MÁK

If you want to decorate your festive table with good quality and unique cakes, surprise your loved ones or colleagues with something delicious, or have a sweet tooth for traditional gingerbread and flódni (Hungarian Jewish cake), opt for MÁK Artisan Confectionery in Piliscsaba. Klára Tóth business owner regards quality without compromises the number one principle in the confectionery that is located close to the capital. Instead of additives, preservatives and flavour enhancers, first-rate ingredients, rich fillings, Belgian chocolate and true affection are in focus. All the traditional and paleo/vegan/vegetarian cakes and desserts are made with great care at MÁK (literally means poppy-seed in Hungarian). Scroll through a wide range of bejglis, chocolates and gingerbreads, and order your favourites from the MÁK online shop. If you are not a resident of Piliscsaba, the confectionery is happy to deliver the ordered sweets to a Budapest address.

2081 Piliscsaba, Egyetem utca 3.

Robinson

Ten minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Robinson is located behind Heroes’ Square, close to Budapest’s tranquil City Park. Constructed over a lake, the idyllic restaurant, opened 30 years ago, is outstanding in Europe. The setting is picture perfect, it might as well be part of a movie in which citizens sit back contentedly with a glass of refreshing cocktail in hand. Countless celebrities have paid a visit before, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Robert Redford and Ralph Fiennes, but Robinson is a popular dining destination among the city’s foodies and businessmen too. Nature meets high-end gastronomy here, no wonder why the restaurant’s visitors love to take photos and share them on social media this way capturing the special experience and spreading the word about it. This place is the island of peace with extras: impeccable service and great food.

1146 Budapest, Városligeti tó (City Park)

Vendetta

Váci utca is downtown Budapest’s most visited pedestrian-only street known all around the country and beloved by locals and visitors alike. Joining its many stores and sights, Vendetta Italian restaurant was opened a few years ago ready to serve the hungry, quality-oriented crowd in all seasons: a lovely summer terrace is added to the place in the summer, while their cosy winter garden opens in the coldest season. In the winter, the restaurant’s inner hall serves as a shelter where one can take a break over the Christmas shopping craze and surprise themselves with the most delicious Italian meals prepared by everyone’s Nonna. Go try their paper-thin prosciutto slices, fresh and delightful mozzarella with pesto and tomato, heavenly carbonara, delicious pizza (accompanied by a glass of Bottega Soave) or Budapest’s best (!) Tiramisu which will leave you with the feeling of content and joy.

1052 Budapest, Váci utca 16.

Trófea Grill

If you decide to spice up the festive season with the traditional meals of Hungarian gastronomy, Budapest’s number one all you can eat restaurant, Trófea Grill is the right choice for you. More than 100 Hungarian and international dishes (pumpkin soup with toasted seeds, homemade pig-killing dinner with stewed cabbage, stuffed cabbage with smoked ribs, catfish soup, and so on), an eye-popping good dessert selection and a laid-back, elegant atmosphere is awaiting you, but it is also possible to opt for home delivery. It’s the end of the year, give yourself a break! Leave the gift shopping craze behind and treat yourself to something delicious or purchase an all you can eat gift card that your loved ones will surely appreciate!

Mona Bar & Restaurant

Situated at 30 Fő utca, Mona Bar & Restaurant is a jewel of Buda, where you can get away from the Christmas rush and tune in for the holidays. Depending on the mood and occasion, you can choose to have a romantic evening by the fireplace with candlelight, fine food and quality wine in the restaurant, or opt for the winter garden, where live music, cocktails and light snacks play the main role in winter evenings. In addition to their á la carte menu, the chef will pamper you with seasonal offers in December, including dishes such as traditional fish soup, stuffed cabbage from Mangalica pork and hazelnut & white chocolate carrot cake.

1011 Budapest, Fő u. 30.

Tulipán Bistro

Located within a walking distance from the Parliament, Tulipán Bistro is an authentic Hungarian restaurant where quality ingredients, attentive service, and familial atmosphere remain the most important after more than 50 years of operation. True to its traditions, the restaurant prepares for the holiday season with a divine line-up of fine wines and festive dishes including stuffed cabbage, catfish stew with cottage cheese pasta, and turkey breast stuffed with chestnuts in a bacon coat served with blueberry Cumberland sauce and croquette as a side dish. Are you up for a culinary journey? Tulipán Bistro’s signature meal, wild cattle stew cooked with red wine, plum, and juniper berry, accompanied by homemade noodles is likewise unmissable.

1051 Budapest, Nádor utca 34.

Liz and Chain & DNB Budapest

The holiday season is soon going to be in full force, but one shouldn’t get lost in the Christmas swirl just yet. Liz and Chain awaits us all who seek refuge from the crowd, taking us to Alice’s wonderland where the Mad Hatter’s favourite French pastries, homemade jam, and mini sandwiches await us to sate our hunger with. In addition, guests get unlimited access to Liz and Chain’s sparkling wine and tea selections every day until 4 PM. You can choose from 3 different types of mulled wine offered by the cosy lounge while Hungary’s traditional flat bread is also part of the deal. Before returning to your responsibilities, treat yourself to a little more culinary pampering. Turn towards the dessert section and take home a warm and tasty chimney cake!

The most wonderful time of the year is also the busiest, and as the year-end deserves to be celebrated, don’t forget about making plans for the New Year’s Eve in time. Spend the last hours of 2019 at Liz and Chain Lounge where guests can participate at a gourmet experience: expect heavenly bites, tapas specialties, unlimited beverage consumption and 2 glasses of sparkling wine. From 10 PM the venue transforms into party mood with cocktails, DJ sets and a final countdown so that guests can say farewell to the actual year in style.

During the period of advent, DNB Budapest invites us on gourmet adventures offering the best festive meals. Known for its impressive Sunday Brunch occasions, the restaurant spices things up every weekend before Christmas, awaiting guests with a merry buffet lunch, and on 24 December a fantastic dinner in case they’d like to enjoy the culinary creations of professional chefs. Don’t get desperate about the next two days, 25 and 26 December, either, because the restaurant will be open during lunchtime. Would you be interested in celebrating the arrival of the New Year at DNB Budapest? If live music and a breathtaking dinner are all you wish for, book a table until it’s too late OR place an order, because thanks to Budapest Marriott Hotel’s home-delivery service, you can enjoy roasted turkey, foie gras, pies, fish meals, Mediterranean food specialties and Christmas desserts at home too!

Booking: +36 1 737 7377 or dnb.budapest@marriott.com

ARAZ Christmas Brunch

Christmas’ magical cosiness adds extra warmth to ARAZ restaurant’s ambience on 25 and 26 December, between noon and 3 PM. The aroma of a live Christmas tree, and flickering candle flame guarantees that the festive spirit captivates our senses. Unlimited food and drink consumption (mineral water, beverages, ARAZ’s wine, sparkling wine), a cup of coffee, and a children’s corner (with a specific menu designed for kids) is awaiting guests who could enjoy an undisturbed lunch with live music while the little ones are safe playing under the surveillance of a professional nurse. The food selection is so impressive your mouth will start watering as you read: carp, chestnut-chicken galantine with coriander-mayo, sage-stewed turkey breast with orange, and penne and cheese sauce with roasted cabbage, among many others. Book a table in advance: +36 1 815 1100 or araz@araz.hu.

1074 Budapest, Dohány utca 42-44.

Halászbástya Restaurant

A hidden gem in a not so hidden area, Halászbástya Restaurant is located just a stone’s throw away from some of Budapest’s most attractive tourist destinations: the Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and Buda Castle. Its gorgeous surroundings, lavish inner spaces, incomparable panorama and tasty gastronomic delights make it THE perfect venue for taking your relationship to the next level. You can choose from meals such as duck liver bonbon, duck breast and shalot crumbs, veal medallion, Manjari chocolate with roses, and so on. Enjoy the romantic dinner in two locations, either at the restaurant that resembles a knight’s hall, or under the arcades. For an even more special experience, book a deluxe or exclusive table.

1014 Budapest, Budai Vár Halászbástya

Városliget Café

Your significant other deserves to be pampered at all times, even more so on special occasions. Show some love on Valentine’s Day by taking your other half on an extraordinary date! What better way to express your true, deep feelings than treating the love of your like royalty, showering him/her with the gift of quality time and a classy dinner? Városliget Café is one of, if not the most romantic restaurants in the city, where couples get a taste of what a perfect rendezvous is like every single time they cross its doorstep. On 14 February an exciting culinary adventure is waiting for you two, topped by a glass of sparkling wine with hibiscus. The icing on the cake is the gorgeous view to City Park’s lake, and Vajdahunyad Castle.

Costes Downtown

14 February isn’t like any other day: it gives you the opportunity to charm your significant other in ways you have never done before. Obviously, the most important components of a romantic date are the two of you, but it’s also important to find a venue where you feel special, and experience an exceptional treatment. The bistro-styled downtown restaurant is THE perfect choice, because it provides you with a sensual Michelin-starred gastro adventure: quality food and excellent service. On the Feast of Saint Valentine, Costes Downtown offers an unforgettable dinner experience, with such specialties on the menu as pan fried duck liver, John Dory, Lamb in 3 ways, and mouth-watering dessert creations – each complemented by quality wine.

Wan Hao Restaurant

This year make Valentine’s Day extra special with an exotic dinner at Wan Hao restaurant, in the heart of Budapest’s Chinese quarter! Other than their delicious, signature Chinese and Cantonese gourmet meals you and your love interest can order some new additions to the menu, including specialties such as beef short ribs, tasty Peking duck, Chinese spare ribs and many more wok stir-fried dishes. Coincidentally, the celebration of love falls on the days of Chinese Spring Festival, making the event even more special. Peak into the traditional celebration of Chinese New Year and enjoy a complimentary fruit plate and a 10% discount on your food consumption, as a Funzine reader!

1107 Budapest
Jegenye utca 30.
+36 30 912 6888

Nobu Budapest

Located in Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, Nobu Budapest is the first Central European member of the avant-garde Japanese restaurant chain started by chef Nobu Matsuhisa and actor Robert De Niro. Head chef Gábor Schreiner is in charge of presenting Japanese-Peruvian flavours in Nobu-style including mind-blowing seafood creations, Nobu’s classic meals, and world-famous signature dishes. On 10 February Nobu hosts programs for children, including sushi school and costume making, while on Valentine’s Day, the lavish restaurant offers special discounts: from noon to 5 pm everyone is entitled to a 20% discount, and between 6 pm and 10 pm live jazz music creates a laid-back atmosphere, and a complimentary “love” dessert is served free of charge for all guests.

1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7-8.

Prime Steakhouse

Would you like to charm him or her on the first date, or your purpose is to celebrate your long-time love in a special way? Whatever you are looking for, you’ll find it at one of Budapest’s most elegant steak houses, Prime Steak and Wine. On Valentine’s Day, the restaurant is awaiting you in two different appointments: from 3 to 5 PM their “Early Bird Seating” is available for those who would spend the rest of the evening in private, while the other option is “Love Birds Seating” from 7 to 10 PM. Spending quality time together is important in all relationships, why not spice it up with a culinary experience (accompanied by nice music and gorgeous decoration)? For prices – including a glass of welcome sparkling wine, a 5-course Valentine’s Day dinner, 0.75 mineral water and service fee – follow Prime Steakhouse on social media.

Tűzhely

Being a restaurant that’s name literally translates to stove, homely Tűzhely makes sure to fuel the spark of love on Valentine’s Day too. If its mouth-watering, innovatively prepared but traditional recipe-based meals could talk, they would put into words how the ingredients of each meal fuse together in perfect flavour harmony. As actions speak louder than words, experience the great source of pleasure food can be at Tűzhely! Romance your special someone AND your taste buds with a sinful selection of satisfying meals, choose from two menu options (including dreamy dessert creations such as cold strawberry soup with almond-cottage cheese dumplings or flamy pear) only for 6990 HUF/person. To find out more, follow Tűzhely on social media.

ARAZ

In a peaceful street of the Hungarian capital’s bohemian district, ARAZ invites you to embark on a unique gastronomic journey. The restaurant is most known for creating a truly harmonious menu consisting of traditional Hungarian and French savours. Surprise your special someone with a romantic, exclusive dinner where only taste bud pleasuring specialties will be served. The harmony of flavours and divine smells are complemented by live music, guaranteeing a memorable time well spent together. The icing on the cake: artisan chocolate pieces, chocolate fountain, and other genius chocolate delicacies, because every romantic dinner must end on a sweet note, right? Caution: don’t forget to clink glasses with your delicious Valentine’s Day cocktails called Love Potion Martini before tasting ARAZ’s incredible oyster, cold starters, and divine desserts.

Émile Restaurant

Would you like to get a taste of how the French celebrate Valentine’s Day? On 14 February, you’ll have all the chances to do so. Located in Buda, Émile invites you on a sensual culinary journey to the most romantic country imaginable. It’s not hard to fall for the restaurant’s charm that lies in its cozy spaces furnished with comfortable armchairs; honestly, the whole place looks straight out of Pinterest. Find out what it is like to be pampered with the flavours of love enhanced by aphrodisiac ingredients, and enjoy your night out in this classy environment, accompanied by the love of your life. Expect an excellent dinner topped with French dessert-specialties. It’s going to be a memorable rendezvous, book a table until it’s too late.

Macaron Heaven Budapest

After tasting one of Macaron Heaven’s divine sweet meringue-based creations that come literally in all shapes and forms imaginable, it becomes obvious where one of our favourite confectioneries got its name from. For Valentine’s Day, the Buda-based pastry shop adds extraordinary shapes (cupcakes, big brown teddy bears, and other specialties, from 390 to 590 HUF per piece) to their already impressive, artistic assortment, with special gift boxes available on request, perfect for the occasion. Express your true feelings in a thoughtful, creative and pampering way: order your favourite figure & flavour combination at Macaron Heaven, then all you have to do is sit back and relax. Your loved ones will feel very special, it’s guaranteed.

Happy 1998 @ Akvárium Klub

Downtown Akvárium Klub will revive the look and feel of 1998, sacrificing all three of its dance halls to the biggest tracks of the late 1990s, each venue given its own music theme. Check out the New Year’s Eve edition of Necc Party for an authentic house party atmosphere at the NagyHall, twerk it to the beats of the Black Music RnB & hip-hop party at the KisHall venue, or reminisce about the last great decade of movies dancing to the coolest Film Music Hits at VOLT Lokál. Dress up as Britney Spears, Duke Nukem, or any other 90s icon, and let yourself be transported back in time! Tickets for the extraordinary New Years Eve Party (held on 31 December, obviously) go for 4,000 HUF in advance.

1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 12.

New Year’s Eve Mega Hits @ Anker’t

A couple of days after hosting one of the largest season-closing university parties of the city (Corvinus Alumni Party, 27 December – entry is free for everbody!), Anker’t will bid adieu to the old year with the hottest hits of the past three decades, inviting you for a night of dance and good fun on two separate floors, on 31 December. The Paulay Ede utca ruin bar has a capacity of 850 people, making the New Year’s Mega Hits party one of the biggest end-of-year events in Budapest. The price of NYE drink packages ranges from 4,000 HUF (a bottle of Hungária sparkling wine) to 38,000 HUF (this includes a bottle of premium vodka, gin, whisky or rum and 8 Red Bulls). Entry is free all night long.

1061 Budapest, Paulay Ede u. 33.

New Year’s Eve Pre-Party with Stereo Swing @ Vogue Restaurant Boat

Vogue Restaurant Boat (facing Margaret Island from the Pest side) starts celebrating the end of the old year early this time, as they’re hosting a special pre-NYE gala on 28 December. The stars of the night will be Stereo Swing, one of the pioneers of Hungarian electronic dance music, led by Fonogram Prize winner Gabi Szűcs. The band, whose sound is similar to that of Parov Stelar, will be followed by DJ Ordiman behind the turntable, ensuring that the night doesn’t end too soon. Kitchen is open till 22.30. Tickets can be bought in advance online via bank transfer or at location for 4,990 HUF.

1137 Budapest, Carl Lutz rakpart 1.

Morrison’s 2 NYE Party

As one of the largest party venues of downtown Budapest, Morrison’s 2 has long since been a melting pot of music styles and people from all over the world. With its six different dance floors, even if you come with a large group of friends, it’s nigh impossible not finding music that’s suitable for everyone’s tastes. On 31 December, they’ll organize a grand New Year’s Eve party complete with spectacular New Year’s decoration, hundreds of cocktails, special drink deals, and the essential countdown. Buy your ticket in advance for a free welcome drink, and secure your place amongst the 300 lucky guests who will welcome the New Year inside the Szent István körút venue.

1055 Budapest, Szent István krt. 11.

Lovely Christmas Fair at Basilica

We are proud to announce that one of Europe’s most charming Christmas Fairs returns to Budapest’s Basilica area for the 7th time! We guarantee that the cosy atmosphere you’ll experience there will get you into the festive spirit in a blink of an eye. Are you looking for a gift, or would you like to get to know Hungarian cuisine a bit more? Visit Saint Stephen square from 24 November to 1 January to please your taste buds, find the perfect presents for your loved ones, try ice-skating or watch the monumental 3D show projected on the Basilica’s facade every night! Don’t be afraid of the cold weather, grab a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate at the fair and enjoy the free attractions!

ARAZ Restaurant

Melding together past and present, and the flavors of French and Hungarian cuisines, ARAZ Restaurant has been a reliable constant in the gastro scene of Budapest since its inception. Now the downtown restaurant (situated inside an Art Nouveau building) welcomes you for a true festive feast on 25 and 26 December, between noon and 3 PM: the Christmas brunches of ARAZ are accompanied by live music and include unlimited food and drink consumption. Dishes served range from beef ragout with French red wine and Chanterelle cream soup with spicy croutons to Smoked ham sprouts and Kaiserschmarren with plum chutney. The price of the brunch is 7,490 HUF per person.

1074 Budapest, Dohány utca 42.

Get into the festive spirit at Corinthia Hotel Budapest

A really magical experience is awaiting you in Corinthia Hotel Budapest all month long. They know how food takes an important role in celebrations like Christmas. Brasserie & Atrium restaurant invites you on a gastronomic trip of festively inspired meals, and a Sunday brunch with a Beauty and the Beast inspired theme. Every occasion is going to be special: from candle lighting, to the arrival of Santa Claus, through the introduction of Alsatian cuisine, all in the spirit of the warm, loving atmosphere of home. The fairy tale goes on during Christmas Eve and the following days too, because there is no feast without magic.

1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43-49.

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Baalbek

Celebrate the arrival of 2018 at Baalbek with a lavish traditional Lebanese gala dinner on 31 December! The festive extravaganza, held in one of Budapest’s most imposing building, includes a spectacular mezze selection (ranging from hummus to kibbeh), all-time favourite soups, hearty meat and seafood dishes (halal style), as well as toothsome desserts, garnished with a dazzling party atmosphere. The night is complemented by live music and a belly dance show, to make the last hours of the old year even more unforgettable. The dinner costs 99 euros plus service charge per person. Make your reservation now!

1052 Budapest, Váci utca 34.

Jazz New Year’s Eve Party @ Budapest Jazz Club

End the year in the classiest style imaginable, at the festive New Year’s Eve gala event of Budapest Jazz Club! The night will be hosted by Roland Kaszányi, a talented showman and an even better illusionist, who will charm and enchant everyone in the audience with his impeccable humour and spectacular magic tricks. Performing on 31 December will be the duo of Micheller Myrtill and Tibor Pintér, Cuban-Hungarian band Elsa Valle y sus Hermanos, and the Balázs-Balázs-Kiss-Lakatos Quartet. From half-past-midnight till dawn DJ FunkFred will spin his discs in the bistro area, playing jazz-funk evergreens like James Brown and Earth Wind and Fire. The night will be completed by delicious canapés, tapas and soups, served between 9 PM and 11 PM, and the inevitable stuffed cabbage at midnight.

1136 Budapest, Hollán Ernő u. 7.

Advent lunch or dinner in Grillmánia

Bring your beloved friends or colleagues together to celebrate Christmas in a cozy place: come to Grillmánia, where you’ll be served tasty meals prepared on charcoal grill. Guests can chose from a wide-range of grill specialties; from lamb chop and chicken meat to burgers, burritos and vegetarian delicacies are all on the menu, and you will find what your taste buds love the most. Enjoy gourmet meals in a festive atmosphere and impress your crowd with your awesome restaurant choice. It’s guaranteed!

1111 Budapest, Bartók Béla út 6.

Gundel Restaurant

It is not by accident that Gundel has become one of the top restaurants in Hungary: awaiting guests in the heart of beautiful City Park since 1894, it is the birthplace of many famous Gundel dishes, such as the Gundel pancake, Gundel loin the Palóc soup, and the Somló sponge cake.  It is also your best bet if you want the greatest and most flavorful sample of all the deliciousness Hungarian cuisine has to offer, with a little French twist. In the upcoming holiday season, Gundel Restaurant will ensure the festive atmosphere with special Christmas menus from 25 to 30 December, a unique New Year’s Eve gastro event, and a New Year’s menu in the first two weeks of January. The New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner will comprise of six courses, accompanying wines, live orchestral music, a magic show, Bálint Gájer’s swing-n-pop performance, and more!

1146 Budapest, Gundel Károly út 4.

Hotel Azúr

In case you’re not sure what to buy your friends or family, why not play it safe and go for what everybody wants? Namely: some good rest, time spent together, relaxation, walks along the shore of Lake Balaton, and delicious meals. The four-star Hotel Azúr offers rooms with balcony, its own sauna and jacuzzi – perfectly suited for cold winter nights! Equipped with a pool- and sauna park, steam-, salt-, and aroma chambers, as well as a fitness center and four bowling courts, a stay at this place is the perfect Christmas gift! Book your room now on a special prize at www.hotelazur.hu by using the code word „funzine” for 10% off!

8600 Siófok, Erkel Ferenc u. 2/C

NYE at Nobu

Surprise yourself with an extraordinary culinary journey on 31 December! The dining empire’s luxurious restaurant will guide you around the world without a passport: Nobu offers a mouth-watering, 8-course menu, including dishes inspired by Honolulu, Malibu, Miami, Hong Kong, London, Dubai, Tokyo, and Mexico City. Starting at 9 PM, an exotic and unforgettable night is ahead of you with delicious meals and live latin music provided by Mai Rumba band.  Wait no more, reserve your table today!

1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7-8.

Tulipán Bistro

After taking an evening walk around the magically lit St. Stephen Basilica or the Hungarian Parliament, warm up in Tulipán Bistro with a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate. The restaurant, of which name is derived from the Hungarian equivalent of tulip, has been attentively serving its guests with many wonderful meals since 1964. You can enjoy the finest authentic dishes of the country in a cosy, homely atmosphere: the menu consists of a series of plain, yet toothsome Hungarian meals, accompanied by a line of the most renowned and highly praised potions of local wineries. On 31 December, you can even taste traditional New Year courses, such as lentil stew – just make sure you book in advance!

1051 Budapest, Nádor u. 34.

 “We should take a moment and think about all the things you give to us, as you have a very significant role in our lives. We are all proud of you. I would like to thank you for filling our days with such magic and joy.” – says Hubert, the owner of popular downtown spot, Kiosk. Of course, FUNZINE couldn’t agree more: along with Kiosk, we wish all of our female readers a very happy International Women’s Day! 

The special event series will be organized by the IHBC (Irish Hungarian Business Circle): besides the parade, concerts as well as parties or traditional Irish dance performances will be held in the city. So, put on some green clothes along with your biggest smile, enjoy the numerous happenings all over town, and crown the merriments with the pride of Ireland: a couple of mugs of Guinness! In addition to the highlighted events, close to 80 venues will await you with open arms and delicious beers on 17 March, the Day of St. Patrick: clink your glasses in 50 Budapest locations, or visit one of the 30 countryside participating pubs and play for an authentic St. Patrick’s Day Hat! Sláinte!

16 March – St. Patrick’s Festival Budapest, Akvárium Klub – from 6 PM

17 March – St. Patrick’s Day Guinness pub promotions

18 March – International Dance Competition of the Central European Irish Dance Academy – Folyondár Sports Hall (1037 Budapest, Folyondár utca 15., www.sport.folyondar.hu/en )

–  Irish Hungarian Business Circle Gala Dinner– Marriott Hotel (You can register at www.ihbc.hu/events )

19 March – St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Szabadság tér at 3 PM, after party at Instant (New venue: 1073 Budapest, Akácfa utca 49-51.)