.
Are these fine dining establishments vegetarian, or vegan-friendly?
Most fine dining establishments in Budapest, including Onyx, Costes Downtown, and MÁK Bistro, typically offer vegetarian options. Vegan dishes might be less common but can usually be prepared upon request. We recommend informing the restaurant while making a reservation if you have specific dietary requirements.
Where can I find traditional Hungarian street food in Budapest?
Find traditional Hungarian street-food in many locations across Budapest. Karaván and Street Food Karavan are two popular food-truck parks that offer you a wide variety of street food, including traditional Hungarian dishes like langos. Bors Gastro Bar is known for its creative soups and sandwiches while TöLTő specializes in gourmet sausages.
What is a 'ruin bar'?
A 'ruin bar' is a unique type of bar that’s very typical of Budapest. These bars are typically located in abandoned buildings or factories, and are decorated with eclectic, mismatched furniture and quirky art. Szimpla Kert, located next to the street-food market Karaván, is the first and one of the most famous ruin bars in Budapest!
What is a signature Hungarian street-food dish I should try?
Langos, a deep-fried flatbread traditionally topped with sour cream and cheese, is a must-try type of street food in Budapest. For something sweet, get your hands on Kürtőskalács, aka Chimney Cake, a spiral-shaped pastry cooked over an open fire and covered in sugar.
Are these street-food locations open all year round?
Most street-food locations in Budapest, such as Karaván and Street Food Karavan, operate year-round. However, opening hours may vary by season and weather conditions. Make sure you check their official websites, or social media pages for the most up-to-date info.
🛎️ Where to stay in Budapest?
The MEININGER Budapest Great Market Hall, in the center of Budapest, is a great base to stay at while you discover the city’s amazing food spots.
