394Where to Eat in Hungary
Hungary has a long tradition of hospitality and culinary
excellence. Budapest especially is home to some of
Central Europe’s most historic restaurants. Yet eating out
remains a rela tively low-cost experience and a number
of outlets serve snacks round the clock. There are also
some excellent cafés and patisseries.HUNGARYPRICE CATEGORIES
Based on the price per person of a
three-course meal with half a bottle of
wine, including cover charge, service
and tax.
Under 3,000 HUF
3,000–4,000 HUF
4,000–5,000 HUF
5,000–6,000 HUF
Over 6,000 HUFBUDAPEST
BohémTanya ¤ ̊
Paulay Ede út 6 Tel (01) 268 1453 Map E2
For any visitor looking for reasonably priced, hearty Hungarian food in pleasant surroundings, the BohémTanya is a
good choice. Diners are seated in wooden alcoves large enough for eight; when the restaurant is busy they may be
asked to share their table with others.Hanna Ortodoxkóser Étterem ¤ : © ̊
Dob út 35 Tel (01) 342 1072 Map E3
This simple kosher eatery in the courtyard of the Orthodox Synagogue (see p353) serves traditional Jewish dishes and
kosher wines. Opening hours are from 8am to 4pm, except on Friday and the Sabbath, when it also opens in the
evenings. Sabbath meals need to be paid for either the day before or the day after.Picasso Point : Δ ©
Hajós út 31 Tel (01) 312 1727 Map D2
Just a short way from the State Opera House (see p350), Picasso Point is a café and restaurant serving delicious
bistro food and pizzas, and superb cakes. Food is served all day but this spot is especially popular in the evenings
as a bar and café. There is also a nightclub in the cellar.Belvárosi Lugas Étterem 7 Δ © ̊
Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 15/a Tel (01) 302 5393 Map D2
Well-made, hearty dishes served in a simple yet appealing atmosphere make this place a favourite with locals.
Informal and relaxed, it offers excellent food at reasonable prices, especially the daily specials, which are chalked
up on a blackboard; the sumptuous soups are popular. In summer tables are set up outside on the pavement.Café Kör : 7 Δ © ̊
Sas út 17 Tel (01) 311 0053 Map D3
Booking is recommended at this popular, good-value bistro, which serves fine salads and Hungarian/European-
inspired dishes, with vegetarian food made to order. A wide selection of Hungarian wines hints at the origins of
this café, which began as a wine bar.Tabáni Kakas Vendéglő f ̊
Attila út 27 Tel (01) 225 0478 Map D3
Poultry dishes are a speciality at this small restaurant with a family atmosphere. Goose and duck feature in soups,
and main courses include goose breast with bread dumplings and vegetable sauce. There is no shortage of foie
gras and a good selection of after-dinner ports at low prices. Live folk music in the evenings.Vak Varjú : 7 f © ̊
Paulay Ede út 7 Tel (01) 268 0888 Map E2
This restaurant provides superb views from enormous windows that open out on to one of Budapest’s busiest
streets. Well laid out with an attractive raised section and a spacious area for non-smokers, it has a lively atmosphere
and an extensive menu featuring contemporary international cuisine. Live jazz is performed several evenings a week.Articsóka : Δ © ̊
Zichy Jenő út 17 Tel (01) 302 7757 Map D2
The wonderfully bright and breezy Articsóka is decorated with hanging baskets, pastel-coloured paintwork
and quality contemporary art. The Mediterranean cuisine on offer – with a good vegetarian selection – is both
prepared and presented with flair. It comes highly recommended.Pierrot Café Restaurant f © ̊
Fortuna út 14 Tel (01) 375 6971 Map B2
This popular place opened as a private café during Communist times. Although it now faces stiff competition, the
charming atmosphere keeps a loyal crowd coming. It has been redesigned, but the original, elegant interior still
has a cosy café feel. Live piano music is played in the evening and all day at weekends. Highly recommended.Map References see map of Budapest pp336–7