Top 6 Places to Eat in Budapest

Written by Chloe Davies, Keith Roberts
07/09/2025
Stunning view of the Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest glowing against the night sky.
Nikolay Tenev, Pexels

Budapest's dining scene offers a rich tapestry of flavors, ranging from authentic Hungarian dishes and lively street food to sophisticated Michelin-starred experiences, catering to a wide array of preferences and budgets.

1. Stand

Cuisine: Modern Hungarian Fine Dining

Stand is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant offering a contemporary take on Hungarian cuisine. The dining experience is refined yet informal, with a glass-fronted show kitchen allowing guests to observe the chefs at work. Expect creative dishes crafted from sustainably sourced regional ingredients, paired with an excellent selection of Hungarian wines.

Price: Approximately 219 USD+ per person for a tasting menu (excluding wine pairings)

Getting There: Located in the city center, a short walk from the Opera House.

2. Borkonyha Winekitchen

Cuisine: Elevated Modern Hungarian & French Bistro

Awarded a Michelin star, Borkonyha Winekitchen combines French bistro style with contemporary Hungarian cuisine. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the restaurant is renowned for its extensive list of Hungarian wines, with many available by the glass. Dishes are inventive, featuring high-quality ingredients. Trust the sommelier for wine pairings to enhance the meal.

Price: Main courses typically range around 5,000 – 6,000 HUF (approx. 14-17 USD) with tasting menus being higher.

Getting There: Situated near St. Stephen's Basilica, easily accessible on foot in the city center.

3. Gettó Gulyás

Cuisine: Authentic Hungarian

Nestled in the Jewish Quarter, Gettó Gulyás offers a trendy yet authentic experience with traditional Hungarian dishes in a retro setting. It is popular for its goulash soup and various paprikash dishes, including unique options like rooster testicle paprikash. The atmosphere is lively, and it is highly recommended to book a table, especially on weekends.

Price: Main courses generally offer good value, around €15-20 (approx. 16-22 USD) for two mains and wine.

Getting There: Located in the Jewish Quarter, approximately 50 meters from the Grand Synagogue, easily reachable by public transport or walking from central areas.

4. Menza Étterem és Kávéház

Cuisine: Contemporary Hungarian with a Retro Twist

Menza provides a fun and relaxed dining experience with its bright, retro decor and a menu that puts a modern spin on classic Hungarian dishes. Popular choices include cold strawberry soup, duck leg ratatouille, and veal paprikash. Its central location on Liszt Ferenc Square makes it a convenient and popular spot for both locals and visitors, including good options for lunch.

Price: Mains typically range from €12-18 (approx. 13-20 USD).

Getting There: Located on Liszt Ferenc tér, a vibrant square easily accessible by metro or tram, and within walking distance from many central attractions.

5. Mazel Tov

Cuisine: Modern Israeli-Mediterranean

Mazel Tov is a unique 'ruin bar' restaurant in the Jewish Quarter, featuring a spacious glass-roofed courtyard filled with plants and a lively atmosphere. It serves delicious Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired small plates such as falafel, shawarma, hummus, and shakshuka, alongside inventive cocktails. It's an ideal spot for groups and those seeking a vibrant, social dining experience with live music. Booking ahead is highly recommended due to its popularity.

Price: Mid-range, typically falling into the €€ category, with main courses around 4,000-7,000 HUF (approx. 11-20 USD).

Getting There: Located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter (District VII), close to major ruin bars, easily accessible on foot or by public transport.

6. Retró Lángos Büfé

Cuisine: Hungarian Street Food (Lángos)

For a quintessential Hungarian street food experience, Retró Lángos Büfé is highly regarded for serving some of the best lángos in Budapest. Lángos is a crispy deep-fried dough that can be topped with various ingredients like sour cream, cheese, and garlic. It's a casual, no-frills spot perfect for a quick, authentic, and satisfying bite. They also offer gluten-free options.

Price: Super reasonable, with classic lángos around 2,400 HUF (approx. 6-7 USD) and other options ranging from €3-6 (approx. 3-7 USD).

Getting There: This popular stall is located near Nyugati Railway Station and the Arany János utca Metro, making it easily accessible.

Check out our other pages on Budapest

Things to Do icon Things to Do Getting There icon Getting There Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays