The best pizzerias in Budapest

What is it? A cult rural pizzeria in Encs, north-east Hungary, its divine Neapolitan pizzas and authentic Italian dishes now also found among the outlets at Time Out Market Budapest.

Why we love it Anyukám Mondta is one of the most important pizza spots in Hungary, which showed the way long before the Neapolitan pizza boom. The concept created by the Dudás brothers is based on quality and simplicity: long-matured, light dough, well thought-out, simple toppings and ingredients often sourced from domestic producers. The main restaurant 200km from Budapest has become a real gastronomic pilgrimage site, and they bring the same quality to the Time Out Market in Budapest.

Time Out tip: The airy, light focaccia baked on-site is a real crowd-pleaser, as is the Margherita DOP pizza, creamy burrata and tiramisu.

Address: Time Out Market Budapest, Blaha Lujza tér 1, 1085 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11.30am-10pm

Expect to pay: Mangalica ragutella pizza Ft 5,550 (€15.60), tiramisu Ft 2,850 (€8)

What is it? Roman-style pizza slices sold on Nagymező utca in the Theatre District, where you can choose from a selection of crispy, pan-fried pizzas courtesy of a southern Italian brother and sister.

Why we love it Pizzica is one of the best examples of how the popularity of good places often lies in simplicity. This fast-casual yet consistently high-quality place is an indispensable part of Budapest if you’re hungry for decent pizza. The slices are cut with scissors and then lined up on a wooden board, in case you want to try several flavours. The dough is crispy and light, and the toppings are not overly thought out. In addition to the classic combinations, there are always a few more exciting variations, depending on what’s on the counter.

Time Out tip: Try several varieties – the truffle-and-potato and the mortadella are unmissable.

Address: Nagymező utca 21, 1065 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Thur 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-midnight. Sun closed

Expect to pay: Premium slices Ft 750/Ft 950 (€2.10/2.70)

What is it? A young Neapolitan pizza chain in Budapest, serving fast, oven-baked pizzas in a relaxed atmosphere.

Why we love it When it comes to Neapolitan pizza in Budapest, MOTO has been one of the most reliable players for years: airy, soft-edged pizza dough, fast baking, simple but effective toppings. The pizzas are ready in a few minutes in the spectacular wood-fired oven, and they have several locations in the city, so they’re easy to find if you’re looking for a quick but quality pizza.

Time Out tip: Each outlet has its own look and atmosphere and visual world, which adds to the experience, but wherever you happen to be, the spicy salami Carlo is one of our favourites.

Addresses: Andrássy út 54, 1062 Budapest; Bartók Béla út 46, 1114 Budapest; Flórián tér 6-9, 1033 Budapest; József körút 34, 1085 Budapest; Madách Imre út 8, 1075 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11.30am-10pm

Expect to pay: Carlo Ft 4,640 (€13), MOTO Ft 4,640 (€13), tiramisu Ft 950 (€2.70)

What is it? A neat Neapolitan pizza place in Buda, where the classic Italian basics, wood-fired oven and drink selection guarantee that you’ve come to the right place.

Why we love it IGEN was one of the first places to bring real Neapolitan pizza to Budapest, and it has consistently maintained its standards ever since. The dough is light and airy, the crust rises nicely, while the middle remains soft. The basics are classic, and the well-thought-out variations are based on this, from the Margherita to the richer ones, such with mortadella or burrata. The place doesn’t want to overcomplicate anything, but rather delivers precisely what it promises. It’s neat, reliable, and that’s exactly why it’s one of the best choices if you want to eat real Neapolitan pizza in Budapest.

Time Out tip: You can ask for your pizza to be made with gluten-free or whole-wheat flour, and they have vegan cheese on their menu.

Address: Margit körút 60, 1027 Budapest

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

Expect to pay: Spicy salami Ft 3,990 (€11.20), Parma-rocket-and-parmesan Ft 4,490 (€12.60), Margherita DOP Ft 4,990 (€14)

What is it? A Neapolitan-style pizza place with several locations in Budapest, which has grown from a food truck into a stable establishment in the capital and at Lake Balaton.

Why we love it Digó was an early arrival in the Neapolitan pizza revolution in Budapest, whose pizzas are of the classic school. The menu consists of ten varieties, some of which cover the basics, while others are baked in the 480-degree oven with a few more toppings. Digó has a young vibe, which it has carried over from its food-truck days.

Time Out tip: Digó also holds pizza-making workshops, where you can learn techniques from the basics up, if you'd like to try it at home.

Addresses: Állatkerti körút 3, 1146 Budapest; Kazinczy utca 32, 1075 Budapest; Villányi út 14, 1114 Budapest

Opening hours: Állatkerti körút Mon-Wed, Sun 11am-8pm, Thur noon-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm; Kazinczy utca Mon-Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 1pm-11pm; Villányi út Mon-Sat 4pm-11pm. Closed Sun

Expect to pay: Margherita Ft 3,990 (€11.25), Calzone di Napoli Ft 4,990 (€14)

What is it? A Roman-style pizzeria in downtown Budapest, which has been around for more than 15 years thanks to its affordable prices and creatively named pizzas.

Why we love it Pizza Manufaktúra is one of the few places that has been a firm favourite since 2010. The pizzas are made in Roman style: 32cm, light, airy dough, rustic edges and well-chosen toppings. You can choose from more than 20 varieties, from simpler bases to generously loaded versions. The tomato and sour cream bases are both strong, but if you are unsure, they’ll be happy to help you choose.

Time Out tip: It’s worth trying their less mainstream but exciting sour cream-based pizzas.

Addresses: Erkel utca 4, 1092 Budapest; Víg utca 28, 1084 Budapest

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am-9pm. Closed Mon

Expect to pay: Margit Ft 2,300 (€6.50), Popeye Ft 2,700 (€7.60)

What is it? A traditional Neapolitan pizzeria near the Great Market Hall, brought to you from the Pizza Manufaktúra team, who have been working in this genre since 2018.

Why we love it MANU+ doesn’t only focus on Roman-style pizza as associated with the Manufaktúra team. The pizzas are made in a 500-degree oven in about 60 seconds, so the dough is airy, light and slightly crunchy at the same time. The pizza toppings are fresh, seasonal where possible, and sometimes step outside the usual Italian framework. The menu is not too complicated, but rather builds on well-working combinations, with classic and less traditional pizza flavours.

Time Out tip: For those with a stronger stomach, the Paprika János (San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, paprika sausage, spicy hot peppers and red onion) is recommended, but if you prefer something lighter, opt the tuna.

Address: Vámház körút 8, 1053 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11am-9pm

Expect to pay: Paprika János Ft 2,500 (€7), tuna Ft 2,500 (€7), mortadella Ft 2,700 (€7.60)

What is it? A Neapolitan-style pizza place in Buda, where in addition to pizza, you can also find arancini, calzone and other Italian street-food dishes.

Why we love it How seriously they take pizza at Fermento is evident in the commitment of the founders: they went to Italy to learn about it, and this is also felt in the dough and the proportions. However, the offer is wider than in an average pizza place: you can also find Sicilian arancini, calzone or frittata. The menu is constantly updated, new pizzas are added from time to time, so it it’s worth visiting a second time at least.

Time Out tip: You can also order several vegan pizzas at Fermento, or try the focaccia or calzone. If you want a snack with your pizza, the arancini are a must.

Address: Csalogány utca 26, 1015 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11.30am-10pm

Expect to pay: Vegan Margherita Ft 3,290 (€9.25), pizza salame Ft 3,590 (€10), arancini formaggio (3 pcs) Ft 2,690 (€7.60), panna cotta Ft 1,590 (€4.50)

What is it? A contemporary Neapolitan pizzeria and restaurant in the nightlife zone, with Milanese roots, which clearly wishes to be the best in the city.

Why we love it Belli di mamma is not just another Neapolitan pizzeria, but rather a consciously built concept. The classic basics are given, but their goal is to rethink. The pizzas are made with long-matured dough, the ingredients come from Italy, but the end result is a little fresher, lighter than usual. The atmosphere of the place follows suit: lively, friendly, Mediterranean. The interior and menu of Belli di Mamma are more than just a pizzeria, ideal for special occasions.

Time Out tip: It is worth choosing from the signature pizzas: the Belli di Mamma comes with grilled red shrimp, the Zuccona comes with pumpkin and pancetta, the Black Forest with mushrooms and truffles, and the carbonara EVO is based on the classic pasta dish.

Address: Akácfa utca 45, 1075 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Thur 5pm-midnight, Fri-Sun noon-midnight

Expect to pay: Margherita Ft 3,860 (€10.80), Belli di Mamma Ft 7,460 (€21), Zuccona Ft 6,240 (€17.50), Black Forest Ft 6,120 (€17.20), carbonara EVO Ft 5,940 (€16.70)

What is it? A Neapolitan pizzeria at a major Buda hub, with a monofood concept, where almost everything is about pizza, with a concise menu and strong foundations.

Why we love it Zappi doesn’t overcomplicate it: fewer choices, more focus and all the focus goes on pizza. The menu is slimmer, but well thought out, no unnecessary garnishes. The pizzas follow the Neapolitan direction, with well-balanced toppings and stable quality. The atmosphere of the place is particularly lively, especially in good weather, when the terrace area opens. It’s more suitable for friendly meetings or casual evenings than a formal dinner.

Time Out tip: If the weather is nice, take a seat on the cosy terrace and while your pizza is being prepared, try a cocktail. You can also place your order by scanning a QR code or just ask a friendly waiter.

Address: Széll Kálmán tér 9, 1024 Budapest

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

Expect to pay: DOP Margherita Ft 3,990 (€11.20), crudo Ft 3,990 (€11.20), burrata superverde salad Ft 4,690 (€13.20), tiramisu Ft 2,490 (€7)

What is it? An authentic Neapolitan pizzeria in Újbuda, where they work with Italian ingredients, a wood-fired oven and a classic pizzaiolo approach, with more than a decade of experience.

Why we love it Behind Amore di Napoli is Ákos Tar, who has been learning from Italian masters for years and has built his own place, as evidenced by the pizzas. The range is classic: the menu includes Margherita, diavola, capricciosa, but you also find extra, richer versions under the name DOP Gourmet. In addition to pizzas, they also offer Italian pastas and mains. The atmosphere of the place is distinctly family-friendly, more like a real trattoria than a trendy, urban Italian restaurant.

Time Out tip: If you want to find out more, check out their pizza school, where you can learn the ins and outs of the trade from the best.

Address: Karinthy Frigyes út 28, 1111 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Tue 11.30am-9pm, Wed-Sat 11.30am-10pm, Sun noon-9pm

Expect to pay: Bruschetta classica for 1-2 people Ft 2,890/3,890 (€8/11), antipasti platter (min 2 people) Ft 6,990 (€19.60), bufalina pizza Ft 4,490 (€12.60), bella Italia DOP Ft 5,490 (€15.40)

What is it? Two Neapolitan pizzerias, one by the Basilica, the other near Margaret Bridge, where award-winning pizzas are made from original Italian ingredients, baked in a spectacular oven.

Why we love it Behind Forni di Napoli is a serious operation, recognised at international pizza competitions. The pizzas are made quickly, at a high temperature of 485 degrees, and most of the ingredients come from Italy, so the flavours have a Neapolitan feel. In addition to the classics, the menu also includes more characteristic, cheese-based or truffle pizzas.

Time Out tip: Try their European champion pizza, the Oro Mediterraneo con burrata, which is made with fresh burrata, Parma ham, Genoese pesto and sun-dried tomatoes.

Addresses: Október 6. utca 19, 1051 Budapest; Szent István körút 7-9, 1055 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily noon-midnight

Expect to pay: Maradona Napoli Ft 4,390 (€12.30), salamino Ft 4,290 (€12), Oro Mediterraneo con burrata Ft 5,890 (€16.50)

What is it? A Neapolitan-style pizza place behind the Opera, where bolder, more creative combinations and a more relaxed, wine bar atmosphere are created based on the usual standards.

Why we love it Circo Pizza stands out from the classic Neapolitan field because it doesn’t stop at well-known recipes, and when it comes to toppings, it thinks much more freely. Unusual pairings, seasonal ingredients or just a playful idea might appear, which only seems strange at first but, in reality, actually works. The atmosphere of the place itself invites you to stay and have long conversations. There’s no need to rush, because it’s really good to have a drink or two after the pizza.

Time Out tip: If you're open to new flavours, choose from the more extravagant combinations, such as chives, pumpkin or carbonara.

Address: Hajós utca 31, 1065 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11am-10pm

Expect to pay: Carbonara Ft 4,700 (€13.20), Jerusalem artichoke Ft 4,700 (€13.20), pumpkin Ft 4,800 (€13.50), homemade tiramisu Ft 2,300 (€6.50)

What is it? Touting itself as ‘Budapest Style Pizza’, Pizza Művek leans towards Hungarians call kenyérlángos, although here the thickness varies, as do the toppings, to embrace a lighter, self-made style.

Why we love it Pizza Művek doesn’t want to be pigeonholed as yet another classic Neapolitan outlet, but rather find its own direction. Behind the concept is Márton Tagscherer, who found a happy medium between Detroit-style pizza and Hungarian kenyérlángos that not only works well fresh, but also holds up after delivery. The dough is thicker, yet light, and the range is deliberately narrow so that every combination stays the same. The basic pizzas are simple, but work well, and can only be varied with a few extra toppings. Each pizza comes with a tomato and a sour cream-garlic sauce.

Time Out tip: They operate at two locations, but you can only sit down at the Bartók location – Egressy út location is for takeaway and home delivery.

Address: Bartók Béla út 34, 1111 Budapest; Egressy út 23-25, 1149 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11am-9pm

Expect to pay: Cheese Ft 3,190 (€9), ham Ft 3,490 (€9.80), extra toppings (sweetcorn, mushrooms, red onion, olives) +Ft250 each (€0.70)

What is it? A small, authentic pizzeria at the quieter end of Király utca, where the Neapolitan atmosphere, Italian hospitality and a love of calcio come together to create the experience.

Why we love it Little Italy doesn’t try to follow current trends, and that’s exactly why it works. As soon as you walk through the door, it’s like you’ve travelled back in time: football scarves on the wall, Italian music in the background, the smells coming from the oven. The pizzas are simple, nothing overdone, yet everything is in place. The place is small, slightly chaotic yet professional,  attracting a mixed clientele, but everyone is here for one thing: a quick and decent pizza.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the homemade desserts. Whether you choose cannoli or profiteroles, you won’t be disappointed.

Address: Király utca 103, 1077 Budapest

Opening hours: Wed-Sat noon-3pm & 6pm-9pm, Sun noon-3pm. Closed Mon-Tue

Expect to pay: Margherita Ft 2,990 (€8.40), salame Italiano picante Ft 3,590 (€10), calzone Ft 3,990 (€11.20), tiramisu Ft 1,390 (€3.90), dessert of the day Ft 1,490 (€4.20)