Dining Out in Budapest

Today's Budapest is very much a cosmopolitan city – you can find any type of food from anywhere in the world. Most restaurants offer a mixture of Hungarian and international flavours, but at much more affordable prices than you will find at home. Restaurants are required to display their prices outside their doors, so you always know what to expect before you take the plunge.

Hungarian
For traditional Hungarian fare, and the social lubricant of a gypsy band, head to the famous Gundel behind Hősők tere, the Museum Kávéház next to the National Gallery, or the beautiful Kárpátia on Ferenciek tere. Raday utca, off Kálvin tér on the blue M3 metro, has recently grown into restaurant hotspot, and the Vörös Postakocsi serves up delicious Hungarian specialities. There are also plenty of Hungarian restaurants in the Buda Hills, such as the Náncsi Néni vendéglő. 

On a tight budget
Small buffet restaurants are a good bet for traditional food on the run, although you may need to take a risk or two when ordering from the Hungarian-only menus. The food is usually on display, you should be able to get what you want with basic international sign language and any Hungarian you may pick up. Even without the delicious traditional food, Kádár, on Klauzal tér at the heart of the former Jewish quarter, is an essential dining experience – friendly service combined with irresistibly old-world touches.

Vegetarian
Hungary is a nation of meat-lovers, but most restaurants offer fried Camembert or mushrooms for veggie visitors. There is also a handful of high-quality specialist vegetarian restaurants in Budapest, including Vegetárium in Cukor utca in District V, Wabisabi and Govinda.

International
Hugely popular and for very good reason, Baraka is the place to go for international cuisine - book early to avoid disappointment. Páva, the elegant restaurant in the exclusive Four Seasons Gresham Palace is renowned as one of the finest in Hungary and the hotel's coffee shop is also one of the most elegant. The eclectic African décor of Mokka, just around the corner from the Basilika, may not reflect the delicious French and Mediterranean food on the menu – but that won't spoil your enjoyment. Just around the corner from Mokka, Tom & George and Leroy offer great food in a sophisticated yet relaxing environment. For a comprehensive round up of essential eateries, read reviews of more than 50 restaurants in Budapest, published by Budapest Week online.