M is one of Budapest’s finest restaurants, located within steps of Buda castle and serving both French and Hungarian dishes – such as paprika-strewn veal bone marrow with red wine poaching or pork brains in red wine poaching.
This intimate and upscale-ish restaurant in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter doesn’t easily fit any category; its short menu features both Hungarian (goulash soup) and international classics, like risotto with scallops.
Borkonyha
Borkonyha Winekitchen, with its Michelin star rating and sophisticated dining, should not be missed by foodies who appreciate top-quality ingredients and fine dining. Situated on a charming pedestrian street in Budapest’s centre, this restaurant features an outdoor terrace when weather permits, bistro interior with casual furniture, an extensive wine selection, Hungarian and European flavors complemented by locally sourced produce; chef Akos Sarkozi of Alabardos restaurant fame brings his relaxed yet genuine cooking style which highlights local flavors.
Sarkozi offers an innovative menu using fresh regional ingredients to craft imaginative dishes that combine traditional Hungarian cuisine with modern influences. Guests may select either an a la carte or tasting menu and can look forward to some of the finest Hungarian fare available in Budapest – such as water buffalo tartare with cauliflower and parsley; roasted duck with corn and mushroom; chocolate dessert made with unicum plum liqueur; as well as an extensive wine list carefully curated by Krisztian Juhasz as sommelier.
Budapest’s food scene has gradually transformed over time since ruin bars first gained their foothold, from dive bars to upscale gourmet eateries like Essencia and Rumour, both located downtown with contemporary takes on Hungarian cuisine. Essencia is run by husband-and-wife team Tiago and Eva Sabarigo who draw inspiration from Noma philosophy, serving pickled, fermented, foraged items – but yet their menu feels truly Hungarian.
Rumour, another Michelin-star restaurant, strives to create an experience for all five senses. Their food features classic French and Hungarian fare with influences from other nations. Each dish is intricate and beautifully presented while service is friendly and knowledgeable.
Gerloczy
Gerloczy is not like many cafes that purport to be Parisian; their menu demonstrates Hungary’s culinary heritage through French-influenced dishes. Furthermore, there is a full bar and plenty of small tables outside for people-watching and people-spotting. With an inviting ambience perfect for breakfast or lunch on a quiet square with old brass fittings adorning every corner, Gerloczy makes the ideal spot for romantic meals!
The rooms are well-appointed with flat-screen TVs and an array of Art Deco and modernist features. In addition, each minibar includes daily refills as well as coffee/tea making facilities and coffee/tea making facilities. Some rooms include balconies or seating areas while all have free Wi-Fi connectivity and complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity; bathrooms feature spa baths and robes for guest use.
Breakfast can be found at the hotel restaurant until noon, served by friendly and knowledgeable staff with excellent service. There is an impressive wine list as well as cocktails and spirits to choose from on offer, plus numerous popular eateries nearby.
Utaskiszallito pont bus stop and Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport are only 20 minutes’ drive away, while Hungarian State Opera House can also be easily accessed on foot from here. Furthermore, visiting Great Synagogue and Jewish Quarter are easily reached on foot as are several Metro/bus stations nearby; additionally there is roundtrip airport shuttle available upon surcharge as well as parking services nearby – plus hotel staff will gladly assist with local attractions or activities!
Belvarosi Disznotoros
Belvarosi Disznotoros was made famous by celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain when he described it as an incredible “field of dreams.” With high-top tables and standing counters devoted to serving braised, fried, and cured dishes – plus daily changing menus featuring pre-cut marinated meat, stews, fried chicken and duck, stews as well as signature items such as the Kumru sandwich from Cesme in Aegean region where cheese, sweet tomatoes, crisp pepperoni pepperoni as well as pickles; alongside these are also delicious options like the grilled chicken and Kofte meatball sandwiches!
Kivansag, located near Liberty Square in a working-class district near Budapest and serving unfussy meals at budget prices such as daily soup special and matrai borzas (pork loin cooked in potato batter topped with sour cream), provides one of the few remaining etkezdes (stand-up, self-service eateries). For those nostalgic for simpler times who long to experience their charm once again should visit one of these examples of simpler dining such as Kivansag.
Bambi Eszpresszo, a beloved neighborhood breakfast joint and bar since 1961, boasts original doily tablecloths and red faux-leather chairs that haven’t been replaced since opening. Attracting both 20-somethings and older residents who enjoy sausages, scrambled eggs with coffee and sugar cubes as well as big bowls of Jokai Bableves (bean soup with egg noodles, smoked pork sausages and roast chicken), or Csontvelo (bone marrow), are popular dining options here.
Nearby wine bars Drop Shop (V. Balassi Balint utca 27) and Innio (Szent Istvan ter 3) feature an excellent selection of Hungarian wines with knowledgeable staff to assist. Boutiq’ Bar offers inventive drinks crafted using top-of-the-line alcohols and local ingredients.
KOLLAZS Brasserie & Bar
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest’s beautiful Art Nouveau masterpiece offers an amazing fairy-tale palace experience, boasting panoramic views of Royal Castle, Buda Hills, and Chain Bridge. At KOLLAZS Brasserie & Bar you will be met by contemporary European cuisine that blends French with Hungarian flavors while craft cocktail bar Muzsa offers transportive cocktails infused with local flair.
KOLLAZS – named for the Hungarian word for collage which refers to the artistic combination of various elements – draws its design inspiration from the artistic movement of the 1910s and 1920s, paying homage to Art Nouveau style and Budapest coffee house culture. Chef Arpad Gyrffy brings in both traditional and modern dishes for an international experience in dining at this cafe.
Contemporary art showcases Budapest’s vibrant spirit through a rotating selection of works by Hungary’s top emerging talent, managed by Art Market Budapest as part of their dynamic art program that hosts temporary exhibits three times annually.
As part of its philosophy of offering guests an exciting journey of discovery, KOLLAZS Wine List features an eclectic selection of local and international wines curated by Matas Szik – two-time Hungarian Sommelier Champion who has carefully selected some of Hungary’s best vintages for this list.
KOLLAZS offers not only a carefully curated wine list but also inventive cocktails with an Italian flair, including Unicum herbal liqueur and locally distilled Unicum vodka. Music at KOLLAZS features both well-known songs (from Hungarian and French songs popular during the 50s & ’60s) as well as more modern sounds to create an eclectic soundtrack which perfectly compliments its atmosphere. Service staff members provide impeccable service while maintaining an informal yet luxurious environment.
Parisi Passage
The Parisi Passage Hotel, opened initially as an Art Nouveau shopping arcade built in 1909, is one of Budapest’s finest examples of Art Nouveau revival. Rebuilt extensively during renovations in recent years to restore Belle Epoque architecture and character, guests will delight in luxurious hotel rooms as they relax by an extravagant city center location; part of Hyatt Unbound Collection Hotels.
Mihaly Pollack designed and built this building as a neoclassical shopping arcade in 1817; likely inspired by Paris’ Passage des Panoramas. Between 1909-1913 it was rebuilt as part of a bank headquarters project known at first as Brudern House but has since come to be known by its present name Parizsi Udvar (Paris Court).
Today, this magnificent historic landmark stands as one of Budapest’s premier luxury hotels. Situated in the heart of Budapest and walking distance to major attractions like Dohany Street Synagogue, St Stephen’s Basilica, Great Market Hall and Klotild Palaces – it offers guests an ideal base from which to experience everything this vibrant city has to offer.
As well as its prime location, this hotel features two restaurants and a bar. Each offers an eclectic menu featuring fish, meat and soup dishes; wine collection is also extensive – for guests’ added enjoyment there’s even an annual wine tasting event hosted at this location!
Parisi Passage’s service is impeccable and friendly; guests are welcomed with champagne and chocolates on arrival, and staff members are available to answer any queries they might have. Their menu is clearly laid out with many vegetarian options available. Known for its exotic atmosphere and relaxed environment, Parisi Passage also prides itself on excellent customer service, earning them a 4.5 rating on Google.
