There are different types of restaurants in Budapest. The most important are the following:
Étterem: A general confession for a restaurant. Étteremek are widespread and vary in price and quality from fast food chains to top restaurants.
Vendéglõ: Typical small restaurant with traditional furnishings.
Sörözõ: A beer garden or pub. Most offer a wide range of dishes just like normal restaurants.
Borozó: a wine bar. They offer different wines, but usually have only a very limited menu or no menu.
Our selection comprises nine restaurants, which we have divided into three categories: expensive, moderate and inexpensive. The prices quoted are the average price for a three-course meal or the price for half a bottle of the cheapest wine or house wine. VAT and service charge and tip are not included.
Expensive (over 8,000 HUF)
moderate (2,000 to 8,000 HUF)
inexpensive (up to 2,000 HUF)
Reservations are always recommended.
Lifted
Arany Kaviar
Located on a quiet street below Buda Castle, Budapest’s leading Russian restaurant in the nostalgic ambience of 19th century Russian town houses offers excellent food and courteous service. In addition to Russian dishes, the menu also includes all national specialties from the former Russian empire, such as from Armenia, Ukraine and Georgia. The focus is on fish dishes and of course on caviar. Here you can find the most precious and exclusive selection of caviar, such as Beluga, Osetra and Sevruga, in Budapest. The restaurant also offers a selection of the best Russian vodkas, which are of course served ice-cold. Lovers of warmer and lower-alcohol beverages will find their pleasure in the rich selection of exclusive teas from the samovar.
Address: I., Ostrom St 19, Budapest
Phone: (01) 201 67 37
Website: http://www.aranykaviar.hu
Fausto
Fausto is the best Italian restaurant in Budapest. The decor is elegant with antique furniture and large round tables covered with white linen. The excellent dishes include a variety of soups and traditional Italian starters, followed by delicious meat and fish dishes. The menu changes depending on the season, because only fresh ingredients are used. The Italian haute cuisine of Fausto is not cheap, but there are more than 70 Italian and Hungarian wines to choose from that make the price forgotten.
Address: VII., Dohány St 5, Budapest
Telephone: (01) 269 68 06
Website: http://www.fausto.hu
Gundel
This is the chicest and most famous restaurant in the city – a real institution and probably Budapest’s only restaurant with an international reputation. Traditional dishes with an innovative touch such as the famous Hungarian goose liver are wonderfully complemented by an exclusive wine list. The historical ambience is a feast for the eyes. Evening wear is required.
Address: XIV., Állatkerti útca 2, Budapest
Phone: (01) 468 40 40
Website: http://www.gundel.hu
Moderate
Spoon cafe
Spoon is unique in many ways: the restaurant is a replica of a large white cruise ship that is moored opposite Buda Castle. The decor is tasteful and modern, the food with numerous fish dishes is very international. The menu offers culinary secrets from Spain to Thailand, which chef Zsolt Beke has opened and brings to perfection in his kitchen. The breathtaking view of Budapest can be enjoyed from all places on the ship.
Address: V., Vigadó tér 3, (in front of the Hotel Intercontinental), Budapest
Telephone: (01) 411 09 33 and (01) 411 09 34
Website: http://www.spooncafe.hu
Képíró
Tucked away on a side street near the Kálvin tér subway station is this gem of a restaurant. The elegant decor is contrasted by large-scale works of art by the Hungarian artist Ákos Birkás. Not only is the atmosphere cozy, the waitress is quick and friendly. The mainly European dishes with Hungarian flavor are simply fantastic. While many restaurants in Budapest pay more attention to quantity than quality, the success of Képíró liesin the fine taste and the bold combinations that make the dishes truly unique. The seasonally changing offer, for which only fresh ingredients are used, is accompanied by an exquisite menu of Hungarian wines. There is live jazz music every Saturday evening. Closed on Sundays.
Address: V., Képíró utca 3, Budapest
Telephone: (01) 266 04 30
Kisbuda Gyöngye
Located in Óbuda and therefore a little further away (although easy to reach by taxi), the Kisbuda Gyöngye is well worth the detour. The restaurant, which has the elegant charm of the old world, is the perfect place for a romantic dinner, as the antique furniture and the beautiful, hand-painted ceiling create a warm and intimate atmosphere. The menu with Hungarian and international dishes reflects both traditional cuisine and modern taste. More than 100 wines are available, including some of the best Hungary has to offer. Every evening jazz, classical or traditional music is played live on the old piano in the middle of the room. Closed on Sundays.
Address: III., Kenyeres St 34, Budapest
Telephone: (01) 368 64 02 and (01) 368 92 46
Website: http://www.remiz.hu
Cheap
Café Kor
The always popular Café Kor once opened as a tiny bar, but has now expanded in size. The interior exudes a relaxed and cozy coffee house atmosphere that attracts young audiences, students and yuppies in search of light fare. Chef Ádám Répás prepares imaginative dishes of traditional Hungarian cuisine with a slightly western influence. The menu changes daily and the homemade desserts are particularly recommended. It is also possible to order smaller portions at reduced prices.
Address: V., Sas utca 17, Budapest
Phone: (01) 311 00 53
Website: http://cafekor.com/
Gerbeaud
This sight of a Budapest café-pastry shop is an absolute must. The interior appears splendid in its Austro-Hungarian opulence of the early 20th century, supplemented by rich stucco work, ornate chandeliers, marble tables, elaborate wood paneling and wall coverings made of brocade. Among other decorative elements, the piano catches the eye, which was intended for use on the Titanic but could not be loaded in time. The classic coffee house atmosphere can be enjoyed in various salons, while reading fantastic newspapers, reading pastries, chatting or watching people eat fantastic cakes, pastries and ice creams.
Address: V., Vörösmarty tér 7, Budapest
Telephone: (01) 429 90 00
Website: http://www.gerbeaud.hu
Marxim’s
This fun pizzeria in Buda offers a special experience that should be had, although it is not part of the usual tourist program. The communism theme – as the name suggests – makes the restaurant special. Here the rooms are divided with barbed wire, there are replicas of communist leaflets on the walls and even a uniformed mannequin. But the biggest fun is ordering pizzas with the names “Snow White and the Seven Proletarians”, “Red October”, “Siberian Dreams”, “Gulag Pizza”, “CCCPizza”, “Wahlversprechen” and the anti-vegetarian pizza. Although it is above all the unique atmosphere that guests are here for,
Address: Kis Rókus St 23, Budapest
Telephone: (01) 316 02 31
Website: http://marximpub.hu/