Best Restaurant in Budapest?

What was your single best dining experience in Budapest

I can’t rank in order, so these might be my top 3 for lunch or dinner:

• Stand25 - food is the standout here.
• Cork Breakfast and Wine - food and service
• Fioka - food and atmosphere

Honorable Mention to Dunacorso for a gorgeous location and Porc & Presli for food and experience.
I haven’t been to N28 yet.

Top 3 for breakfast or brunch (also not in order):

• Stika Gastropub
• Franziska (the one in Buda)
• Lion’s Locker

The choice depends on what I am in the mood for. I also have less experience in this category since I eat breakfast or brunch at a restaurant less often.

I can’t begin to answer Question 2.

What was your single best dining experience in Budapest; then number 2 and number 3 if either are worthy

Number 1: Getto Gulyas
Our meal was outstanding. According to my husband, the best meal during our 3-week trip through Romania that included 5 nights in Budapest. The decor is modern. Friendly and attentive staff. Located in the Jewish Quarter.

Number 2: Kacsa Etterem
Delicious food. Wonderful Old World atmosphere with strolling musicians. Awesome service. Located on the Buda side.

Number 3: Korhely Etterem
This is probably the more touristy restaurant we dined at but we really enjoyed the food and the ambiance. Located on Franz Liszt Terrace in the Jewish Quarter. We dined outside on a warm September evening.

Like TexasTravelMom, it's impossible to answer your second question.

The reason for this was the restaurant lists for Budapest are too long. TexasTravelMom's list, Ricks guide book (which needs rethinking), the Eyewitness Guide list, my list; every list i have ever seen. Yes, they are all good, as this city is dripping with good food, but this is a chance to do great every night of the week. Except for Tuesday of course. Every "best" list is full of tweezers food, so those aren't good.

Question 2, sort of. Best meal of my life was a place called Citronelle not in Budapest. The food, the service, the atmosphere, the company.... solid 10s....

What was your single best dining experience in Budapest; then number 2 and number 3 if either are worthy.

For what it's worth, I do consider myself a foodie and will go out of my way for really good, creative and well-prepared food.

No. 1—Goli Budapest
No. 2—Két Szerecsen
No. 3—Kizmeso

Did the dining experience in Budapest fall into the top ten you experienced in Europe?

Yes, definitely. I rank Budapest in the top three countries where I've had the best meals in Europe. The other two would probably be Italy and Turkey.

kmkwoo, I am going to add those to my list of places to try. :)

Mardee, I’ve been to Két Szerecsen a couple of times (yes, it’s good), and for some reason Goli doesn’t call my name, even with all the great reviews. But Kizmeso is a new one (to me) I will take a look at!

Where Kizmeso is located sent up a red flag, but then I keep reading the reviews and this place is good. I havent done it yet, I will save it for a special night because its sort of got toutisty prices, but if the reviews are any indication, its worth it. Goli? Yes, I tried it about a year ago. Didnt even know it was a "in" place, I just happened to be out front when I was hungry. It was very good, but not the type of dining that sets me off. But I can see why many do love it. Its why there are so many places, because we are all different. Now, a block down the street on the left (sort of around the corner on the left is Terv Bisztró which use to be Terv Presso which is an indication that they are giving way to tourist pressure. Anyway, its a pretty amazing hole in the wall with a good hungarian Presso menu and beer. More me.

TexasTravelMom, I have a cousin who has visited Budapest many times, and he is the one who recommended the first 2 restaurants on my list. Both of them are awesome! Our hotel recommended the 3rd restaurant on my list, and it was the perfect place for our first night in Budapest and close to our hotel.

Mardee, I’ve been to Két Szerecsen a couple of times (yes, it’s good), and for some reason Goli doesn’t call my name, even with all the great reviews. But Kizmeso is a new one (to me) I will take a look at!

TTM, I know not everyone is a fan of Mediterranean food, but I love that stuff. That's why I put Turkey as one of my top countries for food next to Italy. 😊 But I really liked Kizmeso and would happily eat there again.. I happened to find it by accident after the opera when I was looking for some place that was open. I loved the veal paprikash over dumplings and that cucumber salad was delicious. And the wine was good, too; obviously a big plus for me and you, lol!

But I'm saving your list for next time. I had Stand 25 on my list but just didn't make it there. Next time I'm going for two weeks at least and plan on just eating my way through all the neighborhoods. 😂

Kmwkoo, i put the first two at the top too. Excellent and it took you to get me to go. Thank you.

Mardee, there is no right or wrong here. Just what makes you happy. I went to a place called Bob's Kitchen yesterday. I love it, so who am I to judge.

Okay, I sent a PM to the OP and asked for the OK to go a bit OT, I got it.

I went to one of my favorites for lunch. I love the staff and the food. I have done most of the menu but never the burger. This place is too good to have that on the menu. Besides it will be a too tall over sauced nightmare like all European burgers. I finally saw one being served. Yes, typical European slide-fest burger nightmare. Squeeze too hard and the meat shoots out the back. Too tall to eat without a knife and a fork. WT .... you know. WAIT! What are they giving him? 🤣🤣 blue, rubber food service gloves! 🤣🤣 so he can eat the atrocity.

Insane. Sometimes I miss the US and Fuddruckers!

Fudruckers! I haven't thought of them in years!

You are much, much to young to remember the original concept. They had a butcher shop in each restaurant. You could see a side of beef hanging in a window and watch it being converted to hamburger meat. Then the last decade or so they just bought their meat. But still a good mainstream all beef burger with all the right fixings that you helped yourself to at the fixings bar. Dang they were good. Not nearly as many as there once were: https://www.fuddruckers.com/locations

I wonder if I could get the European market? This continent needs a good burger. So many squirt and fru-fru burgers, so few real burgers. And how do you do a real bacon cheese burger without real American cured bacon properly cooked and real sharp American Cheddar Cheese? Impossible. I don’t want freeking sautéed onions. I want a big fat slice of red onion. Dressing? Seriously. A little mayo on the bottom bread. It waterproofs the bread so it doesn’t get soggy from the meat drippings. Then above that it’s a personal choice. But catsup always goes closest to the cheese. And here the beef isn’t ground is turned into a paste then formed into a burger. Not a pleasing texture when cooked. Or its real tinny tasting because its some inferior European version of a cow. Okay, I am buying a ticket home now…..

At least when we steal food, like pizza for instance, we make it better not worse.

Yep, you are right. Questions are a starting point, but I like the whole “paragraph or two to describe the experience” idea that you do. Others are also good at that. (Me, not as much….)

Me, too….. It serves a purpose, though, I think - just a different purpose for different kinds of stays.

How far in advance, do you make reservations?

Somebody on Reddit advised to book months in advance, and we were not even discussing specific restaurants.

Most places for average nights, 4 days if you are a little flexible on the time. I went to what is among the most exclusive places in town a week ago, on a Friday night, with reservations 3 nights in advance. But it is the dead of winter. In high season, a week should work.

A hint, forget the booking engines, call the restaurant.

Thank you all. In advance of my trip in April, I've written down all your suggestions. I'll start researching them now and make reservations as necessary.

Earlier I asked an AI for recommendations for places to eat alone, since I'll be traveling solo. Here's what came up on their list:

Lively & Casual (Great for mingling)

• Street Food Karaván: A food truck park in the Jewish Quarter with diverse options (burgers, goulash, etc.) and communal seating, perfect for solo grazing.
• Mazel Tov: An airy, popular spot in the Quarter with a garden, great for snacks, drinks, and soaking up the atmosphere.
• Drum Café Langosh & Goulash Bar: A relaxed, colorful spot for iconic Hungarian street food like lángos and goulash, ideal for a quick, authentic bite.
• Hoppá Bistro: Offers Hungarian classics with a modern touch in a casual setting.

Cozy & Traditional (Authentic Hungarian)

• Frici Papa: A beloved, no-frills spot serving generous portions of hearty Hungarian food, good for feeling part of the local scene.
• Gettó Gulyás: Rustic and authentic, specializing in goulash and other Hungarian stews.
• Café Kör: A warm, traditional Hungarian restaurant known for high-quality classic dishes in an inviting atmosphere.

Trendy & Modern

• 0,75 Bistro: A popular bistro with great wine, good for solo diners looking for quality food in a buzzing setting.
• Ramenka: A small, cozy ramen shop for flavorful bowls if you're craving something different.

And here are three others I got recommendations for:

• Tati
• Menza
• Párisi Udva

I think TexasTravelMom has a better list than what AI gave you.

Lively & Casual (Great for mingling)

• Street Food Karaván: I know TTM likes it. I don’t like eating standing up or at a dirty picnic table, but Ive been a few times and its okay.
• Mazel Tov: It’s a classic, but the garden is inside and it is the attraction more than the food. But the food is very okay and the atmosphere and novelty of the place makes it a good choice.
• Drum Café Langosh & Goulash Bar and Hoppá Bistro: Two tourist spots. Food might be okay as a lot of tourist restaurants are good. But generally a bit pricy and you eat with a bunch of folks like you instead of locals if that’s okay.

Cozy & Traditional (Authentic Hungarian)

• Frici Papa: Heck no. Not worth lining up on the street with 100 other folks for “okay” food. Pure tourist stick these days.
• Gettó Gulyás: One of the latest tourist inspots. I went on the advice of someone on the forum. Yea, okay. Read my review on TexasTravelMom's restaurant list thread.
• Café Kör: Known for high quality and high cost. But very good. Also a tourist venue, but many are good and this one is among the best. Look on line at the menu and prices first. You might find me here for a special date.

Trendy & Modern

• 0,75 Bistro: Absolutely nothing special. But it’s a place you stop for a drink when you are by the Basilica.
• Ramenka: Authentic Hungarian Ramen in the party district. Got to be good.
• Tati: Good concept, not a bad location to escape the tourst madness. Never been. Maybe later this week i stop in.
• Menza: Great 15 years ago. Now it just not a good location. I suspect its pretty pricy these days.
• Párisi Udvar: Yes! Definitely go for the experience and the atmosphere. Best experience on the list.

But here is the real deal about food in Budapest. Design your days out, they can be flexible but at leas pick a part of town. Tuesday will be Andrassy ut for instance. Then research for a few places along Andrassy ut. Stop at the one you are closest to when you get hungary. If it doesnt look good go to the next.

There is so much good food at the level of a local cultural experience. You eat while you travel and explore and you make the dedicated trips to restaurants the exception; .

You stay in locations that have a lot of good evening food so you can wander into one and enjoy the evening.

Sometimes you do tourist food. Some of the tourist restaurants are outstanding and the locals go for special ocassions. But part of the experience of travel is being around people that arent like you. For that maybe once or twice make a dedicated trip to a non-tourist restaurant run for dinner. If I am going to travel 20 minutes from my hotel for food, its not going to be a tourist place called Ghetto Gulyas. Its going to be 20 minutes away in a part of town that I would otherwise have no excuse to go to at a place called Fioka, or Hemingway or La Nube where I will be the only one speaking English.

TTM's list is good and she does a bit of description which makes it more useful. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/hungary/restaurants-in-budapest-revisited I have a list too, well, dont we all, but you have to PM me for it as thats how i keep the riff raff out of the good places.

I may qualify as riff raff, so I'm reticent about asking for your list, Mr E.

LOL, Lane. I am definitely riffraff!

The AI list is interesting, as are Mr. Ë’s comments. There are only a few of that list I have been to (and like a zillion places in Budapest I haven’t been to yet).

I do like Street Karavan Budapest - on the right day at the right time. I have been twice for their langos and am happy to sit at a picnic table, as long as it’s nice weather. Far far better langos than at the Great Market Hall.

Frici Papa: no. I’ve been twice - it’s not bad, but there’s no reason (other than you can’t get in anywhere else close) to go.

Tati: I went maybe 3 years ago and it was really good. Their menu now looks to be completely different and I would go again. But it isn’t going to be particularly near sightseeing, so you would go just for the restaurant.

Menza: I’ve been a couple of times and enjoyed it. But for the same price and quality, I would far prefer to go to Duna Corso by the river and add in views to the mix. Or Porc & Presli.

Truthfully, there are so many good places to eat that sometimes trying to recommend or choose gets a bit nitpicky - and definitely personal. I suspect you will enjoy whichever ones you wind up with.

Lane its in your inbox. I know you are in Jalisco but every time I see your name I miss DF. Yes, I know, but its an age thing so it remains DF with old farts. Jalisco also reminds me of most every taquiera in Texas as half are named
"No sé qué" de Jalisco.

Lane I once had the indistinguishable opportunity to meet TexasTravelMom late one evening on a roof top in Greece. Of course she was then operating under a different alias. Anyway, caution being the better part of valor .... but I do believe she is more riff than raff.

Somehow this doesn’t sound like a compliment……

I live for Riff.

I looked at all the lists and my head is spinning with all the choices. There are only so many lunches and dinners that we can fit in with only 5 nights.

We cannot try them all, and won't bother trying. I am less inclined to go out of our way looking for a "must-dine" restaurant. Trying to coordinate attractions already takes a lot of effort. Trying to fit in restaurants makes it more difficult.

When we are hungry, we usually just pull out google maps and look for something interesting within a convenient walk of where we happen to be. If one of the listed restaurants happens to be nearby, we will try. But if the place is full, we will just find another place.

So far, the only place that I will probably make a reservation for is the New York Cafe. I will splurge just so I can view and take photos of the interior.

The two meals that can be easy and give you a chance to pick a place in advance are Breakfast and Dinner. Tell me where you are staying and I'll tell you which i like that are close. But lunch is almost always a eat where you find yourself sort of affair.

Well maybe not completely. Sort of why the new thread to cut through the .. you know. For instance on Andrassy ut day there are two places I would recommend, one at each end so it doesn't matter where you are. On the Pest Market to Parliament I have two as well. For Buda Castle day, two. I'll make a list like that and add in a few good dinner and breakfast near where you are staying.

We are booked for 5 nights at the end of May at Budapest Holidays Downtown on Jókai tér about 1 block from the Oktagon.

Thank you Mr. É!

I have copied the link for this thread to my Wanderlog.

Funpig,

We stayed on Jokai Ter and the location was fantastic.

We also enjoy Street Food Karavan, Lion's Locker, Kiadó Kocsma, and many others.

Lane,

Skip Frici Papa's - we ate there - it was okay, but there was so much better out there to try.

I really want to return to Budapest!

Lane, try Goli—I know you like Dishoom so I think you would enjoy Goli. Two different cuisines but the same idea of riffing on traditional foods to create outstanding dishes. And do make a reservation.

Well the purpose her was to get some personal experiences and remarks like Mardee has done. We need thr lists, but let's face it, they are only usable to a certain mindset or for a certain type looking for a particular solution.

That mess I posted above is just another of those lists, so I think I will delete it in hopes others will replace it.

We spent one week in Budapest and frankly, having found this restaurant, could've returned every night. We are not fussy and though we travel well together the downfall of many trips is schlepping around looking for something to eat. The Hungarikum Bisztró 1051.
Budapest, Steindl Imre u. 13.
Phone number: +36-30-661-6244 met all our needs. Charming setting, super friendly waitstaff, patient and excellent English. Every dish we enjoyed was delicious, beautifully presented and reasonably priced. Nice sized portions. We would have gone more often but reservations were full save for another night or two. Our hotel made the call for us. Live cimbalom music some nights. A real pleasure, relaxing, casual, fun and excellent meals. A standout memory in a city packed with standout memories. Highly recommend.

The Hungarikum Bisztró
https://hungarikumbisztro.hu/

Well, this is great! We’ll be in Budapest for 8 (!) nights and I’m sure we’ll take advantage of this list!

Mr. É
Have you checked out the new Time Out Market in Budapest? We went to the one in Lisbon. It was crowded and touristy, but still fun for a one-time visit.

funpig, this is from Mr. Ë’s post on my Restaurants thread a couple of weeks go.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/hungary/restaurants-in-budapest-revisited#bottom

Forgive me if I mentioned this above. There was/is a tourism marketing company called TimeOut. They use to publish these little pocket magazines that were free in restaurants and hotels. Mostly advertising for attractions and tours.
Well, what do you do when your product is replaced by the internet. You open TimeOut food courts with walk up counters by the best restaurants in town, which surround family style long tables, all done ip with a level of class never seen in a mall or airport food court. Add theme days like jazz music and wine tastings and you have a hit.
The one in Budapest is in a wonderfully restored period building. The food is special and well priced. At least 2 vendors are Michelin Star restaurants. The atmosphere almost demands you meet people. Because of the location this is at least 75% local which is nice.
https://youtu.be/sPzZx_3tb8A?si=vNFP1lK4lfwgtteM

funpig, I have. A bunch of times. I like it in part because the location is "okay" for tourist bet better for locals, so the locals outnumber the tourists by a significant amount. Many of the vendors are first class and two I think have Michelin Stars; one has the main restaurant in the town of Tata so this is the only way many can try it. https://www.timeout.com/time-out-market-budapest

They also do some interesting events on different days of the week. Jazz music night, piano bar night, DJ night and then special things like invited wineries for wine tastings at reasonable prices .... but generally, only in Hungarian (but the wine tastes the same). No to be fair when the last event was over one of the winery representatives came to me and did the whole thing over again in English (i was the only tourist).

The location at Blaha Lujza ter (named after a famous 19th century actress named Louise Blaha) on the 4/6 Tram line and the M2 Metro line so despite not being in the heart of the tourists it's easy to reach and the architecture of the area is pretty impressive. The closest of the top ten attractions is the NY Cafe about a block away or ride the M2 one stop for the Keleti train station. The building its in is sort of fascinating too. It was a very famous classical building from the 19th century that someone in their infinite wisdom decided to enclose in a modern aluminum glass shell. So, a couple of years ago they tore the glass off and brought back the exterior to what it was originally and its beautiful.

Too much information LOL

Thanks, TexasTravelMom and Mr. É.

I was not expecting that "locals outnumber the tourist". I think that will change with time.

I will make a point of checking Time Out Market for a meal and with a reservation (or line up) for the New York Cafe nearby. I think both places will please the wife and I will snap a lot of photos with my phone.

funpig,

I was not expecting that "locals outnumber the tourist". I think that
will change with time.

Maybe not given the location. I sort of hope not. They arent lacking for customers and I sort of like it the way it is.

The NY Cafe only takes dinner reservations after 6pm. But the line is generally short in the morning. One of my best days in budapest many, many years ago was sitting with my two sons who played chess (on the cafe provided board) while I drank coffee and day dreamed. An amazing atmosphere ... but if there is a line, wait and try again because too many people breaks the spell. I would try mid-week before 9am. For anyone who doesnt know: https://newyorkcafe.hu/

If you might be interested in some Commie Kitsch here is another place to stop when in that area: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uciKrASzaWvScFG6A My favorite is the Stalin candle. You can watch his head burn and melt.

Actually that whole street Klauzál u. from the TimeOut Market to Andrassy ut is a great walk. Along the way interesting architecture and a feeling of what Budapest can be like if you avoid the tourists. Here is the the Klauzál Market Hall where I shop for groceries and produce https://maps.app.goo.gl/KCxz1rvFdzabUVy47 , good restaurants like Mazel Tov that show what can really happen inside an ruined old building https://maps.app.goo.gl/7EF99THMdcsagnqT9 a favorite local/expat cheap home cooking lunch / beer hangout https://maps.app.goo.gl/mNqmo9BHDsCWbp787 and a very unexpected restaurant / bar https://maps.app.goo.gl/7LBEkpyVjoFpTEDd8

Funpig, for you I went back to TimeOut today. Pretty decent sushi. What gets missed here is the quality of Asian food. Tge city has the largest population in Central Europe and they love their food. We have an amazing China Town full of raw ingredients and an Asian restaurant on every third street. Today doesn't count as the restaurant is Hungarian owned.

The other region well represented in town is the middle east; and i dont mean window meat. Lebanese, Syrian, Iranian, Turkish (German) and Israelian / Jewish / Kosher. Some Iranian friends visited last year and said the best they have had outside of Tehran was here. I have some Jewish friends that get a bit nervous in Kosher restaurants outside of Israel but here they just dont have those problems. The Lebanese food is simply amazing. The two others that are not uncommon here but that might be new to some are Ukrainian and Georgian.

TTM et al, I stopped at Cork for a drink and tried their beef cheek special. It was beyond good.

Mr. É, April…..