The 20 Best Restaurants In Budapest

Budapest, Hungary is a beautiful city known for its breathtaking architecture, underground caves, and renowned spas. However, Budapest is also home to a plethora of amazing restaurants, ranging from Michelin-starred fine dining to picturesque cafes located in the heart of the city. Since Hungary is known for producing some of the best paprika in the world, you'll want to order at least one dish that uses this vibrant spice at the forefront of its recipe.

Other iconic dishes, like goulash and stuffed cabbage, are also must-tries when in Budapest, and you'll be able to find both classic takes and more modern renditions all over the city. Though you'll need to make reservations for some of the more upscale, fine dining restaurants, one of the best things to do in Budapest is simply stroll through the city center, posting up on the patio at a local bistro. Below, some of the best restaurants in Budapest for visitors looking to enjoy a true taste of this historic city.

Considering Wolfgang Puck is one of the most famous chefs in the world, any meal at Spago is sure to impress. The Budapest location is situated in stunning Matild Place, a Luxury Collection Hotel. From a creative new sushi menu to top-notch cocktails, Spago Budapest is well worth visiting, for locals and visitors alike. Though several items change out with the seasons, there are a few staples.

The Hungarian buffalo steak tartare is a flavorful yet light appetizer; the goulash soup offers a modern take on a traditional Hungarian recipe. The agnolotti is a must-order no matter when you visit, and the Japanese Wagyu A4 sirloin literally melts in your mouth.

Looking for a picturesque cafe with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating? If you visit Central Cafe in the morning, kick off your meal with a creamy cappuccino. Signature breakfast items include the Central Benedict with truffle, and the crispy polenta monsieur. A lunch or dinner visit, meanwhile, demands a glass of wine.

Sip on an Aperol spritz while enjoying black mussels in butter sauce as an appetizer. When it comes to mains, the chicken paprikash with buttered noodles should be at the top of your list. Hungary is known for having some of the best paprika in the world, and this dish is the perfect blend of comforting and hearty.

In terms of ambiance, Párisi Passage provides one of the most stunning backdrops in Budapest. The grandiose architecture is dramatic and glamorous, and patrons are able to dine all day. The restaurant portion has a more intimate atmosphere and vibe, while the cafe is more open. If you're craving something sweet, order the cafe's iconic hot chocolate with whipped cream.

Should you choose to visit during dinner, enjoy classic Hungarian dishes like chicken paprikash with butter dumplings and sour cream or crispy duck leg with mashed potatoes. Everything from the meats to the cheeses are sourced locally, and patrons are able to taste the quality and freshness in each dish.

Located in the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, KOLLÁZS Brasserie & Bar is one of the sleekest, most chic places for apps and drinks in Budapest. The bar area has an indoor and an outdoor section, and guests are able to enjoy live music from local bands and DJs throughout the weekend.

Order oysters on ice to pair with a dirty martini as you soak up the elevated energy at the bar. If you choose to dine for a full sit-down dinner, don't skip on the pan-seared red snapper and roasted artichoke. The steak frites is another top contender, as is the traditional chicken paprikash.

Laurel Budapest blends Hungarian, French, and Pan-Asian cuisine to curate an unforgettable fine dining experience for travelers and locals alike. The modern approach relies on innovative techniques and plating, while the service remains top-notch yet warm and inviting. Unlike many European cities, Budapest is fairly plant-based-friendly, and in addition to the standard tasting menu, Laurel Budapest also has a vegan option.

Though you'll need to make a reservation before you visit, typical elements of fine dining such as a dress code are not required; guests can instead focus on the food during their experience. In addition to dinner, Laurel Budapest is also open for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

When it comes to innovation and creativity, Onxy Mühely is leading the charge. While the traditional restaurant part of Onyx is undergoing a remodel, there is a one-of-a-kind concept in its place at the Onyx Workshop. 

Dining at the Workshop means watching the creation process unfold from a 16-person communal table with a clear view of the chef's workspace. The Workshop makes the experience interactive, relying on guest opinions to put the restaurant in a constant state of improvement and reinvention. Once a dish or recipe is deemed worthy, it is then added to the menu at Onyx Restaurant, which is set to re-open in 2024.

The checkered tablecloths at Hungarikum Bisztró make patrons feel as though they've traveled back in time to a true Hungarian dining room. Everything from the comforting, classic menu to the unwavering hospitality has made Hungarikum Bisztró a consistent favorite among locals.

If you want to enjoy a simple, traditional Hungarian meal without having to make too many decisions, the three-course Hungarian menu is a great pick. Start off with the goulash soup before the main course of crispy duck leg and steamed cabbage rolls out. Finally, the coursed meal ends with a spice-forward cinnamon apple pie and a creamy vanilla sauce.

Szimpla is far more than a typical restaurant — it's an entire experience. While Szimpla is technically classified one of Budapest's most popular ruin bars, its lively energy and delicious bites make it beyond worthy of being on this list. Keep in mind that Szimpla is huge, and there are several different areas and vibes to explore within the single establishment. While most people come here to drink, the food is actually pretty solid.

Enjoy everything from freshly-baked goods to Hungarian street food. Szimpla also hosts a Sunday farmer's market, where locals and visitors can pick up fresh fruits, veggies, condiments, and cheeses.

Head to Stand23 Bisztró after taking some panoramic photos of the nearby Chain Bridge. Though the quality of the cuisine matches what you'll find at a standard fine dining restaurant, the ambiance and atmosphere is much more cozy, inviting, and warm. In addition to classic Hungarian offerings like goulash and savory potato casserole, the menu also showcases French bites like duck foie gras and French onion soup.

If you're a fan of seafood, the salmon filet with parmesan risotto is the ideal dish, but the young deer steak is cooked to perfection every time and always yields a rich flavor.

Middle Eastern recipes and flavors shine at Budapest's Dobrumba. If you're looking for a vibrant place great for a big group, Dobrumba is sure to satisfy. Cold plates like the baba ganoush and hummus tahini are perfect for sharing before a night out in Budapest. However, the warm falafel plate is a can't-miss item that has a crispy exterior and delightfully soft interior.

The piri piri chicken is comforting and flavorful, but the beef tagine with dried figs, cardamom, and couscous is a local favorite. Though you might be tempted to order several different dishes, do your best to save room for the goat cheese Basque cheesecake for dessert.