Budapest’s best Michelin-starred restaurants

What is it? Budapest's only two-Michelin-starred restaurant, where Hungarian cuisine is presented in a clean and modern way, as interpreted by culinary duo Szabina Szulló and Tamás Széll.

Why we love it Stand is often referred to as the best restaurant in Budapest. Tamás Széll, the most successful Bocuse d'Or chef for the region, leads a team whose dishes were featured in competition, including the classic goulash soup. The kitchen reimagines Hungarian favourites with astonishing technical precision and creativity. The chef's tasting menu is based on seasonal ingredients and is also available in a vegetarian version. The glass-walled kitchen allows you to see the team in action while the neat space lets the food take centre stage.

Time Out tip: In addition to the legendary goulash soup, the Somló galuska dessert is also a must-try. The wine list is particularly strong, particularly the Hungarian labels.

Address: Székely Mihály utca 2, 1061 Budapest

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 6pm-midnight. Closed Sun-Mon

Expect to pay: Chef’s menu: Ft 89,500 (€236). À la carte (4 courses) Ft 89,500 (€236). Our Everyday Life wine selection Ft 59,900 (€158), A Rare Dream wine selection Ft 174,900 (€462)

What is it? Essência is a Portuguese-Hungarian fine-dining restaurant in the city centre, combining two cultures in terms of cuisine and atmosphere.

Why we love it Portuguese chef/owner Tiago and his Hungarian wife Éva dreamed of homely, simple hospitality in a space with its own distinct character. From the bright street-front room towards the open kitchen, you come to a more intimate space, where the blue-and-white tiles subtly hint at Tiago’s roots. You can choose between a five- or seven-course menu, with the further option to go Portuguese or Hungarian, or combine the two.

Time Out tip: On your first visit, the five- or seven-course tasting menu best shows the philosophy of the kitchen, but you can also order à la carte.

Address: Sas utca 17, 1053 Budapest

Opening hours: Wed 6-10pm, Thu-Sat noon-3pm, 6-10pm (Fri until 11pm). Closed Sun, Mon-Tue

Expect to pay: 5-course tasting menu Ft 41,900 (€110), 7-course Ft 52,900 (€140). With wine pairings Ft 65,400 (€173)/Ft 82,900 (€220)

What is it? A special Michelin-starred chef's table restaurant, where dinner is more like a theatrical experience. The audience can watch every moment of the preparation of the dishes up close.

Why we love it? Rumour is the essence of Jenő's worldwide experiences, wrapped in a unique speak-easy atmosphere. In the concrete-walled, mirrored, red leather-decorated space, the open kitchen is surrounded by a 21-seat counter. The multi-course tasting menu is the imprint of Jenő's travels: sophisticated, creative, sometimes playful dishes with rare ingredients and intense flavours. The experience is accompanied by unique Hungarian wines. The secret entrance and small cluster of diners further enhance the exclusive, intimate atmosphere.

Time Out tip: The pre-theatre menu is an ideal choice for a shorter, more affordable experience. It can only be booked for 5pm in the Dining Room upstairs and runs until 7.30pm.

Address: Petőfi Sándor utca 3, 1061 Budapest

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 5-11pm

Expect to pay: Pre-theatre menu Ft 44,900 (€118). Rumour dégustation menu Ft 68,800 (€182)

What is it? Babel is a true urban institution where the past and the present meet in natural fashion. They believe in giving Hungarian traditions a new lease of life, augmenting, complementing and expanding them.

Why we love it The vision of owner Hubert Hlatky-Schlichter and executive chef Kornél Kaszás are both forward-looking and deeply rooted in Hungarian tradition. The dishes tell personal stories, the neat interior provides a restrained, elegant setting. Note the traces of the Great Pest Flood of 1838 which can still be seen on the walls. Guests can choose from two tasting menus: the eight-course Explorer or the 13-course Experience, which will take you on this carefully constructed gastronomic journey.

Time Out tip: The deviled eggs with tuna caviar and the red shrimp served with tomato and plankton are both outstanding, but the potatoes au gratin are also one of the strongest dishes on the menu.

Address: Piarista köz 2, 1052 Budapest

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 5.30pm-midnight. Closed Sun-Mon

Expect to pay: Tasting menus Ft 59,000-79,000 (€155-208). Vegan menu Ft 55,000-69,000 (€145-182). With wine pairings Ft 29,000-39,000 (€76-103), with juice pairings Ft 19,000-23,000 (€50-60)

What is it? A relaxed high-end bistro with an exceptional wine selection near the Basilica, under the direction of chef Ákos Sárközi. Borkonyha Winekitchen is characterised by high-level gastronomy, conceived and presented in relaxed fashion.

Why we love it The cuisine is based on top-quality ingredients, and although it is subtly influenced by the Hungarian kitchen, the concept is still modern and no-frills. It is characterised by well-thought-out dishes, with particularly intense flavours. The à la carte offering is strong, but the tasting menu gives the most complete picture of the chef's philosophy. Wine here is not a mere accompaniment: the near 100-strong wine list showcases Hungary's best producers, with many available by the glass.

Time Out tip: Be sure to ask for a wine pairing with the tasting menu – this is one of the restaurant's greatest strengths. And while you wait for your food to arrive, take a closer look at the huge wine wall, a defining element of the interior.

Address: Sas utca 3, 1051 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6pm-midnight, Sat noon-midnight. Closed Sun

Expect to pay: Tasting menus (4/6-course) Ft 39,000/51,000 (€103/€135). Wine pairings Ft 29,000/46,000 (€76/€121), organic juice pairings Ft 12,000 (€32)

What is it? Costes is a defining figure in Hungarian gastronomy: in 2010, it entered Hungarian culinary history as its first Michelin-starred restaurant, and it has maintained this recognition ever since.

Why we love it Costes’ cuisine is defined by both respect for tradition and openness to innovation. Jenő Rácz, the restaurant’s gastronomic director, brings his international experience to the dishes, and his style is characterised by bohemian elegance. The seasonally changing, four- and six-course tasting menus are the result of a meeting of French and Hungarian culinary techniques. The dishes are modern, visually strong, with bright colours and balanced, harmonious flavours. The wine list is primarily based on Hungarian brands.

Time Out tip: Ask for a table closer to the entrance, and in addition to the wines, it’s worth taking a look at the cocktail menu.

Address: Ráday utca 4, 1092 Budapest

Opening hours: Wed-Fri 6-11pm, Sat noon-3pm, 6-11pm. Closed Sun, Mon-Tue

Expect to pay: 4-course menu Ft 32,500 (€86), 6-course Ft 49,500 (€130). Wine pairings Ft 23,500/35,500 (€62-94), non-alcoholic Ft 12,500/22,500 €33-59)

What is it? A contemporary restaurant based on nature, fermentation and organic ingredients in the basement of the Hotel Rum. In addition to a Michelin star, they also have a Michelin Green Star, which they earned for their ethical and sustainable gastronomic endeavours.

Why we love it SALT’s kitchen, headed by Szilárd Tóth, considers sustainability as a basic principle. The tasting menu is based on a modern reinterpretation of classic Hungarian recipes: wild-harvested ingredients, ingredients from local producers and vegetables from their own garden. Fermentation, preservation and waste-free philosophy are a given, and the team is constantly experimenting with unusual ingredients. The open kitchen, wooden panels, jars and friendly hospitality create an intimate atmosphere, as if you had arrived for a family dinner in the countryside.

Time Out tip: The drink pairings merit special attention, from domestic natural wines to classic European dishes. But it is definitely worth trying the non-alcoholic selection: juices, kombuchas and tibicos may accompany your meal.

Address: Királyi Pál utca 4, 1053 Budapest

Opening hours: Wed-Sat 6-11pm. Closed Sun-Tue

Expect to pay: 14-course tasting menu Ft 74,500 (€196). With domestic wine pairings Ft 36,000 (€95), European Ft 42,000 (€111), prestige Ft 90,000 (€237). Non-alcoholic drink pairings Ft 26,000 (€69)