Budapest Restaurants

Thanks to the tidal wave of local chefs that have decided to set up shop at home instead of testing international waters, the restaurant scene here has exploded into one of the most colorful and daring in Europe. While chefs from afar still dazzle nightly, it is the home grown product that is the talk of the town. The following spots are a must-try, but Budapest offers so much more, so you really can’t go wrong.

1. Arcade Bistro - District XII, Kiss Janos Alt. utca 38, Budapest - website

While this eatery could so easily slip into a pretentious cliché, it manages to keep its nose down while serving some of the freshest cuisine anywhere in Budapest.

2. Baraka - District VI, Andrassy ut 111, Budapest - website

One of the most popular and famous restaurants in the city, it now sports brand new digs, but the food is just as consistent and creative as it has always been.

3. Café Kor - District V, Sas utca 17, Budapest - website

This beautifully appointed eatery may look a bit casual from the outside, but the dishes are all seriousness once you take a seat. The vegetarian plates here are excellent.

4. Cyrano - District V, Kristof ter 7-8, Budapest - website

Another fashionable bistro, and again, this one lives up to the hype with attentive service and creative takes on traditional dishes that will leave you wanting to visit a second time.

5. Fausto's - District VII, Dohany utca 5, Budapest - website

Perhaps the most popular Italian restaurant, in the country, Fausto’s is a legendary eating establishment that has been delivering the goods for generations.

6. Fuji Japan - District II, Csatarka utca 54/b, Budapest - website

An honest to goodness top quality sushi bar right in the middle of Budapest, this spot serves up some of the best tasting seafood anywhere.

7. Gundel - District XIV, Allatkerti ut 2, Budapest - website

Located right on the park, this is the quintessential Budapest fine dining experience. You might need help from your hotel concierge to get reservations, though.

8. Hemingway - District XI, Kosztolanyi Dezso ter 2, on Feneketlen Lake, Budapest - website

From an original décor to an original form of cooking, the Hemingway escapes the traps that one might think would befall a restaurant of this name.

9. Krizia - District VI, Moszar utca 12, Budapest - website

One of the most inventive and original takes on Italian food in the whole city, Krizia is a popular spot for both young people and the young at heart.

10. Óceán Bar & Grill - District V, Petofi ter 3, Budapest - website

One of the best traditional seafood houses in the city, The Ocean Bar and Grill also makes for a good romantic getaway from the tourist traffic.