If there’s one thing you must do in Budapest, it’s eat. This city is a total foodie paradise — a place where you can start your day with fluffy pancakes and espresso in a leafy café, tuck into a steaming bowl of goulash for lunch, and sip cocktails under fairy lights in a ruin bar by night.
Budapest’s food scene is an adventure in itself — rich, creative, and full of surprises. From steaming bowls of goulash to Middle Eastern feasts, every meal feels like part of the story.
Whether you’re here on a Budapest winter city break or visiting in the sunshine, the food scene will win you over. It’s affordable, creative, and packed with personality — just like the city itself. So grab your appetite (and stretchy jeans), because here’s my ultimate Budapest food guide for where to eat, drink and indulge in this deliciously underrated capital.
So take your time, wander the side streets, and don’t be afraid to try the local spots that don’t make the guidebooks. You’ll find some of the best meals where you least expect them — and that’s the beauty of eating your way through Budapest.
Here's your Budapest Food Guide:
- What to Eat in Budapest
- 3 Best Restaurants in Budapest
- 4 Best Brunch Spots in Budapest
- 5 Best Coffee Shops in Budapest
- Bonus Tip: Skip The Most Beautiful Café in Budapest
- Budapest’s Bar and Nightlife Scene
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What to Eat in Budapest – Traditional Hungarian Dishes You Have to Try
Before we dive into where to eat, let’s talk about what to eat in Budapest — because the city’s traditional dishes are rich, hearty, and absolutely made for colder weather. Hungarian food is all about comfort, spice (paprika is king here), and soulful, home-cooked flavour. Here are a few must-try bites:
1. Goulash (Gulyás)
The national dish of Hungary, goulash is a spicy beef soup cooked with paprika, potatoes, and veggies. It’s warming, flavourful, and best enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread on a chilly winter’s day.
2. Lángos
This beloved Hungarian street food is basically fried dough heaven — crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and usually topped with sour cream and grated cheese. You’ll find lángos stalls at Christmas markets and around City Park — perfect for a mid-sightseeing snack.
3. Chicken Paprikash (Paprikás Csirke)
Tender chicken cooked in a creamy paprika sauce and served with nokedli (Hungarian-style dumplings). This is pure comfort food and a must-order dish if you want to taste authentic home-style cooking.
4. Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács)
No Budapest food guide would be complete without mentioning chimney cake. You’ll smell it before you see it — sweet, cinnamon-sugar pastry cooked over an open flame, often filled with Nutella or ice cream. A total winter warmer!
5. Túró Rudi
A quirky Hungarian treat — a chocolate bar filled with tangy curd cheese. You’ll find it in any supermarket, and it’s one of those “love it or hate it” snacks worth trying at least once.
3 Best Restaurants in Budapest
If you’re planning a food-focused night out in Budapest, the city won’t disappoint. From atmospheric ruin bars and leafy courtyards to retro-chic squares buzzing with locals, Budapest’s restaurant scene serves up everything from traditional Hungarian dishes to creative Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you’re after a romantic dinner, a vibrant spot with friends, or a solo adventure in Budapest. These three restaurants are some of the best places to eat in Budapest.
TwentySix Budapest – Greenhouse Dinner Vibes
Forget brunch — TwentySix Budapest transforms into a magical evening destination. Picture a glass-roofed garden glowing with warm lights, lush greenery surrounding you, and a menu full of Mediterranean-inspired dishes that are as delicious as they are colourful. Dinner here is a feast for all senses: perfectly plated small plates, fresh seasonal ingredients, and a relaxed yet elegant vibe that makes you want to linger over every course. Whether you’re sharing a mezze platter with friends or indulging in a seafood dish paired with a crisp glass of wine, TwentySix makes an evening in Budapest feel like something truly special.
📍 1061 Budapest, Király u. 26
Mazel Tov – Middle Eastern Magic Meets Ruin Bar Cool
Mazel Tov is one of those rare spots that’s both a foodie gem and a total vibe. Set in Budapest’s famous Jewish Quarter, it’s a leafy, lantern-lit restaurant serving Mediterranean and Israeli-inspired dishes — think falafel, hummus, grilled meats, and tahini everything. It’s lively but not loud, romantic but not stuffy — basically, it nails that perfect balance. I recommend booking ahead for dinner, especially on weekends, because this place fills up fast (and for good reason).
📍 1072 Budapest, Akácfa u. 47
Menza Étterem – Classic Hungarian Comfort Food
If you want a taste of traditional Hungarian cuisine with a modern twist, head to Menza Étterem. This retro-chic restaurant sits right on Liszt Ferenc Square and is always buzzing with locals. Order the goulash soup or chicken paprikash, and pair it with a glass of local wine for the full experience. The prices are super reasonable, and the people-watching from the heated terrace is top-tier — a perfect way to soak in the atmosphere of Budapest at night.
📍 1061 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc tér 2
4 Best Brunch Spots in Budapest
If there’s one thing Budapest does really well, it’s brunch. Whether you’re recovering from a late night on the Danube, taking a slow weekend morning stroll, or just craving a relaxed meal with amazing coffee, the city’s brunch scene will not disappoint. From sun-drenched cafés to leafy, Instagram-worthy spots, Budapest brunch spots combine delicious food, strong coffee, and that effortlessly cool vibe the city does so well.
Here are four of my absolute favourites — guaranteed to kickstart your day in style, whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or on a romantic city break.
Portobello Budapest – Brunch Perfection
Budapest takes brunch seriously, and Portobello is proof. This cosy, modern café serves generous portions and strong coffee — exactly what you need after a late night exploring the city. Their pancakes are impossibly fluffy, the eggs are perfectly cooked, and everything is presented so beautifully you’ll want to Instagram it (but honestly, you’ll be too busy eating). The relaxed, welcoming vibe makes it a great spot for solo travellers, groups, or lazy mornings with friends. Grab a window seat, sip a flat white, and watch the city wake up around you — the perfect start to any Budapest day.
📍 1053 Budapest, Veres Pálné u. 29
Franziska – Sunlit Brunch & Beautiful Coffee
Franziska is my go-to for a slow, indulgent brunch. Its sunlit interior and bright, airy atmosphere make it feel like a little oasis in the city. The menu is full of locally sourced, seasonal dishes — think fluffy waffles, avocado toast, and perfectly poached eggs — all paired with rich, expertly brewed coffee. I love coming here when I want a calm morning away from the bustle, lingering over a latte while flipping through a book or planning my day in Budapest. The flavours are fresh, the presentation is on point, and the vibe is pure cozy brunch heaven.
📍 1013 Budapest, Iskola u. 29
TwentySix Budapest – Greenhouse Brunch Goals
If you’re chasing that “I could stay here all day” kind of brunch, TwentySix Budapest delivers. The space is like stepping into a lush, glass-roofed greenhouse, with plants all around and warm, inviting lighting. Their brunch menu is full of Mediterranean-inspired dishes — colourful, fresh, and packed with flavour. Think shakshuka, mezze boards, and perfectly balanced salads. Whether you’re after a light bite or a hearty breakfast to fuel a day of sightseeing, TwentySix makes brunch feel like a proper little treat.
📍 1061 Budapest, Király u. 26
Cookie Beacon – Sweet Treat Heaven
For something a little indulgent, Cookie Beacon is pure joy. This small, cosy café is perfect for a sweet brunch or a mid-morning pick-me-up. Their gooey cookies are legendary, the juices are fresh and vibrant, and their breakfast plates are generous and cheerful. I love popping in here for a relaxed morning, grabbing a chocolate chip cookie (or two), and soaking up the happy, laid-back vibes. It’s a spot that makes you want to linger, sip your coffee slowly, and just enjoy the moment.
📍 1074 Budapest, Dohány u. 7
5 Best Coffee Shops in Budapest
If you’re anything like me, you can’t start a day of exploring without a strong coffee in hand. Luckily, Budapest’s coffee scene is next-level. The city is brimming with beautiful cafés — from hipster espresso bars to cosy hideaways that feel like your living room (but with better pastries). Budapest’s café culture is effortlessly cool — it’s a mix of creativity, comfort, and community. Whether you’re grabbing a takeaway espresso before a river walk or settling in with a laptop and pastry on a rainy day, there’s always somewhere inviting to caffeinate and connect.
So go explore, sip slowly, and maybe fall in love with a new favourite café or two. After all, in Budapest, coffee isn’t just a drink — it’s a way of life. Here are a few of my favourite Budapest coffee shops you have to check out during your trip:
Espresso Embassy – For the Serious Coffee Lovers
This place is practically a pilgrimage for coffee lovers. Espresso Embassy takes its coffee seriously — expect expertly brewed single-origin beans, latte art that deserves its own photo shoot, and a minimalist Scandi vibe that makes you want to stay for hours. It’s the perfect mid-morning stop between sightseeing or a great spot to get some work done if you’re travelling long-term or digital nomad-ing your way through Europe.
📍 1051 Budapest, Arany János u. 15
My Little Melbourne – Budapest’s OG Specialty Coffee Shop
One of the first specialty coffee shops in Budapest, My Little Melbourne helped kick off the city’s caffeine revolution. It’s tucked away in the Jewish Quarter and serves the dreamiest flat whites and cold brews. If you’re exploring the Ruin Bars nearby, this is the perfect spot to recharge the morning after. Pair your coffee with one of their homemade cakes — trust me, you’ll thank me later.
📍 1075 Budapest, Madách Imre út 3
Fekete – Hidden Courtyard Gem
Fekete means “black” in Hungarian, and it’s fitting — this café knows its coffee. It’s hidden inside a courtyard, just off a busy street, but once you step inside, it’s calm, creative, and full of locals. They serve excellent espresso, pour-overs, and brunch dishes (so yes, you can sneak this into your Budapest brunch crawl). It’s one of those spots that makes you fall in love with the city all over again.
📍 1052 Budapest, Múzeum krt. 5
Franziska – Brunch Meets Beautiful Coffee
You might already know Franziska from my brunch recommendations, but it absolutely deserves a mention here too. With its sunlit interior, locally sourced ingredients, and strong, rich coffee, it’s the perfect slow-start-to-your-day kind of café. The waffles are legendary and pair way too well with a flat white.
📍 1013 Budapest, Iskola u. 29
Madal Café – Peace, Coffee, and Cake
Madal Café is another Budapest staple — bright, welcoming, and known for both its quality coffee and its calm, mindful atmosphere. The café is inspired by spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy, so you’ll find inspirational quotes alongside excellent cappuccinos. Their matcha lattes and carrot cake are also worth a shout-out.
📍 Multiple locations across Budapest
Bonus Tip: Skip The Most Beautiful Café in Budapest
Yes, it’s stunning. Yes, it’s on every “must-visit in Budapest” list. But honestly? The New York Café is one of those places that’s better admired from the outside. The interior is jaw-droppingly beautiful, but the food, coffee and service don’t match the prices or the hype. Instead, save your forints for smaller local cafés that serve actually good coffee — you’ll get way more value (and atmosphere) elsewhere.
Skip the tourist trap of the New York Café (sorry, it’s just not it) and instead visit Centrál Grand Café & Bar. It has all the vintage charm — high ceilings, chandeliers, piano music — without the insane prices or long queues. It’s been serving locals since the 1800s and feels like stepping into history, but with great food and coffee.
📍 1053 Budapest, Károlyi utca 9
Budapest’s Bar & Nightlife Scene
No Budapest food guide would be complete without mentioning its legendary ruin bars. These unique drinking spots are built in old, abandoned buildings and filled with fairy lights, mismatched furniture and all sorts of quirky charm.
- Szimpla Kert – the OG ruin bar and still one of the best. Go early if you want a seat!
- Doboz – trendy, fun, and great for groups.
- 360 Bar – for cocktails with a panoramic view over the city rooftops (even better at sunset).
- Élesztőház – craft beer heaven, set in an old factory courtyard.
And if you’re visiting in winter, don’t skip a glass of forralt bor (mulled wine) at one of Budapest’s Christmas markets. It’s the perfect way to warm up after a day of exploring.
