My Top Foodie Spots for Budapest
You will have an awesome time in Buda and an even better time in Pest! Yep, hopefully after reading this piece you will be looking up some relatively cheap flights to get you over to dig into some goulash and knock back some seriously strong cocktails!
This post is zoning in on the food but if you’re a history or architecture lover or a Christmas market fan you have to put Budapest on your hit list! I highly recommend heading over in winter to get into the festive mood in the Christmas markets, something about the atmosphere makes you automatically giddy and merry! However, if you’re not a fan of the crisp cold weather the summer time is nice and dry and they have a host of cool festivals like Zegit that you could add in to your trip.
Now, when it comes to food in Budapest, I’m going to be honest it’s not its forte, traditional goulash, liver cock sausage isn’t the main reason you’re travelling over there, but during your stay I have made a foodie hit list of all the places you need to check out for whatever kind of foodie you are! The food is not typically healthy and dedicated health food cafes are far a few between – the places I have included deliver great food, atmosphere and a taste of modern Budapest. I’ve added a light list below for dietary requirements of places I found along the way.
Mazel Tov
First on the list is my favourite, It’s not Hungarian food but it gets top marks- from the building itself to the fresh food, it is a fantastic fun experience. The cuisine is middle eastern/Israeli with a great selection of drinks. In Budapest a big thing are the ruin bars, Mazel Tov itself is a ruin bar/restaurant in the Jewish quarter and near enough to some really cool ruin bar hangouts (perfect for a few drinks after – you need food for soakage).
The warehouse vibe is really fitting; you can’t help but let your eyes wander around the room. It’s definitely a little hipster with its exposed bulbs and wooden picnic tables and you can really get lost in time sitting there. The menu is suitable for lots of different esters from vegan to carnivores. It’s an ideal spot for big groups as they have a lot of sharing plates and its pretty inexpensive.
Top things to try on the menu:
- Grilled Aubergine
- Jerusalem mixed plate
- The cheesecake
- Frangelico sour cocktail
Click here for their website
Tips:
- Check them out on Instagram @maveltovbudapest
- Wifi available
- Only accept cash
The Kollazs at the GreshamÂ
The restaurant is ideal for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It was actually located in my hotel but it was ranked really high on all the food sites and probably one of the best lunches I have had abroad. The menu was simple and covered all kinds of cuisines like French, Hungarian & central European and had a great selection of fish, meats and vegetarian options.
The staff get a special mention here, you know when you’re in a place and the staff go above and beyond that’s pretty much this place but not in an uncomfortable way. This restaurant is situated in the Four Seasons Hotel, a stunning building you have to walk around regardless, along with the perfect view of the chain bridge and Buda castle. It’s a stop off for a lot of tours just to look at the amazing palace itself (even though it was never actually a palace).
If you are sitting in the court yard part of the restaurant you will have a beautiful view of the basilica.
Top things to try on the menu:
- Grilled Octopus & Calamari
- The Breakfast Waffles
Wifi available.
Click here for their Instagram
SZimply Food
The health food freak in me couldn’t help source out the best spot for a healthy and different brunch! The cafe in tucked away down an alley off the main street very close to the “Golden Gate Bridge”, the place is very small, seating only about 15 but head there early for brunch or a late brunch to ensure no queues.
The decor is modern and very Scandinavian. The menu is a mix of savory green waffles with egg and smoke salmon to tapioca pudding and homemade granola. The food is simple, clean and fun. The staff are young, trendy and have tones of craic behind the counter:)
They also have wifi so you can snap your meal- password is talktoeachother …… ahem!
Top things to try on the menu:
- Green waffles with egg and smoked salmon
Click here for their Instagram
Borkonyha
Ok it’s a littlest fancier than the rest, a Michelin restaurant but casual all the same. it’s probably the best place to get traditional Hungarian food with a tiny bit of a modern slant. Try eat here for lunch, the atmosphere is calm and intimate but book to make sure you get a table. The food is Michelin standard without being overly fussy, plus the portions are normal size – thank god! The menu is full of different dishes you aren’t used to seeing like partridge, pigeon, liver among the safe options too – don’t worry. It’s just a really nice dining experience for an occasion.
Top things to try on the menu:
- You won’t be disappointed with anything you order on this menu, I had the the Cod and it was super.
Tips;
Book in advance.
Click here for their website
Comme Chez SoiÂ
This place has old style decor and warm charm.  The service is top class, in that you’re treated like a king or queen. They offer free appetizers. Book well in advance we were cheeky enough to get a walk in which is usually unheard of. It’s not touristy spot just full of locals which is always a good sign.
I customised my dish a little to suit my preference and they were very accommodating, so don’t be afraid to switch things up if needed. Be hungry when going as the portions are very generous! It’s pretty cheap there especially considering the portion sizes.
Top things to try on the menu:
- Beef carpaccio
- Seafood Pasta
- Sorbet
Tips:
- Cash only accepted
- Book in advance
Click here for their website
Beszallo Food BarÂ
The best place to try Hungarian and Asian cuisine with a modern twist – this was a delicious casual dining experience. The interior is quirky and there’s a great relaxed, fun environment.I actually found this place through a recommendation from the guys at SZimply food, I always make a point of asking local foodies on tips and suggestions!
The bread was deliciously fresh and the beef is a great shout here! No reservations needed as it’s a first come first served basis. It’s not your average menu but regardless expect to leave full and a little mind blown. Prices are reasonable and quality is really good.
Top things to try on the menu:
- Literally everything tasted good!
Click here for their Facebook
