Budapest Restaurant Tales

2D Beloved Cafe:

So, Japanese fluffy pancakes have been on my radar since before my trip to Japan last year, but neither was it convenient nor did I want to stand in a line. So I never had them.

When I walked past and realized this cafe 2 blocks from my apartment on Szent Istvan ut. served them, I made a date with myself for breakfast and they didn’t disappoint. Basically they are like soufflé pancakes: made with whipped egg whites and cake flour, among a few other ingredients. Each pancake starts as a giant mound of beaten egg white, cooked slowly, and a plate is 2 pancakes (that have flattened slightly) and the topping of your choice. They have savory or sweet. My strawberry pancakes were completely covered in a very lightly sweetened whipped cream and decorated with strawberry syrup and a few well-placed sliced strawberries. It was a perfect light breakfast - not too heavy and not too sweet, but absolutely delicious.

I ordered and paid at the counter as I walked in (no wait) and received a buzzer, which went off when my order was ready by the cash register. My pancakes and a cup of coffee ran $14. The staff was all Japanese, also, which helped create the ambiance.

I will definitely go back at some point.

Looking forward to watching this for ideas, as there are no shortage of options for great food in Budapest. I'd like to try some new places from your other list and your new Tales will be fun for inspiration!

Cork Breakfast and Wine: Such an odd name - and I have only ever eaten dinner here. Ha! But it sits on my list of some of my favorite Budapest restaurants (that I have tried). Many thanks to Mr. É for this one. I had the duck breast with creamy polenta and sour cherry sauce last year and I saw no need to mess up a marvelous thing so I had that again. I am not 100% certain of the cost - but the duck with 2 glasses of a white wine was @ $40. I think the duck alone was @ $23. So it’s not exactly a cheap place but neither is it expensive for a nice restaurant - and it is really good.

There are tables outside and inside. The inside has a beautiful arched brick ceiling - I have a real weakness for this architecture. And the location simply can’t be beat. It sits a couple of blocks off Andrassy on a pedestrian street behind the Opera House. Obviously I will be back at some point in the future - maybe I will try something else on the menu. Ha!

@Joy, there are so many good places to eat that it’s hard to choose whether to repeat wonderful previous experiences or go for a new one.

@CW, lots of options! Your research is always good!

@ Mr. É, you are always coming up with new good places to try.

Okay an often overlooked is the Callas Cafe & Restaurant next to the Opera. It's one of the few places you can get a decent dinner after a show. Most shows end around 10pm. Most restaurants in the area close the kitchen at 10pm and want you out at 11pm. https://maps.app.goo.gl/3UcATMxa8wSF8oCKA?g_st=ac

Callas is a 2 minute walk from the front door of the Opera, 5 minutes from the Operett and 10 to 15 minutes from most of the best play houses. They close at midnight. Many evenings they will have live music.

The food is Hungarian and is a solid 8 out of 10. The service is at the better end of European standards. The atmosphere matches the evening at the theater ... a beautiful place. Prices are .... well more than an opera ticket.

Nice outside seating looking out on to Andrassy ut and the Opera House at lunch.

We were in Budpest for a week in December 2025 and had amazing food and wine all from this forums recommendarions- Thank you! But three that I still remember (and that's saying someting) were:
N28 I had made reservations far in advance so we had a great table by the window, the food and wine were excellent (we followed the waiters suggestions) but what made it special was they had just received that day their Michelin Bib Gourmand award. Not only was the staff in a celebratory mood but locals came in to offer congratulations. It was so much fun to just sit back and watch.
I also enjoyed what felt like the local bar Kardaka. We met Mr. E there for a glass of wine but went back few times for wine and what I would call an "easy dinner" when we were tired. It was close to our hotel.
And finally the service and food at Mazel Tov is hard to forget.
I look forward to returning to Budapest. At Christmas time is was absolutely lovely.

Renee, I have had N28 on my list and follow them on Facebook for their daily specials - but I haven’t been yet! Maybe this year!

And Kadarka is never a bad idea. Although I do miss their flatbread. Lol!

Gaby’s: This little American food restaurant sits facing the Danube just off Jaszai Mari ter. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner but all I have tried is breakfast. There are a few tables outside but most are inside. I went for a late breakfast (about noon) because I had been gone a month, my stomach was playing tricks on me, and I was just really hungry for fried eggs - and bacon! My order came with 3 eggs scrambled or “easy” (not over easy) and 4 pieces of crispy fried bacon and a rather large serving of salad (as a concession to non-American tastes). This + a lungo + an Americano came to about $20.

I like this place, both food and atmosphere; but it’s niche for me and not what most people would be looking for on a shorter visit. It’s named for the owner’s very well-behaved dog, who is around when the owner is (in case you don’t get along with dogs). I chatted with the owner over coffee - he is an expat who opened the restaurant during Covid after moving to Budapest a few years before. He now also has a branch in Sitges (🤷🏻‍♀️).

Anyone else have a restaurant they enjoyed (or didn’t) and willing to share?

The first time I went to Fioka, it was a beautiful spring day and they let me choose my table in the pretty green garden/park at the back of the restaurant for my late lunch. There were only a few people in that area and under the shaded patio was a long full table of people. I daydreamed a bit while waiting on my food, then someone from the long table walked over and spoke to me in Hungarian. I apologized in English for not understanding and the woman replied in English, asking if I would take a picture. Of course! I took a few small groups and then the whole group. It was graduation day for her daughter and they were celebrating. I chatted with a few of them as they headed off - it was such fun to be a tiny part of the special occasion. Later my waitress and I talked about the summer camp she had attended in the U.S. a couple of times.

Of course, the food is good but I do love the place and its relaxed homey atmosphere. I will be back this year at some point.

This is really in response to some comments here: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/hungary/budapest-mini-trip-report-the-opera-the-scenery-the-food-the-catastrophe#bottom I just thought they might be more useful on this thread.

Goli is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant. That means it made their list for “good quality, good value cooking,” another in the same category which I like a lot is N28. In total there are four Bibs in the city and another 6 that are real Michelin 1 or 2 star restaurants. The food at Goli? I’ve been but I don’t do food reviews. I list it here only for cost comparison. I didn’t know Goli was “famous” when I went and that may have impacted my experience. The price? $68 was reported for lunch in another thread. The Michelin moniker and the District V tourist corner arr going to impact cost. The N28 Michelin Bib restaurant that i like for special nights generally runs under $150 a couple with a good bottle of wine.

More prices so you can get a feel for costs for planning:

A couple of days ago I entertained a guest fot dinner at Cork Breakfast & Wine, a place I probably enjoyed more than any other in town for food and ambiance and service (right now at least, but I am fickle). White asparagus and smoked salmon salad, Porchetta stuffed with pistachio and rosemary, served with apple puree, Mango and passion fruit for dessert and a nice glass of Beni Rajnai rizling from near Balaton and still water for right at $55; and I was stuffed and I CAN eat.

Or you can do my favorite local sausage house, Magyar Betyár kolbász osztó, and I do mean “local” no one speaks English, but they are lovely and work with you. A big link of the good stuff, mashed potatoes and a beer will set you back about $12. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ttj3RQgmrYWo61Mz9 its amazing how real things csn be outside of District V.

Then middle of the road might be a Hungarian restaurant like Margaret's Restaurant & Pub just across the Margrit Island bridge. Here the ham hock with all the fixings (a full meal) water and a beer will run about $35. https://maps.app.goo.gl/wFHthgrqZsPihKKt5 Just good country style Hungarian.

Then sometimes I just want to be bad, avoid the tourists, relax and contemplate the day, so I go to La Nube and eat a Spanish cured meat plate large enough for two, by myself with a couple of glasses of Alberino and that will set me back about $30. https://maps.app.goo.gl/U81uLq66ZnXoA4jW6

They all have a service charge in the bill (in the prices above) but you might want to add 5% if they were good to you).

I offer those so you can budget meals in Budapest.

Anniversary? Special evening? Two great options. BIBO in Pest facing the river.
Outstanding food, service and views. But you pay for it. My last visit a few months ago ran close to $500 for 3. The evening, because of what it was, was worth it. Another is Emile in Buda. No views but so Classic Hungarian chic you gotta love it. Reminded me of something out of a Boggie movie. The last visit was for 2 for about $225. Again, she the restaurant was worth it. Both frequented more by Hungarian politicians and American moviestars than by tourists.

La Nube Tapas is great! Best place I ate at 2 years ago and will be returning this September.

Jennya, might have been something you wrote that got me there the first time.

I have La Nube Tapas on my list also - maybe from you! And they have my favorite pimientos de padrón.

If you notice on a map a tapas place on Falk Miksa utca; skip it. I should have.

I will mention again, if you concentrate on Hungarian food you are missing out on great food here. La Nube is an example.

It looks like it’s a gluten free tapas place.

Somehow Google Maps led me from there to the frozen banana place (Banana Guys) just off Lázár. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Jardinette

Here is a suggestion for anyone wanting to have an exceptional Hungarian dinner evening but stay off the tourist grid. The place is called Jardinette. Save it for a pretty day because it’s the outside you want to experience. https://maps.app.goo.gl/mTYXD5K5kDqwUS356 My suggestion is the metro to Deli station then the 59 tram. If it were closed, it would be like all the other District V tourist restaurants. On occasion they do something special. 10 June it’s Prosecco night. Its an opportunity to do a Hungarian local event and maybe be the only tourist in the house. https://www.facebook.com/events/1311882734230779 I might go this year. I did a red wine event a few years back and it was a lot of fun. Depends on the weather. But is the food any good? I don’t do food reviews. I like the atmosphere and the service. For the review read Gault & Milau as the place has one toque.

The foodies know Gault & Millau. This “the other” Michelin guide that has been around since the mid-1960’s. Some say less pretentious others say less prestigious. I say, “another tool”. Rather than just awarding a star they explain why and sometimes are critical in their review of certain aspects of the restaurant. The foodies like that because then they can focus … anyway …

Which reminds me, plating your food with tweezers isn’t a requirement for G&M, and it’s more about quality of style than it is about fru-fru so G&M will visit the humble barbecue shack and score it if it deserves it. Such a humble barbecue shack does exist in Budapest. You can visit the G&M website and see exactly how they score and how the restaurant you are going to scored.

For those who want a discount Michelin Star experience, go to the food court called TimeOut Market. https://drive.hu/site/assets/files/54827/time-out-market-budapest-1.1200x630.jpg AND https://maps.app.goo.gl/ATL5hvqq29ey9m1j9 Here you will find:

LIRA by Essência by Chef Tiago Sabarigo, of the one-Michelin-starred restaurant Essência

M'EAT by Jenő Rácz by Chef Jenő Rácz, who owns the Michelin-starred sensory dining restaurant Rumour

CANTEEN by Pesti István the first chef to win two Michelin stars for a Hungarian restaurant outside the capital.

You can get out the door with any of them for under $25 $30. My lunch today (fewer goats have to die).

TTM, this is your thread and you have eaten out more in Budapest than I have. But okay, an addition:

I told a friend I needed an American steak. She took me to Stex Haz. https://stexhaz.hu/en/. This is one of those places I generally avoid because the menu is too long. Just how good can you be when you are trying to be everything to everyone. Still, if you are in the neighborhood and want to have lunch or dinner with locals, the atmosphere here is pretty good. The best thing I think is the prix fixe menu (https://stexhaz.hu/hu/deli-ajanlat) for lunch where you can get out for about $10 plus the beer. Its what I ended up eating thinking the special would be “special” and it was very, very good. https://maps.app.goo.gl/2qorZ9JTnjtUQaox9 Okay, so why would you be in the neighborhood? Absolutely no idea. But I like getting away from the tourists and the architecture and the mood and the atmosphere that makes Budapest special goes on for miles and miles and miles…..

To that point, another stop. This one is called Oinos Bistro. Unlike the previous restaurant, this one is truly in a remote location that a tourist might find interesting to visit. It is in the same building as the Rákóczi Market Hall (Rákóczi Téri Vásárcsarnok). This is one of a half dozen or so still operating market halls built about the same time and of the same sort of style as the famous Central Market … but smaller. Normally I avoid any place that sells pizza. To go to Europe and eat pizza outside of Naples is sort of … well, at least not as good a US pizza. But in addition to the pizza they have a beautiful well-crafted menu with maybe the best tomato soup, since my mother’s and lamb shank was to die for. And a great wine list. I have had good Italian and good Hungarian here. https://maps.app.goo.gl/fUVsrBe5aD1LAFUu7

Since I mentioned the Rákóczi Market Hall above, I thought I would throw in a link https://maps.app.goo.gl/U3iwSNMjz5fu7es39 . Then I was reminded by the photos in the link that this hall, like most, has a wine shop where you fill your own recycled plastic 2L coke bottles. You gotta love it: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uLj1NmmNxeExYcRB7 Note the prices 850ft a liter. That’s less than $3. I have been to a number of parties with this sort of wine being served … not bad. Reminds me of my first trip to Italy in about 1980 and the corner shops with the unmarked very large glass jugs of local and excellent wine. Just a 21st century version of the same.

I should stop until TTM contributes to his own thread.

But, if you want iconic Hungarian. That place all the locals adore. There is only one. A place with no tourists, only locals. So iconic that the name isn't necessary, they speak with initials. KFC.

Duna Corso Étterem https://maps.app.goo.gl/rMXyBmTMVrtamdFj6?g_st=ic

I ate here on my first long visit to Budapest in 2022 and have returned throughout the years, although not every visit. The food is reliably good, although that’s not the star of the show for me. I love having dinners right by the river, in the beautiful setting with the lights across the river, heated lamps in the cooler months. There is usually live music, whether you are seated outside or inside - the musicians rotate.

They offer some pricy items but I choose from the “Duna Corso Classics” or “Main Dishes” - last time it was stuffed cabbage rolls. I have started making an online reservation - not because I have ever been unable to be seated, but because I like to request a table closest to the river for the views. Sometimes it’s a first dinner and sometimes it’s a last dinner. Because the Danube at night in Budapest is magical.

🤣🤣🤣🤣 I told another RS type over drinks and Varenyky last night about you and Duna Corso, the view and the stuffed cabbage. I didn't mention the first time you went to the wrong place 😄

Yeah, I was totally confused about why you would recommend “Corso” (inside the Intercontinental)….. Don’t bother going there……

What can I say? I was new to Budapest.

Duna Corso in good weather is the ultimate first dinner location in town. https://www.diningcity.hu/media/restaurantwidepictures/22979_dunacorso_etterem.jpg

I love having dinners right by the river, in the beautiful setting with the lights across the river, heated lamps in the cooler months. There is usually live music, whether you are seated outside or inside - the musicians rotate.

Well, I know where I will be dining on my next trip to Budapest. Thanks, TTM! That sounds like an absolutely wonderful place to eat. Sometimes the atmosphere is more important than the food.

Thanks for the Duna Corso recommendation. It might be a winner for my birthday dinner.

TTM, I guess I have to plug Bob again. If someone is here for an extended period of time and wants to socialize with English speaking expats, Bob's is laid out and has the atmosphere for intermingling. Rarely do I go in and not meet someone. The food is good too. Where else in Central Europe will tooou find Hagis? Pretty sweet location too: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vVuvwhaBsETd81ow8

Oh and you run the chance of meeting some pretty special Hollywood types. Above Bob’s Kitchen are 14 rental apartments that most often booked by production companies when they are in town. Lots of movies are made here so they stay fairly busy.

Lakomativ Étterem: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AtP23zR8xeCjT9Xr6?g_st=ic I am not sure why I have had this place marked on my maps to try, but I finally went. It is almost across the street from Keleti train station - and trains are the theme. It is a basement restaurant with those lovely old brick arched ceilings (which I am a sucker for) and includes several rooms of tables. I sat in the front one but it continues on back a ways. There’s nothing fancy about it, but the draw is the train theme. Along the sides of the room runs a model train track, with side tracks onto each table. Drinks are delivered by train to your table. The locomotive, pulling a car loaded with drinks, pulls up in front of you. After you remove your drinks (and admire the delivery service), it reverses and choo-choos back to where it came from. (Food is delivered by your server.)

I had a large plate of food described as: “Fried chicken rolled in grated potatoes, spiced sour cream with grated cheese on top, served with jasmine rice and steak potatoes” - what I would describe as good ole’ country cooking. I could only eat about half, but while not fancy it was good. That with a glass of house white (Hungarian of course) and a small bottle of water was about $21.

You might say it was touristy, but the majority of people were Hungarian families with small children. So a family sort of place. Even on Saturday afternoon, with a large crowd of soccer fans in town. Oh, and I forgot the trio of live musicians playing at each table (doesn’t hurt to have a bit of cash to tip them).

Conclusion: I wouldn’t put it at the top of a list of places to eat, but if you are in the area and want something with plain Hungarian cooking that’s a bit fun, it’s worth a stop for sure.

It sounds like perfect Hungarian family real world destination.

Kispiac Bisztro: Oh my goodness. This is near Liberty Square, across from the Postal Savings Bank (eye candy architecture). I sat outside so I don’t know what it looks like inside. I am going to say, this is definitely not the cheapest place I have eaten - but it may be the best this week so far. I wanted to get the Mangalica pork chop, but wasn’t willing to pay for it. So I settled for the Roast a’la Kispiac, with roasted baby potatoes, onions, cherry tomatoes, pork tenderloin in some delectable spices.

The entree set me back $23, plus water and service fee. But I brought half of it back to the apartment to have for another whole meal. I am finding the service fees consistently there, even if they are not consistently 15% (most have been).

I think maybe Mr. É recommended it - but so did my apartment host, who only left 2 recommendations each for different kinds of things. This was good enough that I will go back again to try something else.

Bookmarking! We're visiting in September for the first time and so excited to try new foods and see beautiful history! Thanks!

I am going to try and concentrate on cheap(er) local eats. Most of these will be a block or two off the tourist trail; but they will get you more into the local economy with equal quality, sometimes a bit more local flair. I did Magyar Betyár kolbász osztó up above. So along the same theme is:

So, across the river from the Parliament is Batthyány tér. This is on the M2 metro line, the H5 to Szentendre originates here and the 19 and 41 trams stop here. Very well connected and a lovely place for views and a little green space. Also here is one of the old market halls. The outside still looks 1890, but the inside is more modern now. But it is worth a look to see how the locals shop. https://maps.app.goo.gl/1Ass1Cn7YQSf4rqJ6

In the building next to it on the right is Nagyi Palacsintázója (Nagyi's Crêperie). A palacsinta is the Hungarian version of a popular Eastern European crepe. I saw these as street food, the crepes being made while you waited, in Moscow and in Sofia many, many years ago. Here they are part of Hungarian cuisine, but a bit harder to find in restaurants. Agnes will teach you how to make them: https://budapestcookingclass.com/hungarian-pancake-palacsinta-recipe/

Anyway, Nagyi's Crêperie is very affordable. You will have trouble spending $12 here. There is a table upstairs with a decent view of the Parliament … well, in the winter when there are fewer leaves on the trees. The staff is always kind and patient, but not always super-efficient in English. Doesn’t this place just reek of local?: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jQ6SvgAKm86pP9hz7

There is a place in the tourist district heart of District VII that sells palacsinta too. I haven’t been there, but I checked their menu. A bit fancier, but almost 4x the cost. It’s all about location.

Finally, Nagyi Palacsintázója has a second location at Széna tér on the 4/6 line across the street from Mammut Mall. No tourists. Same prices. Very interesting seating. https://maps.app.goo.gl/SKndCFjZ8scHvfGs7

Both open 24 hours ….

Meshuga was my new find on my last visit to BUD.

https://www.meshugabp.com/

Meshuga aims to capture every sense of Mediterranean fusion food scene in a loud, rustic, casual space, infusing each dish with strong flavours and originality.

Clayton spmething didnt copy well for you, so i put it below. Budapest's historic and now vibrant modern connection with Judaism and Israel are important to understanding and enjoying the city.

TEL AVIV INSPIRED MEDITERRANEAN
CUISINE, COCKTAILS AND VIBE
Meshuga aims to capture every sense of Tel Aviv’s Mediterranean fusion food scene in a loud, rustic, casual space, infusing each dish with strong flavours and originality.

Great place. I agree. You should try a few of the kosher restaurants next visit. Tgere is maybe better food, but rarely a better experience.

And, just for fun: Meshuga is an adjective and noun of Yiddish origin that means crazy, insane, or foolish. Derived from the Hebrew word meshuggāh.

Thanks, Clayton! I went and looked at the menu and added it to my list for the future! Any chance you would edit and add what you tried?

On my last visit, I finally made it to Mazel Tov, another Israeli-inspired restaurant and really liked it.

So, Clayton reminded me:

Mazel Tov: On Akácfa u. in District VII, it’s been on my list to try for a while and I finally made it. I was probably there around 5:30 (early June) and there was plenty of room but it started filling more about 6:30. I saw a lot of reservation signs for 7:30. It’s a really charming place, with lots of lovely greenery and lights in a ruined building sort of way. In the back, they can roll back the ceiling when it’s nice to create an open air feeling. It was open when I arrived but when it started raining a bit, they closed it.

I had the stuffed cabbage, a pretty traditional dish but they livened it up with a little more spice than elsewhere I have had it and I really liked it. I had a glass of wine with dinner - and then after it started raining, I waited out the rain with a cocktail as dessert and finished up just under $40. Food prices certainly weren’t the cheapest I see but they weren’t terrible. I paid a little more for the decor (and for the rain).

There's a band called Meshuggah, which I assume is a slight corruption of the Yiddish / Hebrew word you speak of. I wouldn't necessarily say I'm a fan, but it's one of those ones where I can definitely appreciate the artistry. Check them out on the link below.

https://youtu.be/U4GXNzom6ik?si=klMD1V-ymC43LWfS - Meshuggah - Bleed on YouTube.

Bookmarking for our trip in November. Thank you so much!

You are welcome, mikliz97! I’ll probably add a few more before November.

GerryM, I am pretty sure I won’t be planning a trip around a concert…… LOL.

TTM, I’m sure you would never plan a trip around a concert. ;-)

Andrea, 🙈 🫣 🤫 😉. But probably not to Gerry’s mention. 🤣

But probably not to Gerry’s mention

They're not exactly The Proclaimers! 🤣

Here is a list of a few of the Kosher restaurants in town. https://www.visitkerestir.com/en/kosher-restaurants-in-budapest From this list the only two that I have been to is Ashis which is very good pitas and burgers. They stay open late serving the District VII party people. The other I have been to is Marrakesh; yes, Moroccan Kosher. Great service, pretty place. One of only three or four kosher in town that is above street food level. Both are good Hungarian experiences and an important part of the culture.

And today on the way back from the tailor, I went past DICA! Dispensa & Cantina on Dob utca; but the good end of Dob utca. It was lunch and I was hungry, so I stopped in. It’s an interesting concept. You order at the counter. Today there were 6 meal selections and 6 deserts. Then there is the deli counter where you choose your bread, meat, cheese and salad and they slice the meat and cheese to order and build you a sandwich.

I did Cannelloni and Meat Balls. Okay, twice what I should have ordered. That and a drink were 5.250 Ft, but like I said, twice what I should have ordered so you can have a good lunch and get out for about 4.000 Ft ($13). Customers seemed to be local and expats mostly. I liked the atmosphere and the food, so I will be back. https://maps.app.goo.gl/jTexRf4cRAq7UM3m8
Close by is Stika which I continue to love for the Palinka spiked raspberry lemonade https://maps.app.goo.gl/r83Yue8V6BW25ZP67 and a bar/bistro called Kisüzem with cheap beer and real home cooking. I mean they cook on a home stove in a small side room. The menu is scribbled on a pieced of cardboard and changes a lot. But Ive never had a bad meal and the atmosphere is “eclectic”. https://maps.app.goo.gl/aNTnKXc8iSMuEiY46 Also near is David’s Kitchen which is sort of the opposite of Kisüzem and so loved by “a certain type” https://maps.app.goo.gl/3eFBr3sQAnzPLCWp6 Also close is the Klauzál tér Market Hall is always worth a visit just to see a real, local, one in use. https://maps.app.goo.gl/RVr2AV42i2pQQ1s27 The point is that this is a fun little corner of town.

So many RS people in town recently and no contributions?

Okay, its 102F today so I went to Cork for Okroshka which is a Ukrainianl cold slightly creamy soup with diced raw vegitables and diced ham. Perfect on a hot day. I'Ve had it and i enjoy it.

Then I saw "Chilled Gazpacho with stracciatella cheese and shrimp" on the menu. The one off specials here are always good, so i went for it. The base was probably made in advance but sitting in that cool soup were about six still warm, slightly charred perfectly cooked to order shrimp. The soup was spicy enough to say "we meant it" but not so much to distract. Okay, this simple bowl was as good as anything I have had that I didn't cook myself.

I’m feeling a bit nostalgic, so I will add another, even though Mr. É has already mentioned it.

You really can’t go wrong with Margaret’s. (Unless you are looking for fine dining) It is just off the 4/6 tram on the Buda side of Margret Bridge. If you are there during good weather, you can grab a tall table outside and watch the tram go by and look at the river. If it’s a bit chilly or damp, eat inside. There’s a lot of room and if you are there at night, you have the addition (usually) of live music to match the decor.

I’ve eaten here any number of times and will do so again and have never had a bad meal. I’ve had the beef with wine sauce (similar to a goulash) and dumplings; the fried dill pickles; a burger, and one of their sausage plates. I’ve probably had other things I can’t remember….. The wine is good and even though I am not a beer drinker (unless it’s Belgian), the sweet beer flight was good.

The staff are also really good: very fluent in English, cheerful, intelligent, and if you come twice, they remember you. It’s a relaxed place you can go to both have Hungarian food and find food for your kids (or your picky eater friends) who are getting a little nostalgic for familiar food.

And you can get a big basket of fried pork fat and sliced purple onions ... yum! Keeps my cardiologist in business. Owned by tge same folks that own Dobolo so from time to time I get to see staff I know. Yes first rate, sort of local feeling Hungarian place. Good choice.

Time to add Porc & Presli. First, make a reservation. I heard about this restaurant from Christy, who pops in to Budapest regularly (but hasn’t popped in to the forum for a bit). I have been here several times and have enjoyed it every time. It has a somewhat small menu of traditional Hungarian dishes, all good. I have taken several people here (last time I had 7 people with me and they all loved it). I have had the pork tenderloin, the chicken paprikash, and the beef stew - and the pickles (cucumber salad)! As is usually the case, the house wine is wonderful, but they have quite a menu for wine and other drinks.

It’s not a large place, maybe 10 tables downstairs (where I have never been seated) and 10 upstairs overlooking the lower floor. There is usually live music in the evening. At the end of your meal, they bring a small glass of what they call palinka. I use that phrasing because I have never had palinka I can stand. Except this. Maybe next time I will ask them what kind it is. Because there will definitely be a next time. Two things to know: 1) you must pay the check all together - no splitting of the bill; and 2) they close between lunch and dinner, so don’t think you can walk in at 3pm. :)

It’s close to St Stephan’s and not far from the Opera House. I like it.

TTM do mention the origami

TTM do mention the origami

If I see any, I will…..

Really? You missed it? I have now seen it twice and talked to a few others that have seen it. Its sort of the icon of the restaurant. The head waiter works all the tables, does a stand up show of sorts while describing the menu. At payment time as he is entertaining and bringing the palinka that everyone gets gratis, he begins foldingup small pieces of paper. The man is genious, in the art of oragami and in the art of restaurant sales.

To be clear, despite the tourist schtick, the place is a solid 9.5. https://youtu.be/O0d29ii7Nz4?si=nUA_me1HeR2eXENt

The past month or so has seen a couple of "don’t eat there" posts in a couple of countries in Europe. Both one-off posters. It reminded me that we are quick to slam but often dont take the time to credit good experiences. I try and mention the places that I know are good experiences.

I will mention 4 that come to mind. Two are old standbys and on the best lists for tourist, and two are places I don’t get to very often but never regret when I do get to them.

You really shouldn’t go to Budapest without stopping at both of these:

Lions Locker (4.8 on Google) A quick look and it has been mentioned 52 times in 8 years; mostly by me. But good always bears repeating.

Like most folks I end up getting a hotel room with breakfast included; this even though I know it’s a mistake. In a new place, a new country or a new city, you should really begin the exploration with breakfast. That means getting out of the hotel and trying something local. If you are staying in District VI near the Opera House, then this should be one of your breakfast stops.

The name comes from the fact that, in addition to a restaurant, it’s a place where you can store your luggage if you arrive too early to check in. That’s where the business began. Then they added coffee, then breakfast, then lunch. It is family owned and family operated and they like to talk if you want to get to know a local. They changed the menu this year and its gotten very good. https://www.lockerbudapest.com/menu The Pastrami sandwich is not quite a Ruben, but something similar and darn good. I find myself stopping in for one about every 10 days. The staff is some of the nicest folks in town and the prices are good. Website: https://www.lockerbudapest.com/ Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yeQCTJYX3vEaN4U49

Kadarka Wine Bar (4.5 on Google). 174 hits over 13 years. Quite a few from those other than me. This one came to mind again because last night there I met some Americans. They loved the place because it seemed so local to them, and it is. At any given time its 2/3rds Hungarian. The service and the knowledge of those serving is exceptional. The prices are very good, and the sidewalk seating is enjoyable from May until at least mid-October. Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VVmKdnZ2N8zBxtAg9

And you really shouldn’t go to Budapest without going to one or both of these.

Felix (4.6 on Google) 7 hits in 5 years. It is one of those special places. There are few places in the city that are more beautiful or with better food. https://youtu.be/RIMbwXd9Xtg?si=s2TMMYRu_mwOV8DP But it’s a special night out place and the prices reflect that. One of the best menus in town. https://felixbudapest.com/ No one ever regrets dinner here. Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/c9cukgaRgeEaYZA48

Beef & Bone (4.8 on Google). 1 hit about a year ago. You might find a tourist in here from time to time, but not often. It’s a small family owned steak house. Maybe seats 20? Often you will find the owner and his family at one of the table (or maybe the same folks have been there the last 3 times I went).

You walk in and pick your meat out of the glass refrigerated display and they cook it to order. Nice folks, family kitchen dining table sort of atmosphere. Very fair prices. I never tire of it. Website: https://beefandbone.hu/ Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1w5ikMJ78QoYmtdJA

Mr E, thanks for the mention of Felix. I’m going to be celebrating a big birthday while we are in Budapest and this seems like it might be the place.

The first last and only time we were in Budapest was roughly thirty years ago, when at the time I was a devout vegetarian, and found that apart from a salad and sides there was literally nothing on the menu I could eat. Now that my vegetarianism is a fading memory (and whether causative or merely correlated I'm in much finer nick now than I was 3 decades ago) after reading this thread I feel as if a revisit to Budapest might be in order! (Hopefully the issue of blatantly-thieving taxi drivers is a relic of the past as well 😂).

Oooh, Andrea, I wish I was going to be there to celebrate the big birthday with you! Especially if you go to Felix!

GPB, I am sure a lot has changed in the restaurant scene! You can find a lot of vegetarian options and there are restaurants that are completely vegan as well. However, anyone who does eat meat is going to have a great time - especially for pork and duck. And yes, taxis, uber, and Bolt are all reliable. I think the taxi scams are a thing of the past.

I am taking a friend to Budapest - she wants to see why I love it. We don’t have enough days to go to all my favorite restaurants. Ha! But already on the list are Porc &Presli, Cork (for the meet up), Duna Corso, and Fioka.

Mr. É is right to remind about Kadarka and Lion’s Locker. Both excellent!

Hopefully the issue of blatantly-thieving taxi drivers is a relic of the past as well 😂

Hasn't been an issue in nearly 20 years. Seriously.

And other than the airport you rarely need a taxi here.

Andrea, Felix would be perfect. But if you wanted to look at others my list has been completely overhauled.

My birthday dinner is with your brother.

I think you intended for this “list post” to be more than just a list. You wanted some talk?

Yesterday I walked through District VII (the old Jewish quarter, new party quarter) and made note of all the new goulash houses that have popped up. One of them got noted on the forum earlier this year. Seeing them and knowing that they were tourist-centric and generally mundane I thought about adding a more local choice to your thread. To be fair and honest, they also serve the purpose of letting you try some Hungarian food and they do it with quality. So if what I am about to suggest is a bit much for you, do try one of the closer in shops.

For me if I am interested in trying the cuisine of a new place, I look for a balance of three things 1) Authentic Menu, 2) Ingredient and preparation quality, 3) Atmosphere. To be honest I never thought about it before, but for this I did take a moment to consider how I chose.

Kéhli Restaurant (Kéhli Vendéglő) in Óbuda.** Yes, it is in Obuda, so this is not the place you stop at while sightseeing. This is a destination restaurant.

ATMOSPHERE A
The building is the building that the restaurant has operated out of for 125 years https://www.pizzaonl.com/media/image/big/restaurant/0/14-kehli-vendeglo.jpg, the dining room looks like it came out of 1880 https://kehli.hu/walkin-en (click on doorways to move through the building).

AUTHENTIC MENU A+
Soups include Májgombóc Leves (chicken liver dumpling), pheasant & quail egg, bean soup with sour cream & smoked knuckle, carp soup, bone marrow, beef and of course goulash soup. Cups of soup start at about $6 and the larger steel pots of soup start at about $12. Appetizers include peasant platter with homemade bacon, ham & sausage, goose liver with its fat & fruits, Tafelspitz (try it, you will love it), Hortobágyi palacsinta (another must try) and marrow bone with toast & garlic. Mains include Lecsó with egg and sausage, Salty cottage-cheese pasta with sour cream (túrós csusza), székelykáposzta (cabbage stew with pork). Okay, I wont repeat the whole menu. There are a dozen local preparations of goose, chicken, lamb, veal, pork and beef. There is pike, perch, catfish and carp. You will find dozens of recipes you never heard of. The deserts are uniquely Hungarian as well. Be prepared to eat till you bust.

INGREDIENT AND PREPARATION QUALITY A
Okay, I am no expert and I haven’t followed the food delivery trucks but it gets well reviewed and it all tastes good to me. Well presented and good "European Style" service.

Location and Directions: To get there I might consider the M1 to the 1 Tram and then to return, to see something different, the 9 Bus. https://maps.app.goo.gl/TpDa33N3FXQ72p9Z7

TTM, is Budapest the new place to celebrate birthdays? I wish you were going to be there too. I’ll be missing you there.

Mr E, I wish you early Happy Birthday wishes and not only will you be with my brother, you will be with TTM. That sounds like I dinner I wish I could be there for.

You will be with us.

Mr. É, I absolutely wanted an experience description and not just a list! I was hoping people could get an idea of the whole experience and not just a link to a menu. :) Plus it makes me happy to read.

Andrea, we’ll have both celebrated a birthday in Budapest - just not together. I wish I could be there to help celebrate yours! And I am sure someone will send you pictures of Mr. É’s celebration. 🤣

Since it appears that at least one, maybe two will be staying at the Victoria Hotel. I thought I would throw out some food choices. Not a whole lot of the best of quality along the lower embankment but still some fairly interesting places to stick your head in.

Belgian Brasserie Henri next door to the Victoria Hotel is “interesting” and they have a good selection of Belgian beer; but the food was a bit iffy. Still I get dragged here from time to time by a Belgian - Hungarian friend. If its Belgian you want I know a better one in Pest District XI.

Pavillon de Paris Étterem https://maps.app.goo.gl/SAaSCAreXYKiw6qT6 Less than a 4-minute walk. No, I haven’t been, but it keeps getting recommended; especially in good weather. I haven’t gone because it seems a bit too much “French” for my taste. Although there is duck liver on the menu and of course snails, so it isn’t all bad.

Nagyi Palacsintázója https://maps.app.goo.gl/vLQatLdW4x6opD4XA Like night and day with the previous, this one I do enjoy when I get out that way. Very basic, very Eastern European. Just one stop upriver on the 19/41 Tram. Note the market hall next door. This on has been renovated into the 21st century, but it is still interesting if you are there.

Kacsa Étterem https://maps.app.goo.gl/TVmejphUCoT9p4Dg6 Another winner. A very good and very traditional Hungarian restaurant. Two stops upriver on the 19/41 tram. You know it’s Hungarian when you get duck or goose liver swimming in its own fat, stuffed cabbage and pork and duck cooked 4 different ways. They have frog legs too which do have some history in the city. Then they screw it all up with spaghetti. But otherwise, a great evening or lunch.

Margaret's Restaurant & Pub https://maps.app.goo.gl/LjKTm2dL5egA9HS69 . Three stops on the 19/41 tram brings you here. Well, that and figuring out how to walk from the stop to the upper bridge level. You will. Anyway, this is also very Hungarian in a much more basic way. You can get a big basket of dripping greasy hot fried pork skin and some purple onions and crusty bread. Stack them together, bite in and wash it down with a beer.

IDA Bistro https://maps.app.goo.gl/9V4mBendHiXsbntw6 I have walked past it is all. Looks nice and well-reviewed. Why haven’t I tried it? Well, because across the street is Felix (see my post right above). Sorry, Felix or something that might be good across the street and Felix wins. The map will tell you one stop on the 19/41 tram, but you should go 2 stops and the walk is shorter.

One last place.

Szeged Restaurant https://maps.app.goo.gl/aJBvYPGzQkMaPTYd6 four stops downriver on the 19/41. Very good place to go of traditional carp soup fixed in a couple of ways. Sometimes a violin in the evening. Good all-around Hungarian food in classic Hungarian style.

“You will be with us.”

Mr E, I will certainly be with you all in spirit and if anyone is up to doing a video chat via an iPhone or WhatsApp I would be happy to spend a few minutes with you all.

Thats a good idea. I assume your brother has your number.

Of course he does!

Thanks to a friend that doesn’t think I get out enough, I have another restaurant to offer: Aranybástya https://maps.app.goo.gl/UbUoB8Dbc2uguVKL6

I think it will appeal to certain people for certain events, like maybe a goodbye Budapest dinner. But I do have some reservations. One, its not really Hungarian food. They try and make it sound like it is, and yes, there are a few markedly Hungarian dishes on the menu, but it’s almost like they were added to justify the claim. It’s not truly a European menu as they have meats from the US and Australia. None of this would matter if what ever it was that they sold was the best of its type. Well, its very good, but not the best. You can do similar at a much higher quality at N28 for instance.

Then there is the marketing. They make it sound like its in the Castle. Well, it’s not. Its not crazy terribly close to the Castle. What I will give them credit for is they admit the wonderful old period building that the restaurant is in was only built 25 years ago.

What about the price? By Budapest standards Ching, Ching, Ching, Ching $$$$. By US standards $$$.

So why did I even post it? Look at this and no further explanation is necessary: https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/648abfb52ab1776a4af3093b/6a67aa561fb958935cc82efa_aranybastya-elmeny-panoramas-naplementek.webp

Would I go again? Yes, I think I would. The food was good, just not chef inspired or classic to the country. Especially if I had guests in town that I knew would enjoy being in a an environment where a smart casual would be the trend and who would enjoy the uniqueness of the setting.

Főtér Bistro & Bar
Pecs, Hungary
4.3 on Google

This restaurant is in Pecs, about 2.5 hours by the IC train from Budapest. I'm taking the liberty of including it as a Budapest Restaurant Tale for those who might take an overnight (or 3 nights, as I'm doing) from Budapest to Pecs.

Főtér Bistro & Bar has an amazing combination of service, location and food!

It sits on a corner of Széchenyi tér - a main square in the town center of Pecs - facing the Mosque (now Church) of Pasha Qasim. There was some great people watching, even on a chilly Monday night in October.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/TturcarrurbSyL7s8?g_st=ac

The staff were just-right attentive and welcoming to a single tourist diner. I chose a prime viewing table, complete with blanket and an individual overhead heater lamp, both of which I was glad to have.

Even in that choice location, the food was the highlight. The duck breast was perfectly cooked and complemented with a symphony of fall flavors of pumpkin and apple puree, sour cherries and chestnuts. I highly recommend that you come in the fall, just for this dish!

I tossed my dietary restrictions out the window to try their dense, almost fudgey, Swedish chocolate cake. It was worth it! (And with 15,000 steps for the day, I can splurge, can't I?)

My dinner, with one of the more expensive main courses, a glass of Riesling from Pecs, a glass of sparkling water and dessert was 12,000ft / $37.

I almost passed it by, thinking a main square restaurant was not the place for good food. Now I'm glad I have 2 more days in Pecs so that I can go back. I think I'll try something new tomorrow and then have the duck again for my last evening!

Ooooh, good review - on my list now! I love good food AND good prices! I will be there in May, so will have to try it out and see if they have something special for spring.

Séf Asztala - Deli • Cafe • Bakery https://maps.app.goo.gl/BHfdjDJacJ1eV8ud7?g_st=ic

This is a tourist-looking place right by the Parliament, so I didn’t have high expectations. But we needed a quick lunch, had not yet had langos, and it was recommended to us by our guide with whom we had just finished a walking tour. And I have to say it was just what we needed. You order and pay at the counter, take a buzzy thingy, then return to get your food when the buzzy thingy goes off (loudly). We all opted for the addition of red onions (sautéed in oil) and crispy bacon bites. And I have to say it was pretty great. I’m not sure whether it tops Budapest Street Caravan or not (too long in between comparisons) but it was miles better than the Central Market Hall (please don’t do langos there). The bread was hot, freshly cooked, and crispy on both sides.

Gourmet it wasn’t; but it was good with quick service, had places to sit inside and outside, not ridiculously expensive ($18 with a Pepsi), and extremely convenient.

Oh yes, the bread at Séf Asztala was perfection! If only they had jalapeños. A Karavan taste test is definitely in order!!

Király100 Gastro Corner
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ncw5pdDsghfJSNmx5?g_st=ac

I've seen Király100 Gastro Corner on your Budapest restaurant lists. Since it's close to my hotel (Eurostars Ambassador, near Oktogon) it was a good option for my first night back from Pecs.

https://kiraly100.hu/king100restaurant/

I strolled past it on my way back from the Rath György Villa - a museum that I adore, so I was in a terrific mood. I stopped in and chatted with one of the staff, who showed me their "tourist menu" - which might have scared me off from the place. But the charming interior made me want to try it.

When I went back for my reservation, I was delighted by 2 things. A guitarist playing soft jazz and pop tunes. And they gave me what I considered the best seat in the house.... near the front window, and near the musician. As a solo diner, I'm never sure where they might try to seat me, so this felt like a treat. (In warmer weather, my perfect table would have been their street side tables, but it was too chilly for that, even for me.)

Oh, so the food! The tourist menu was 3 courses. I'd never had eggplant cream, but I'm a new fan! Think hummus, but eggplant instead of chickpeas, which you spread on crunchy toast.

For my main course, I have had Chicken Paprikash, and was fearful of trying it again because the last time I ordered it in Budapest, it was awful. Just awful.

The Kiraly100 version made me love Chicken Paprikash. And TTM, you will understand when I say that the slice of jalapeño, which you could cut up into the dish (or not) was my touch of perfection. In my world, Jalapeño is welcome just about anywhere: pizza, langos. And never again will Chicken Paprikash be perfect without it!

The dessert was OK. A spongy cake topped with a chocolate sauce, which was the best part.

The 3 course tourist menu was 9000 HUF. With wine and water and a palinka (don't ask) it came to 16,225, including tip, so roughly $50.

The location is not Duna Corso by the river. But if I'm dining indoors, the location near my hotel is compelling. As pleasant as the evening was, I'll probably switch my last night reservation to Kiraly100.

Király100 has been on my list for special nights out for at least 20 years now. It has changed a bit with time, not all of it better, but none of it bad. I don’t think I have ever sent anyone there that didn’t enjoy it.

https://youtu.be/X8MT9ya7eXo?si=HsASj577PZpJqz30

This has been a restaurant for over 100 years, and I think in that time its been no more than 3 different families owning it. Before 1991 it was the party boss hang out. You know the fat old commies with the Cuban cigars and the young wives in the smoke-filled room. Tell me that looking around that place you cant picture that. The food has always been on the high side of very good, well prepared and without any flaw that an amateur like me would pick up on. It’s probably better than Duna Corso but without the ambiance. Truth is it’s a bit cool for the Danube Corso Ambiance right now.

I met two ladies the other night from South Carolina. You could tell a mile off where they were from when they started talking. They were living stereotypes in accent and in southern kindness and charm. Anyway, they wanted to know where to eat dinner. I sent them to Cork Breakfast & Wine. Yea, I know I send everyone there. So far, I am batting 1000 on reviews afterwards so I keep doing it. I ran into them a little later in the evening and these ladies were beside themselves in expressing how much they loved it. That was nice.

So of course, they asked where they should go the next evening. I sent them to N28. I started getting messages on my phone about 9:00pm, and then the ohhhhh, myyyyyyy gauuuuuds ... They are in love with Budapest I think and the food has a lot to do with it. It’s really hard to do bad here. If there were still in town the next two would be Faustos and Felix.

I am not into places run by TV chefs. I ate Gordon Ramsey's Fish and Chips in Vegas once. Pretty okay. I have an acquaintance here who offered me an arrangement where she would help me make a night of wine more enjoyable if I would feed her well before hand.

She chose the new Gordon Ramsey place in town. Fortunately, it was booked solid. Her second choice was Wolfgang Puck’s place at the Matild Palace hotel. It’s called Spago. So, we went.

Okay, I had the pâté, she had steak tartar, and we both ate lamb chops. Three kinds of bread with beurre compose and some sort of cheese spread is part of the service so two courses was enough. The sommelier took care of wine for the two courses and for dessert. My dessert was cheesecake and she got Somlói galuska ... after which the Tokaji Aszu and birthday cake arrived. Paying the bill was easy after I took my kids out of college. They can finish next year.

I am not going to say it was the best meal in Budapest, close to it. For luxury dining it’s maybe a three-way tie with Faustos and Felix; with Cork only lagging behind because of the purpose of its atmosphere … its fine food made relaxed; just a different experience. But N28 comes really close to Faustos and Felix.

After dinner we went to the next stop and drank wine until midnight. It was a wine tasting event, no less than 75 wineries present That’s her business and I get a lot more out of the evening with someone who speaks the language.