The Best Restaurants in Budapest for Authentic Hungarian Cuisine

Budapest is a paradise for food lovers, offering a rich selection of restaurants where you can experience authentic Hungarian flavors. If you're looking for places that consistently deliver exceptional dishes and a great atmosphere, here are my top recommendations. But before you dive in, here some useful dining tips for Budapest:

✔ Make a reservation: Many of these restaurants are small but very popular, especially in the evenings. Booking in advance is highly recommended.

✔ Service fee included: About 90% of restaurants automatically add a 10-15% service charge to the bill. If you see "Felszolgálási díj" or "Szervízdíj" on the receipt, extra tipping is not necessary but always appreciated.

✔ Pay in forints: Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but always ask to be charged in Hungarian forints. If charged in your home currency, the restaurant’s conversion rate may result in a 20-30% loss.

Pest, 5th district (Downtown)

KIOSK Budapest

A stylish venue with a modern take on Hungarian cuisine, offering delicious seasonal dishes and a great selection of wines. Price range of main course: 3,950 - 6,500 HUF.

📍1056 Budapest, Március 15. tér 4
🔗kiosk-budapest.hu

Párisi Passage Café & Brasserie

An elegant restaurant in a beautifully restored historical building, offering exquisite Hungarian dishes. Price range of main course: 6,000 - 9,000 HUF.

📍1052 Budapest, Ferenciek tere 10
🔗parisiudvarhotel.hu

Retek Bisztró

A charming bistro offering traditional dishes in a cozy setting. Their duck leg and chicken paprikash are local favorites. Price range of main course: 5,750 - 6,550 HUF.

📍1051 Budapest, Nádor utca 5
🔗retekbisztro.hu

Pest, in or near Jewish Quarter

Gettó Gulyás

A cozy and casual spot specializing in traditional Hungarian stews and goulash. Their menu offers hearty dishes made from high-quality ingredients, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Price range of main course: 3,000 - 5,000 HUF.

📍1077 Budapest, Wesselényi u. 18
🔗gettogulyas.hu

VakVarjú Étterem Pest

A welcoming restaurant known for its oven-baked lángos and rich Hungarian dishes. Price range of main course: 3,500 - 6,500 HUF.

📍1061 Budapest, Paulay Ede utca 7
🔗pest.vakvarju.com

Menza Étterem és Kávézó

This retro-style restaurant blends nostalgic Hungarian flavors with a modern twist. A must-try is their chicken paprikash and beef stew. Price range of main course: 3,500 - 5,500 HUF.

📍1061 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc tér 2
🔗menzaetterem.hu

Korhely Faloda és Daloda

A hidden gem in the theater district, this cozy eatery serves traditional Hungarian comfort food, such as stuffed cabbage and pork knuckle. Price range of main course: 3,000 - 5,000 HUF.

📍1065 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc tér 7
🔗korhelyetterem.hu

Két Szerecsen Bisztró

A lively bistro in the heart of Budapest, offering Hungarian classics with an international twist. Their layered cabbage dish and túrós csusza (cottage cheese pasta) are highly recommended. Price range of main course: 3,500 - 5,500 HUF.

📍1065 Budapest, Nagymező u. 14
🔗ketszerecsen.hu

Spinoza Café & Restaurant

Located in the heart of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, Spinoza Café offers a unique blend of Hungarian and Jewish cuisine in a charming, old-world atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its cozy ambiance, live piano music, and signature dishes such as matzo ball soup, stuffed goose leg, and goulash. Price range: 4,000 - 7,000 HUF.

📍1074 Budapest, Dob utca 15
🔗Spinoza Café

Nokedlish – The Hungarian Noodle Bar

This unique eatery focuses on "nokedli" (Hungarian dumplings), with various delicious toppings for a quick yet satisfying meal. Price range of main course: 1,500 - 3,000 HUF.

📍1088 Budapest, Vas utca 1
🔗Facebook

Pest, near City Park

Szaletly Vendéglő és Kert

Situated near City Park, Szaletly offers a welcoming ambiance and a menu rich in classic Hungarian flavors, such as venison stew and crispy duck. Price range of main course: 4,000 - 6,000 HUF.

📍1146 Budapest, Stefánia út 93
🔗szaletly.hu

Gundel Étterem

An iconic restaurant that has been serving Hungarian cuisine since 1894. Try the famous Gundel pancake or beef tenderloin. Price range of main course: 6,000 - 15,000 HUF.

📍1146 Budapest, Gundel Károly út 4
🔗gundel.hu

Buda, in or near Castle district

Aranybástya Étterem

Located in Buda, this restaurant provides stunning views and refined Hungarian dishes. Price range of main course: 5,000 - 8,000 HUF.

📍1015 Budapest, Csónak u. 1.
🔗aranybastya.hu

Stand25 Bisztró

A casual bistro by award-winning chefs, focusing on authentic Hungarian flavors. Price range of main course: 5,000 - 7,000 HUF.

📍1013 Budapest, Attila út 10
🔗stand25.hu

Főőrség Étterem és Kávéház (Royal Guard Café)

Located in the Buda Castle, this elegant eatery combines historical charm with delicious Hungarian cuisine. Price range of main course: 5,000 - 12,500 HUF.

📍1014 Budapest, Szent György u.
🔗foorseg.hu

Tabáni Kakas Vendéglő

A family-run restaurant mostly visited by locals, serving traditional Hungarian fare since 1920. Price range of main course: 3,000 - 6,000 HUF.

📍1013 Budapest, Attila út 27
🔗Facebook

Buda, outside the centre, in a green area

Náncsi Néni Vendéglője

A charming countryside-style restaurant located in the Buda hills, Náncsi Néni offers a warm, traditional Hungarian dining experience. The menu features home-cooked classics such as veal paprikash, stuffed cabbage, and crispy duck leg. The large garden seating makes it an excellent choice for families. Price range of main course: 4,000 - 7,000 HUF.

📍1028 Budapest, Ördögárok u. 80
🔗nancsineni.hu