The best burgers in Budapest to try in 2025

What is it? Deservingly showcased at Time Out Market Budapest, Tuning are pioneers of premium burgers in Hungary and a consistent crowd favourite in the heart of District VII.

Why we love it The patties made from meat aged for up to two to three weeks, the sauces created according to their own recipes and the artisanal buns provide a divine taste experience. The range includes wagyu, Hungarian grey cattle, Hortobágy Angus and Omaha beef.

Time Out tip: Cult classics include the mango chutney, the truffle foie gras, the umami and the award-winning Leicester burger.

Address: Akácfa utca 45, 1072 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 5pm-11pm, Thur noon-11pm, Fri-Sun noon-11.30pm

Expect to pay: Grey-cattle burgers start at Ft 3,990 (€10), Angus versions at Ft 4,590 (€11.60) and wagyu at Ft 9,120 (€23.20). Side dishes range from Ft 1,390-1,890 (€3.50-4.80-), desserts from Ft 2,000 (€5)

What is it? The Bamba Marha Burger Bar opened its first outlet in the summer of 2015 at Oktogon under the stewardship of burger fanatic János Jancsa, and since then they have expanded to more than ten additional locations.

Why we love it All of their ingredients are fresh and domestic: the buns arrive daily from local bakeries, the patties are made from Hungarian beef and the vegetables are also provided fresh by nearby suppliers. The burgers are only baked to order and they are characterised by simple seasoning – just salt and pepper – so that the taste of the beef dominates. The burgers are accompanied by award-winning brews from Budapest’s First Craft Beer, and if you’re thirsty for something non-alcoholic, you can choose from the small-scale cordials from Valaha Tanya.

Time Out tip: Every Bamba Marha branch has at least one exclusive burger, which is only available at that particular location. Check them out!

Addresses: Árkád, Kolosy tér, Oktogon, Bazilika, Deák Ferenc tér, Astoria, Széll Kálmán tér, Westend, Ferenciek tere, Corvin Plaza and Allee

Opening hours: Vary according to location, usually 11am-10pm

Expect to pay: Basic burgers Ft 2,790-3,790 (€7-9.60), special, extra meaty or seasonal Ft 3,290-4,190 (€8.30-10.60). Side dishes Ft 790-1,890 (€2-4.80), desserts, including churros, from Ft 990 (€2.50)

What is it? Black Cab Burger is one of the city's revered oldies, and its Mester utca location has been a local favourite for years.

Why we love it Black Cab stands out among the many burger joints in Budapest for its combination of quality ingredients and friendly atmosphere. If you want to eat a carefully prepared burger in a relaxed environment, this is the place to go. The owner of the place was inspired by a London food truck, in front of which black cab drivers, policemen and paramedics would queue up hungry – and, as we all know, this is an excellent indicator of a good burger joint.

Time Out tip: One of the house specialities is the Cabbie burger, which can be ordered in regular and large sizes, even with double meat.

Address: Mester utca 46, 1095 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11.30am-10pm

Expect to pay: Burgers range from Ft 1,700-4,600 (€4.30-11.70), hot dogs start at Ft 1,600 (€4), fries Ft 900 (€2.30)

What is it? Located in District VII, Kandalló Kézműves Pub, as its middle name (‘Artisanal’) suggests, offers local and international craft beers, and award-winning burgers.

Why we love it On two levels and in the summer, you can enjoy freshly made burgers on the terrace, while choosing from the best small-batch beers. Whether you come as a couple, with a larger group or you’re watching the game, everything is laid on for a convivial evening. They also offer gluten-free and vegan burger options. In addition to the classic Hungarian craft varieties, their 16 taps have room for new arrivals. Table reservations are recommended.

Time Out tip: The Smash Hit - two extra juicy smashed beef patties, crispy bacon double, melted cheddar, mustard, pickles, onions and secret sauce!

Address: Kertész utca 33, 1073 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Wed, Sun noon-10.30pm, Thur-Sat noon-11pm

Expect to pay: Burgers without side dishes run between Ft 4,400-5,800 (€11.20-14.75), with sides Ft 5,500-6,900 (€14-17.50)

What is it? Owner Simon has a simple dream: to bring the world’s best burgers to Hungary. As he himself puts it, the ultimate burger is the one he ate in America.

Why we love it Simon’s Burger has a basic yet great concept: they offer a single, perfectly polished burger, and they don’t like a menu that is over-thought. The meat is not frozen, the bun is buttery soft, and the secret sauce is made of 17 ingredients, providing everything a true burger aficionado could need. They pay special attention to the fries: they use only Dutch potatoes, unpeeled, which are then fried in 100% sunflower oil.

Time Out tip: In addition to the cheeseburger and fries, try the Simon’s cream soda or any of the house milkshakes.

Addresses: Deák Ferenc tér, Westend, Arany utca, Óbuda, Corvin Plaza, Köki

Opening hours: Vary according to location, usually 11am-9.30pm

Expect to pay: Burgers Ft 2,090-2,840 (€5.30-7.20), fries from Ft 690 (€1.75), milkshakes Ft 1,290 (€3.25)

What is it? One of the most popular burger joints in Budapest, with long queues invariably forming outside. And their second location has opened in (who woulda thought?) New York, on Union Square.

Why we love it Located near busy Kálvin tér, Smashy offers fresh, tasty smash burgers that come in soft, buttery buns. Their minimalist menu lists the Classic and House Cheeseburger, both of which comprise two patties, cheese and fresh toppings. The meat comes from quality sources, the service is fast and friendly, and the atmosphere of the place means a stylish street-food experience. Its affordable price-performance ratio makes it a perfect choice for a quick lunch or dinner in Budapest.

Time Out tip: Don’t let the queues put you off, orders are prepared quickly – all the same, space is limited, so ask for your burger to go and head for the lovely gardens at the National Museum round the corner.

Address: Baross utca 4, 1085 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Thur, Sun 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

Expect to pay: Classic & house cheeseburger Ft 1,990 (€5), fries Ft 590 (€1.50)

What is it? The Burger Project is a young, premium street-food spot serving artisanal smash burgers made from Angus beef.

Why we love it You can find various versions of the smash burger in both of its restaurants. Fresh, selected ingredients, homemade sauces and soft brioche buns guarantee a delicious experience, while the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, perfect for a quick lunch or a weekend treat. The menu plays with both classic and seasonal specialities. At their Viza utca location, you can also order an artisanal brew on tap with your burger – there’s a partnership agreement with local producers First Craft Beer.

Time Out tip: Try their loaded fries with cheddar cheese sauce or their peanut butter & jam burger.

Addresses: István út 5, 1043 Budapest; Viza utca 9, 1138 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11am-9pm

Expect to pay: Burgers Ft 2,690-4,990 (€6.80-12.60), other mains Ft 4,500-6,800 (€11.40-17.20), side dishes Ft 890-1,790 (€2.25-4.50)

What is it? An authentically artisanal burger joint in District VII. The meat comes from the steakhouse on Vámház körút, the baked goods from the renowned Panificio, and the sauces are made according to their own recipe. A big local favourite.

Why we love it Vaslap Burger is street food in its truest sense, every burger served straight from the hot griddle to your plate. The meat is juicy, the buns are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and the homemade sauces are additive-free. The menu is equally pure – from classic cheeseburgers to special toppings, everyone will find something to their liking. Friendly service, affordable prices and true comfort food characterise the place.

Time Out tip: The classic Vaslap Burger is a must: 160g beef patty, homemade chipotle mayonnaise, cheddar, crispy bacon, tomato, onion chips, jalapeño and red onions – an unforgettable experience.

Address: Dohány utca 59b, 1074 Budapest

Opening hours: Tue-Fri 11.30am-9pm, Sat 1pm-9pm. Closed Sun-Mon

Expect to pay: Burgers Ft 3,190-3,990 (€8.10-10.15), menus 4,700-5,500 (€12-14, side dishes Ft 1,200-1,600 (€3-4)

What is it? With its launch in 2013, Zing was one of the pioneers of Hungarian street food. Today, they oversee more than 15 locations.

Why we love it They mix their own sauces, bake their buns from a special kalács dough and process the meat themselves. This way, you can be sure that the burgers only contain ingredients that you can find in your own kitchen. In addition, Zing's transparent and family-friendly approach, as well as its consistency in using premium ingredients, make them a real street-food favourite.

Time Out tip: Zing's top picks – Street, Smokey BBQ, Guitar Hero and Hungry Hipster – are all made with premium Angus beef patties, straight from the farm at Balatonfenyves.

Addresses: Kálvin tér, Nyugati station, Király utca 20

Opening hours: Vary according to location, usually 11am-11pm

Expect to pay: Burgers Ft 2,450-4,450 (€6.25-11.30), side dishes Ft 790-1,590 (€2-4)