The best restaurants in Budapest in 2026

What is it? A Michelin-starred restaurant whose inventive dishes are paired with specific wines – hence the name, ‘Wine Kitchen’.

Why we love it This restaurant isn’t just for Michelin glory-hunters – weekenders will love the first-class menu, too. Although a visit here won’t be the cheapest meal of your Budapest break, it’s hard not to be impressed by what’s available on Borkonyha's five-course and à la carte lists, whether the lettuce soup with scallops or quail with pearl barley and cranberries. Open evenings only during the week.

Time Out tip: Borkonyha now operates an online table-reservation service, requiring a payment of Ft 20,000 (€50), to be set against your final bill. Note that the restaurant closes on Sundays.

Address: Sas utca 3, 1051 Budapest

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

Expect to pay: Starter of duck liver, beetroot and lavender Ft 9,350 (€23.50). main of mangalica pork, noodles and sage Ft 11,450 (€28.75)

What is it? Not even a year had elapsed when the culinary duo of Tamás Széll and Szabina Szulló earned their first Michelin star for their contemporary Hungarian restaurant in the city centre. In 2022, they were anointed with their second star.

Why we love it While top-notch and frighteningly expensive for Budapest, Stand remains informal, providing a relaxed dining experience within a short walk of the Opera House.

Time Out tip: Sister restaurant Stand25 allows you to sample regular Hungarian dishes at regular prices at the foot of Buda Castle.

Address: Székely Mihály utca 2, 1061 Budapest

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

Expect to pay: Chef's menu (a dozen or so courses according to choice) Ft 89,500 (€225). Vegetarian tasting menu Ft 89,500 (€225)

What is it? A perfect little Hungarian local, offering up classic local Jewish dishes and more, operated by the same dedicated family for a reassuringly long time.

Why we love it A chalkboard-menu restaurant featuring tables with white tablecloths, bare brick walls and waiters who always seem to be rushed off their feet. Rosenstein is Jewish and Hungarian cuisine at its finest – for which you should definitely book. 

Time Out tip: Look out for the weekday deals Mon-Thur at Ft 4,800 (€12), currently featuring an unbeatable stuffed cabbage (töltött káposzta) on a Wednesday. If you're here on a Friday or Saturday, then cholent is the classic example of Jewish Budapest cuisine at Ft 5,700 (€14.25) 

Address: Mosonyi utca 3,1087 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Sat noon-11pm. Closed Sun

Expect to pay: Pan-fried goose liver in Tokaji sauce Ft 12,000 (€30). Pike-perch fillet cooked in its own skin with teriyaki sauce and fresh mixed salad Ft 6,700 (€16.75)

What is it? A culinary love story, between a Portuguese chef who earned his spurs at Michelin-starred Costes, and his Hungarian wife/co-restaurateur. Essência is Tiago and Éva’s culinary baby, and it earned its own Michelin star in 2021 (which it retained in 2024). 

Why we love it For genuine warmth and a successful marriage on a plate between Hungary and Portugal in the form of a tasting menu. The mangalica, a revived variety of high-quality Hungarian pork, is superb, as is the octopus, a rarity in Budapest.

Time Out tip: To sample the full range of what the kitchen can do here, try the five- or seven-course dégustation menu, with or without alcohol-free drinks, Hungarian or international wines, from Ft 41,900 (€105) per person

Address: Sas utca 17, 1051 Budapest

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

Expect to pay: Starter of beef tartare with bone marrow Ft 8,100 (€20). Main of Chanfana lamb and chard Ft 13,800 (€34.50)

What is it? Before opening his M’EAT by Jenő Rácz outlet at Time Out Market Budapest, the Michelin-anointed chef made waves in the city’s culinary scene by his pioneering downtown restaurant, Rumour. Part fine dining, part performance art, this unique eatery is the stage for Budapest-born Rácz to demonstrate his creativity as he prepares a set menu for the 21 diners perched on bright-red seats around the counter he commands.

Why we love it Rumour is based on a speakeasy concept, so you’re given instructions to find the secret door once you’re in the vicinity of Petőfi tér – meaning that this is already a culinary adventure before you’ve even taken off your jacket and pulled up a chair.

Time Out tip: Pay attention. Rácz has worked at prestigious kitchens in London, Copenhagen, Singapore and, most notably, his last port of call, Shanghai, and here he brings all his global experience to the table – literally. You’re watching a master in action.

Address: Petőfi tér 3, 1051 Budapest

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 5pm-11pm. Closed Sun-Mon

Expect to pay: Pre-theatre menu (5 courses) Ft 44,900 (€114). Rumour menu (10 courses) Ft 68,800 (€175)

What is it? A Michelin-starred beacon of fine dining, underscored by an Austro-Hungarian concept, right in the city centre.

Why we love it To experience what a wide-ranging culinary region the former Austro-Hungarian Empire was, where Ukrainian and Serbian dishes combine with Viennese and Budapest favourites in a series of servings with wine pairings. Babel's surroundings are equally elegant.

Time Out tip: Lauded by Decanter magazine, Babel is known for its wine pairings, expertly directed by the head sommelier – place your trust in their sound advice.

Address: Piarista köz 2, 1052 Budapest

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

Expect to pay: Thirteen-course menu Ft 69,000 (€173) plus drink pairings. Eight-course menu Ft 55,000 (€138) plus drink pairings

What is it? Costes is a defining figurehead in Hungarian gastronomy. In 2010, it entered Hungarian culinary history as the 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 table, 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 labels.

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

Address: Ráday utca 4, 1092 Budapest

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

Expect to pay: 4-course menu Ft 32,500 (€89.50), 6-course menu Ft 49,500 (€136). Wine pairings Ft 23,500/35,500 (€65/€98), non-alcoholic Ft 12,500/22,500 (€34.50/€62)

What is it? In the former Goldberger Textile Factory complex in Óbuda. Epicurean is the dream of Carlos Coelho (Matador Restaurant, Haraszthy Winery) and his wife Ingeborg, who combine their wine expertise with their passion for exquisite gastronomy. Head chef André Bicalho follows the ethos of Cuisine d’Auteur – creativity without borders, allowing the finest local ingredients to shine through his intuition and experience in Michelin-starred kitchens.

Why we love it This experience involving 14 guests is unique in that it takes place in three different spaces. The evening begins in The Oak Bar, with Haraszthy champagne and personalized apéritifs, where diners can also admire hams and salamis in the barrel-ageing room. From there, you are led to the 14-seat dining room through the show kitchen, where the seven-course menu is presented. The dinner culminates in the intimate warmth of the Polo Lounge, with desserts and digéstifs.

Why we love it The trek up to Óbuda is rewarded with a one-of-a-kind evening shared in intimate surroundings with appreciative discerning diners happy to pay top dollar.

Address: Pacsirtamező utca 41, 1036 Budapest

Opening hours: Thu-Sat 7pm-11pm. Closed Mon-Wed, Sun

Expect to pay: 7-course tasting menu Ft 49,000 (€127)/person + wine Ft 32,000 (€83)/person

What is it? Set in an elegant corner of Zugló near City Park, Szaletly showcases the culinary skill of Dániel Bernát, who works in Hungarian gastronomic vernacular but is by no means confined by its limitations.  

Why we love it In light, airy surroundings, you can sample the finest domestic ingredients inventively paired and immaculately presented. This prominent corner building operated as a restaurant back in 1907 and the sympathetic owners are more than aware of its heritage.

Time Out tip: Watch out for the regularly changing chef's suggestions - but do leave room for the extraordinary range of ice cream.

Address: Stefánia út 93, 1146 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily noon-11pm

Expect to pay: Five-course tasting menu: Ft 18,900 (€47.50); with wine pairings Ft 9,900 (€25) extra. À la carte: Lamb steak with potato stew Ft 13,990 (€35)

What is it? Hungary’s most emblematic restaurant, established by the gastronomic dynasty of the same name in the city’s Golden Age, and recently revived by new ownership.

Why we love it To dine where the Queen once did, while enjoying what the incoming management terms ‘affordable luxury’, with particular reference to their Sunday lunchtime deals. Gundel's location beside City Park and next door to the Zoo lends itself to making a day of it, although prices for the classic main courses are by no means outrageous, whichever day of the week you visit.

Time Out tip: Practically every Hungarian restaurant in Hungary includes Gundel pancakes on its menu – which makes this rich dessert of chocolate glaze, lightly roasted chopped walnuts and fresh orange peel a must-try here.

Address: Gundel Károly út 4, 1146 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11.30am-10pm

Expect to pay: Újházi chicken soup Ft 3,500 (€8.80). Brassói-style tenderloin Ft 8,750 (€22)

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, earned for their ethical and sustainable gastronomic efforts.

Why we love it SALT’s kitchen, led by Szilárd Tóth, considers sustainability as a basic principle. The tasting menu is based on a modern reinterpretation of classic Hungarian recipes, featuring wild-harvested ingredients, contribution from local producers and vegetables from their own garden. Fermentation, preservation and waste-free thinking 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 range, the juices, kombuchas and water kefirs that can accompany your dinner.

Address: Királyi Pál utca 4, 1053 Budapest

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

Expect to pay: 14-course tasting menu Ft 74,500 (€205). Wine pairings – domestic Ft 36,000 (€99), European Ft 42,000 (€116), prestigious Ft 90,000 (€248), non-alcoholic Ft 26,000 (€71.50)

What is it? For Anikó and Fausto Di Vora, Fausto’s is not only a going concern dating back to 1994 but a family business, in which their grown-up children are playing an increasing part.

Why we love it A true Italian fine-dining restaurant experience, characterised by impeccable ingredients, refined flavours and attentive, precise service. The philosophy at Fausto’s is about harmony and balance, while their contemporary Italian cuisine boldly combines Mediterranean verve and Hungarian seasonal ingredients.

Time Out tip: Homemade pasta is one of the restaurant’s trademarks, with constantly renewed variations. Don’t miss the fish soup and tiramisu either!

Address: Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor 77, 1026 Budapest

Opening hours: Tue-Sat noon-11pm, Sun noon-5pm. Closed Mon

Expect to pay: Appetisers Ft 4,500-10,500 (€12.50-29). Mains Ft 8,500-19,500 (€24-54). Desserts Ft 3,000-4,800 (€8.40-13.40)

What is it? A long-established and constantly popular all-day spot with impeccable service and a regularly changing menu according to season and availability.

Why we love it In the city’s hub of upscale gastronomy, the popular Café Kör remains informal despite being particularly busy at lunchtimes when the business crowd flocks here from nearby offices.

Time Out tip: During the week, make a reservation or get here as close to noon as you can – daily specials are served only until they run out.

Address: Sas utca 17, 1051 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Sat noon-10pm. Closed Sun

Expect to pay: Baked leg of lamb with steamed cabbage Ft 6,590 (€16.50). Grilled salmon in Hollandaise sauce with croquettes Ft 6,490 (€16.25)

What is it? A modern European bistro serving 100% natural wines in one of the most atmospheric parts of the city centre. Cabrio is the place for light, taste-focused evenings: the short menu features seasonal small plates, natural and biodynamic wines. The philosophy of the kitchen is about seasonality and bold pairings; three plates per person are recommended for a full meal.

Why we love it There are few wine bars in Budapest where the atmosphere is so relaxed, the staff so knowledgeable and the natural wine selection so reasonably priced. It’s easy to linger on Cabrio’s terrace and sample the surprisingly bold dishes of the kitchen with a recommended label.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss one of their most praised dishes: the burnt celery carpaccio – a clean, characterful flavour that perfectly reflects the kitchen’s mind-set.

Address: Vitkovics Mihály Street 3-5, 1052 Budapest

Opening hours: Wed-Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat noon-11pm. Closed Mon-Tue & Sun

Expect to pay: Burnt celery carpaccio Ft 3,800 (€9.80). Gravlax salmon trout Ft 4,300 (€11.15)

What is it? A spacious glass-roof, bare-brick restaurant serving a moreish hybrid of Israeli-Mediterranean food and totally on-point cocktails, right in the ruin-bar quarter.

Why we love it If dining in a huge open-plan courtyard peppered with plants is your thing, head to Mazel Tov. Opt for the falafel burger in a sweet potato bun or the chicken shawarma. Oh, and don’t scrimp on the selection of fresh, zingy dips and salads either – we say go for anything with beetroot and aubergine. 

Time Out tip: Look out for who's playing live every evening, the jazzy schedule posted on the restaurant website

Address: Akácfa utca 47, 1073 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon, Fri-Sun 9.30am-midnight, Tue-Thur noon-midnight

Expect to pay: Merguez sausage platter Ft 6,400 (€16). Classic shakshuka Ft 4,390 (€11)

What is it? Back in the day when Liszt Ferenc tér was once one of Budapest’s go-to hubs, Menza set up as a trendy, retro-style eatery, taking its name from institutional canteens of yore. It remains popular to this day, having upped the ante on its Hungarian-style cuisine, its terrace always buzzing as it witnessed the gradual decline of the surrounding square.

Why we love it Whether it’s the weekly changing daily menu, the weekly specials or the permanent offerings, Menza always has something exciting in store – you can expect to come in hungry and leave full and satisfied. Few restaurants in Budapest offer lecsó, a simple tomato-and-pepper dish that is a staple in every Hungarian grandmother’s kitchen but rarely appears on restaurant menus.

Time Out tip: if you liked what you ate, get Menza's own cookbook, which is available for purchase in Hungarian and English at the cashier.

Address: Liszt Ferenc tér 2, 1061 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11am-11pm

Expect to pay: Lecsó Ft 3,490 (€9.75). Honey-mustard mangalica roast baked in duck fat Ft 5,990 (€16.70)

What is it? The younger cousin of Dobrumba in the Jewish Quarter, Pingrumba throws its culinary net wider to explore kitchens from Cairo to Calcutta. This results in freshly grilled dishes, bold pairings and exciting spices for vegetarian, pescatarian and carnivore alike.

Why we love it The diner can either go route one – veal stew with dates, lamb kebab – or explore the mezze or more than mezze selections to see how pomegranate and chicken liver combine or even oven-baked beetroot and walnut.

Time Out tip: Leave boozing for later in the evening – the non-alcoholic refreshers are works of art, the Indian spritz with cumin tea, the turmeric twist with turmeric, verjus and ginger, and the shrubbie full of zingy spices.

Address: Széll Kálmán tér 6, 1024 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 5pm-11.30pm, Thur-Sat noon-midnight, Sun noon-10pm

Expect to pay: Veal stew with dates Ft 7,000 (€17.50). Hummus köfte Ft 5,800 (€14.50)

What is it? A reliably excellent restaurant in Budapest’s theatre quarter, open from breakfast to bedtime, on the same street as the city’s two most prominent photo galleries.

Why we love it The Two Moors is where you can tuck into the traditional Hungarian dish you’ve wanted to try while you’re here – the beef cheek is excellent – or opt for something more international. Few will come away disappointed. Két Szerecsen's
weekday lunchtime menu is a steal for the quality. Diagonally opposite the Liszt Music Academy, close to the Opera House, if you’ve cultural plans for the evening.

Time Out tip: Peruse the chef's suggestions, which change every fortnight. Current examples include pulled pork quesadilla with French fries and jalapeño mayo (Ft 5,890/€14.75) and breaded veal liver with mashed potatoes (Ft 5,990/€15).

Address: Nagymező utca 14, 1065 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-11.30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-11.30pm

Expect to pay: Breakfast of spinach and goats' cheese omelette Ft 3,590 (€9). Main of mangalica pork shoulder with Hungarian ratatouille Ft 5,990 (€15)

What is it? 101 Bistro takes you into the world of modern Taiwanese bistro cuisine. Their dishes combine Chinese, Japanese and Western influences, all fine-tuned with Hungarian ingredients. Sichuan spinach or shou pa chicken are already considered the stand-out dishes.

Why we love it Ideal for couples and small groups, this intimate eatery conveniently set by a major Buda transport hub structures its menu into small plates to sample and share – and try something different next time.

Time Out tip: If you're arriving starving, bao might be the way to go, either the burger or the classic pork belly.

Address: Széll Kálmán tér 5, 1024 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Wed noon-3.30pm, 5pm-10pm; Thur-Sat noon-3.30pm, 5pm-11pm; Sun noon-9pm

Expect to pay: Sichuan spinach Ft 3,490 (€8.75). Shou pa chicken Ft 5,490 (€13.75)

What is it? This elegant restaurant is the showcase outlet of the Parázs group, where authentic and creatively reimagined Thai dishes await.

Why we love it Parázs Premium aims to present the true essence of Thai cuisine – with classics such as tom yum or pad thai, and modern interpretations that further elevate the experience. The owners have been shaping Hungarian-Thai gastronomy since 2007, working with a cross-cultural culinary team, so authentic flavours are guaranteed. The atmosphere creates an elegant yet intimate atmosphere with warm colours, religious images and decorative touches. The wine list and drinks menu have also been carefully selected. Come for a special evening.

Time Out tip: Try the green curry with chicken and jasmine rice, then finish with the coconut milk tapioca pudding with fresh mango.

Address: Horánszky utca 1, 1085 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11am-10pm

Expect to pay: Soups Ft 2,490-3,590 (€6.50-9.40). Mains Ft 4,190-5,990 (€11-15.70). Desserts Ft 1,790-2,290 (€4.70-6)

What is it? When this fashionable yet informal restaurant says it’s farm-to-table, it means it – as most of the ingredients come from their own farm, just outside Budapest. And right on the edge of the city’s nightlife quarter.

Why we love it Chef Gábor Soóky rekindles Hungary’s culinary heritage as he conjures up inventive takes on domestic favourites. He must have impressed the men from Michelin, who recommended the place in 2023 when Tati had only just opened.

Time Out tip: Available every day from 5pm-9pm, the tasting menu (Ft 20,480/€51, plus wine pairings Ft 11,490/€29 extra) allows you to sample trout, mangalica pork and chicken paprikás, among other Magyar favourites.

Address: Dohány utca 58-62, 1076 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Thur, Sun 11.30am-midnight, Fri-Sat 11.30am-1am

Expect to pay: Starter of marinated trout and green-apple-and-celery salad Ft 3,580 (€9). Main of roast mangalica pork neck Ft 6,980 (€17.50)

What is it? One of the most famous steakhouses in Budapest, where A-listers such as Tom Hanks, Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford and Russell Crowe, have dined.

Why we love it Prime Steak & Wine is heaven for die-hard steak lovers: filet mignon, rib-eye, New York strip, tomahawk, porterhouse and T-bone made from the highest-grade Omaha, Creekstone, Argentine Black Angus, Australian and Japanese Kagoshima A5 wagyu meat are cooked to perfection, with fabulous side dishes and sauces. The list of celebrity guests speaks for itself, and for non-steak aficionados, creative international and classic Hungarian dishes, premium wines and cocktails await.

Time Out tip: If there’s a few of you, order a steak tasting platter: several types of meat, side dishes and sauces, presented with aplomb as one Instagrammable serving.

Address: Sas utca 18, 1051 Budapest

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

Expect to pay: Appetisers Ft 4,000-10,000 (€10-25), soups Ft 3,000-4,500 (€7.70-11.50), steaks Ft 15,000-90,000 (€38-230), seafood & oysters Ft 5,000-52,000 (€12.80-133)

What is it? Second-generation Vietnamese-Hungarian siblings Vo Son Hai and Nam first brought authentic pho soup, homemade noodles and nostalgic family flavours to District VIII, heart of Budapest’s Asian communities, in the early 2000s. Spicing up the dining experience with their own personal stories, they soon became a local hit – so much so that it’s Hai Nam Pho flying the flag for Vietnamese cuisine at the Time Out Market Budapest, back in the 8th where it all began.

Why we love it For authenticity, affordability and a convivial dining experience, you really can’t beat Hai Nam Pho, which survived the move to the Buda side, opposite a mall with two dozen dining options, purely on the strength of its cuisine.

Time Out tip: Check out the Hai Nam classic section of the menu for specialities such as sweet-and-sour catfish and crispy duck with stir-fry vegetables.

Address: Október 23-a utca 25-27, 1117 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 10am-9pm

Expect to pay: Large bowl of duck pho Ft 3,190 (€8.10). Ginger beef stew Ft 2,790 (€7)

What is it? A justifiably popular Jewish-Hungarian restaurant, Kőleves Vendéglő sits alongside its own outdoor bar and two Synagogues in Budapest’s nightlife vortex.

Why we love it For eminently affordable lunches whose quality matches those of the evening meals six days a week, traditional favourites served in modern garb, in a building dating back to the mid-1800s.

Time Out tip: As the restaurant is named after a fairy-tale about stone soup, kőleves, start your visit with a dish such as coconut-milk soup with prawns and fish.

Address: Kazinczy utca 37-41, 1075 Budapest

Opening hours: Tue-Wed, Sun noon-10pm, Thur-Sat noon-11pm. Closed Mon

Expect to pay: Tapas with duck breast and smoked beef tongue) Ft 5,380 (€13.50). Goose leg with steamed red cabbage Ft 7,250 (€18)

What is it? Napfényes is one of the most notable vegan restaurants in the region, in operation since 2008. Traditional Hungarian dishes are prepared without meat, alongside modern, international flavours – all in a genuine, family-friendly atmosphere.

Why we love it Napfényes was one of the first places in Budapest to prove that vegan cuisine can be substantial, varied and delicious. Classic Hungarian dishes – such as vegan bean goulash or fried seitan steak – are given a new lease of life, while Mediterranean and Eastern-inspired dishes are also emphasised. Many people return for their homemade cakes, creamy desserts and dairy-free ice cream. All in all, this is a spacious, friendly place where pretty much everyone can find what they like.

Time Out tip: Try the Napfényes buffet or the vegan homemade cream cheese, both reasons alone to visit.

Address: Ferenciek tere 2, 1053 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11.30am-9pm

Expect to pay: Soups Ft 1,350-2,700 (€3.75-7.50). Mains Ft 4,400-5,950 (€12-16.50). Desserts Ft 1,500-2,500 (€4-7)

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