Chimney Cake Festival 

Originating from Transylvania, chimney cake is a favourite pastry dessert for many. This sweet delicacy deserves to be celebrated, so between 16-18 May, fans can show their appreciation at a chimney cake-themed festival held at Budapest Zoo. Add a little sweetness to your days by attending the event featuring an impressive variety of flavours, 30 to be exact, including gluten-, milk-, lactose-, and egg-free options, among others. Attendees are in for a treat, as the festival will be accompanied by several family-friendly activities. 

1146 Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 6-12. | Facebook

VárKert Feszt (free entry) 

If you’ve been to the city centre, you’ve likely spotted a beautiful Neo-Renaissance building complex on the Buda side. It is the Castle Garden Bazaar, Budapest’s unique jewellery box. It is complete with a charming garden which is ideal for summertime events thanks to its captivating ambiance. From 30 May to 1 June, various music genres and great feature films will take center stage, alongside evenings filled with literature, as well as dance shows. The event will host activities dedicated to children, with a food truck serving up delicious treats.  

1013 Budapest, Ybl Miklós tér 2-6. | Website

Gourmet Festival 

A prestigious gastronomic gathering, Gourmet Festival is renowned as an event where the bests of the best showcase their culinary expertise. Between 22-25 May at Millenáris Park, visitors get the chance to dive into a world of exceptional flavours and innovative meals, with plenty of surprises along the way. Are you a foodie? Here is your chance to get a taste of Hungarian gastronomy at its finest, with a variety of specialties served to you by some of the most talented chefs in the country. For tickets and further information, visit Gourmet Festival’s website. 

1024 Budapest, Kis Rókus utca 16-20. | Website

FLORALIA – ROMAN SPRING FESTIVAL AT AQUINCUM 

Step back in time this May 10–11 at one of the city’s oldest cultural traditions: the Floralia – Roman Spring Festival. Inspired by ancient Roman customs, the event promises unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. To celebrate the occasion, florists will transform the museum and archaeological park with stunning Roman-style floral displays. Throughout the weekend, you can explore the world of antiquity through immersive lifestyle and craft demonstrations, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Roman soldiers, gladiators, and Germanic and Celtic warriors. The festivities will also feature open-air theater performances, bringing the spirit of ancient Rome vividly to life. 

 1031 Budapest, Szentendrei út 135. | Website

Night of Museums 

Once a year, a single wristband grants you entry to as many museums as you can explore in one night. The annual event is called the Night of Museums, and this year it will be held on 21 June in Budapest and a number of other Hungarian cities. Unlike on any average day, museums will operate with extended opening hours, and special programs will be organized, such as behind-the-scenes tours and engaging lectures on exciting topics connected to each exhibition halls’ individual collection. For further information, visit the event’s official website. 

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Danube Carnival 

From 6 to 14 June, Danube Carnival will honour Hungary’s rich folk dance and music heritage by presenting talented local artists while also showcasing international performers at multiple venues across Budapest. National ensembles (both professional and amateur), as well as exciting foreign acts will take the stage at seven locations, creating a carnival-like atmosphere with dazzling costumes, lively music and vibrant dance routines. The event is set to be a summer highlight for everyone, regardless of age. Purchase your tickets in advance! 

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Hungarian: Fekete Holló Kisvendéglő

Homey flavours, friendly service, affordable prices, checkered tablecloths, a wide selection of wine spritzers, and a cozy atmosphere. If that sounds like your kind of paradise, then you are guaranteed to be floating on cloud 9 at Buda Castle’s Fekete Holló Kisvendéglő (Black Crow Inn). The legendary restaurant from the 1960s reopened after more than a decade of hiatus at its original location, with a refurbished dining area and Hungarian culinary classics such as farmhouse chicken soup, marrow toast, or lentil stew garnished with smoked sausage. Even Matthias Corvinus would applaud for this!

1014 Budapest, Országház utca 10. | Facebook

Lunch: Macesz Bistro

Situated within walking distance from the world-famous Szimpla ruin bar and the equally renowned Dohány Street Synagogue, Macesz Bistro entices guests with a menu composed of a scrumptious mixture of regional specialties, including hearty cholent, rich beef stew, and the beloved flódni, as well as a wine list that runs the gamut from the finest local wines to bottles from Italy and New Zealand. Indulge in your favourites Jewish-Hungarian dishes with Macesz’s new, pocket-friendly lunch menu on weekdays from noon to 3 PM, and let this restaurant be your gateway to Pest’s Jewish Quarters!

1072 Budapest, Dob utca 26. | Facebook

Soups: Húsleves és Társai

Dive into a delightful world of delectable soups at Húsleves és Társai (Broth and Co.), a cozy takeaway-only soup joint nestled in the heart of Budapest. Savor the nourishing selection of rich, invigorating broths that will transport your taste buds back to those lazy Sunday suppers of yore. From classic Hungarian meat soup to comforting chicken and pea broth, and the iconic Jókai bean soup, there’s a flavourful feast for everyone! Pop by this charming spot for a jar of soul-soothing goodness and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience that warms both body and spirit.

1066 Budapest, Zichy Jenő utca 43. | Facebook

Beer & Food: Tiltott Csíki Söröző

Embark on an amber adventure to Szeklerland at Tiltott Csíki Söröző, where Transylvanian flavours and craft beers come together in perfect harmony! Located near Mechwart liget, this vibrant restaurant embodies its brand philosophy: natural ingredients, a touch of Szekler love, and dishes that “refresh, nourish, and cheer.” Immerse yourself in the exquisite assortment of top-tier Transylvanian brews, beer spirits, liqueurs, and non-alcoholic libations, accompanied by robust Transylvanian-Hungarian fare, from goulash soup and pork knuckles to mici with homemade mustard and French fries.

1024 Budapest, Keleti Károly utca 9. | Facebook

Café: Massolit Books & Café

This charming hideaway offers a welcome respite from the city’s bustling streets, enveloping you in a world of towering bookshelves brimming with foreign-language editions and vintage furniture that exudes hospitality and intimacy, catering to both your intellectual and social needs. Massolit is the ideal venue to delve into literary bliss as you curl up with a good book and a steaming cup of coffee, but it’s also worth a visit if you’re looking for someplace to catch up with old friends over a delicious pastry and freshly brewed beverages.

1072 Budapest, Nagy Diófa utca 30. | Facebook

Brunch: Caphe by Hai Nam

Prepare to be whisked away on a whirlwind of wondrous flavours at Caphe by Hai Nam, Budapest’s beguiling Asian coffee haven! Nestled on vibrant Bartók Béla Boulevard, this trendy nook entices with a mouthwatering Vietnamese brunch menu that’ll set your taste buds tingling. Feast on yummy banh mi sandwiches, pillowy steamed bao burgers, dainty rice pancakes, or the irresistible banh mi chao breakfast dish, and don’t forget to complement your culinary journey with a traditional Vietnamese coffee or a premium tea specialty.

1114 Budapest, Bartók Béla út 35. | Facebook

Editor’s Pick: Tölcsibe

Pamper yourself with a palatable reinterpretation of classic chicken wraps at Tölcsibe, where they master the art of tantalizing street food. Their unique signature dish features succulent chicken filet (or a veggie-friendly jackfruit alternative) lovingly cradled in a tempting waffle cone. Each cone is lavishly adorned with a medley of sauces, crispy French fries, tortilla chips, and colourful vegetables, ensuring a satisfying and flavoursome munching experience. With branches in both Újbuda and downtown Budapest, Tölcsibe’s innovative gastronomic delights are not to be missed.

1077 Budapest, Wesselényi utca 25. | 1111 Budapest, Budafoki út 16. | Facebook

Something Extra: Bubu Bubble Tea

With multiple locations across the city, Bubu Bubble Tea is a trailblazing tea shop chain that tempts locals and visitors alike with Asia’s number one coveted drink, combining an extensive selection of tea flavours with toothsome toppings such as jelly beans, tapioca, and fruit pearls, resulting in a customizable and visually appealing thirst quencher. Bubu also offers the opportunity to craft your personalized bubble tea at home with ingredients and tools available from their online store, allowing you to enjoy the bubbled beverage in the cozy comfort of your own space.

1052 Budapest, Petőfi Sándor utca 6. | 1066 Budapest, Teréz körút 38. | 1117 Budapest, Móricz Zsigmond körtér 16. | Facebook

Lebanese destination: ARZ Lebanese Restaurant

Thanks to Budapest’s versatile culinary scene, you can take your taste buds to faraway lands like Lebanon without leaving the capital city. Here is our suggestion: dive into the incredible flavours of the West Asian country at ARZ Restaurant. Whether it is stuffed vine leaves, kibbeh, or a traditional Lebanese dessert, expect nothing less than colourfully presented, scrumptious meals made from fresh ingredients. The cherry on top is the beautiful view to the river Danube and Buda’s famous sights as well as the exceptional Lebanese hospitality.

1052 Budapest, Apáczai Csere János utca 12-14. | Facebook

Spanish Fiesta: UnoMas Tapas&Bar

We know it very well that autumn days are sometimes grey and moody, but trust us, a spicy, full-of-flavour Spanish meal has the power to cheer you up. Free two birds with one key: recharge your internal batteries and tame your hunger at UnoMas Tapas&Bar. The menu is full of mouth-watering delicacies such as Chistorra sausage, which is wrapped in a thin slice of potato and sprinkled with a spicy-chili oil; pair it with a refreshing vermut&soda. From noon to 3 PM on weekdays, treat yourself to the restaurant’s multi-course business lunch offers.

1137 Budapest, Pozsonyi út 14. | Website

La Dolce Vita: Allegro Restaurant

Fans of the world-famous Italian cuisine, unite! Your soon-to-be new favourite, Allegro restaurant is ready to impress a pizza lover and a true coffee aficionado alike. Moreover, in case a fresh mimosa or a tasty prawn tomato tagliatelle is what your heart (and stomach) desires, you will be delighted all the same. Obviously, the cozy Bartók Béla street venue has a lot more in store for you, including calamari rings with basil aioli, grilled goat cheese, and the must-try lasagne. Food and drinks are photo-worthy gorgeous, prepare to be blown away.

1114 Budapest, Bartók Béla út 23. | Facebook

English Breakfast: Café Brunch Budapest

It is hard to express how valuable the times are when we can sit down comfortably in a calm environment and enjoy breakfast without having to hurry. To elevate it all to the next level, Café Brunch Budapest created a safe space with a list of delicious day-starters on the menu. For a refreshing change, why shouldn’t we give the rightfully famous, and undeniable hearty English breakfast a go? Tomato beans, bacon and fried eggs are only the tip of the iceberg, the plate will be loaded with fresh vegetables, baked goods and sausage too.

5 locations around Budapest | Website

French Romance: Pavillon de Paris

Also known as Buda’s secret garden, Pavillon de Paris is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Fő utca’s hidden gem has several benches, trees and twinkle lights which together create a magical ambiance. The attention to detail is compelling when it comes to the food too, as it is treated as a form of art. Gourmet meals, inspired by French gastronomy are attractively presented on the plate, and the incredible flavours speak for themselves. The menu is tempting and versatile, the impressive wine assortment is also worth taking a look at.

1011 Budapest, Fő utca 20. | Facebook

Welcome to Roxfort: The Magic II

There is no need for a cauldron or a magic wand to combine the mysterious world of wizards with an exceptional dining experience. All you have to do is visit The Magic II, a restaurant that is actually a lot more than a venue to sit and eat at. With a design inspired by blockbuster movies, The Magic is as special as its name suggests thanks to its magnificent, movie set-like interior and awe-inspiring menu. Supernatural burgers, charmed desserts, potions and creatively named cocktails await visitors who are in for something unforgettable.

1065 Budapest, Nagymező utca 45. | Website

Asian-Hungarian Fusion: Ensō Ramen Bar and Izakaya

From Tuesday to Friday, Baross street’s hidden fusion restaurant, Ensō opens its doors to impress gastro-adventurers. The new fall menu features exciting meal creations you might think you are familiar with, but there is always a twist. To mention some of the season’s imminent star meals, seasonal kimchi, vegan tantanmen ramen, Brussel miso, nori chicken taco, Angus petit steak and vegetarian bao are all on the menu card. The tiny eatery is very popular, so if you don’t want to miss out, book a table in advance. Opening hours: from 4 PM to 10 PM.

1082 Budapest, Baross utca 85. | Website

Eastern Treats: Pelmania

Fortunately, in a big city like Budapest, it is relatively easy to find meals associated with foreign countries. Open every day from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Pelmania’s concept revolves around a Russian specialty: pelmeni. The dumplings are usually filled with meat (the Ráday street restaurant offers poultry, pork-beef, beef and lamb) but there are vegetarian alternatives too. Vareniki, a potato dumpling, is stuffed with cabbage or fried onion and potato, while desserts are available in flavours like cottage cheese, sour cherry and strawberry.

1092 Budapest, Ráday utca 15. | Facebook

Concerts & Views

There are a number of reasons why it is worth taking a stroll around one of Hungary’s most significant religious sites. The area surrounding St. Stephen’s Basilica is full of life, but first, take a look inside the breathtaking building. If the world-famous organ pipes catch your attention, we highly recommend you attending one of the Monday or Friday concerts. Don’t forget to conquer the tower, too. May the amazing panorama view from the balcony be your motivation to climb up a maximum of 364 stairs. Two elevators are available in case needed.

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Best Bagel Basilica

Sightseeing with an empty stomach is not the proper way to discover a city. Fortunately, you don’t have to walk too far to grab a hearty breakfast or an early lunch. For delicious day starters, find Best Bagel Basilica, a cozy eatery located on Zrínyi Street. The reason to love them is, all items on the menu were composed to give you a boost while also offering a taste-bud pampering experience. The bagels are freshly baked (and vegan), and the ingredients are of the best quality. Whether you pick avocado, egg cream, smoked salmon, prosciutto or duck liver paté, expect a mind-blowing flavor fusion.

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Budapest Retro Interactive Museum

There is an extraordinary time machine in Október 6. Street, namely the Budapest Retro Interactive Museum, which is yet another amusing spot around St. Stephen’s Basilica. You will feel like you have entered a whole new world right after crossing the doorstep. With a colorful bar, a Trabant at the entrance hall, and several rooms filled with fascinating memorabilia from past decades, this interactive museum is full of fun and history. Teaser: it will take you back to the time when Hungary had its very own airline, Malév, as well as to the era when police officers were cruising around in Lada cars.

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Amusing Time Travel to Budapest Retro: Retro Museum in the Heart of the City

Guised as a museum, Budapest Retro Interactive Museum is actually a time capsule just a few minutes’ walk from central Erzsébet Square.

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Ferris Wheel of Budapest

Just a stone’s throw away from the basilica you will easily spot the Ferris Wheel of Budapest in Deák Square’s direction. Perfect for a date night or sightseeing with family and friends, it is the next stop of your self-guided tour for a good reason. Imagine riding a ferris wheel in an amusement park, it is always fun, isn’t it? Now mix that experience with the joy of admiring a beautiful capital city from a totally different perspective. Bring a picnic blanket in your backpack and after the ride, spend some time at lovely Erzsébet tér, on the grass surrounding Akvárium Klub.

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Conte Café

It is no surprise that even fun-filled days can be exhausting. In order to recharge your batteries, try a new way of consuming your daily caffeine. At modern and welcoming Conte Café, premium coffee (made from South American coffee beans roasted in Budapest) is poured into delicious artisan waffle cones covered with Belgian dark or white chocolate on the inside. Thanks to the unique serving, the novelty called Conteccino has become quite popular among coffee aficionados who are also invited to taste some incredible desserts (fruit waffle cone, creamy cupcakes, biscuits and more) on the spot.

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Liberty Square

Even though Budapest is a busy capital city, plenty of green areas are hidden in plain sight. One of them is Liberty Square, situated a few minutes’ walk away from St. Stephen’s Basilica. Being there might feel like attending an open-air architectural exhibition since the surrounding buildings (Hungarian National Bank, Exchange Palace, Swabian House, and so on) are impressive in many ways. For another visually pleasing experience, head to Hold Street’s market-hall-turned-museum: at Light Art Museum’s fabulous hall, outstanding installations and ground-breaking artworks are on display.

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Breakfast at Café Brunch

Grabbing a bite in a hurry in the morning doesn’t help kicking off the day with a positive start. So whenever possible, we owe it to ourselves to make the most of the early meal. One way to max it out is to visit one of Café Brunch Budapest’s diners, where a list of heavenly egg dishes, special sandwiches, delicious pastries, freshly roasted coffee and many other mouthwatering delicacies are part of the impressive menu. To cater for as many guest needs as possible, vegetarian and vegan meals, as well as lactose and gluten free alternatives are also available.

1051 Budapest, Zrínyi utca 10.
1056 Budapest, Fő vám tér 2-3.
1065 Budapest, Hajós utca 26.

El Greco Exhibition at Museum of Fine Arts

Feed your intellectual curiosity at the Museum of Fine Arts which hosts the first large-scale Hungarian exhibition devoted to the famous Greek master, El Greco (1541–1614) until 19 February. The exhibited, approximately 70 items are loaned from over 40 of the world’s most prestigious public collections including the Musée du Louvre (Paris) and The National Gallery (London). Besides El Greco’s fascinating oeuvre, the exhibition features artworks by the master painter’s two closest followers, his son Jorge Manuel Theotokopulos, and Luis Tristán.

1146 Budapest, Dózsa György út 41.

Guided Tours at the Opera House

Fans of architecture and culture, we’ve got great news for you. The recently renovated Opera House, located on busy Andrássy út, offers guided tours for people interested in the imposing building’s past and present. Other than learning fascinating information about how the more than 100 year-old Opera’s beautiful interior has regained its former glory in early 2022, visitors will hear mysterious stories and legends connected to the Neo-Renaissance palace. At the end of the tour, a special surprise awaits participants. Prepare to be blown away.

1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 22.

Jazz Nights at Jedermann

Homely Jedermann is an eclectic place in the best possible way. Upon entering, you won’t be able to immediately decide whether you are in a chill pub or a cozy café; by the looks of it, the place could be a grandmother’s living room but equipped with a bar. The founder is a legendary Dutch musician and pub enthusiast, Hans Van Vliet, who wanted to create a laid-back setting where jazz concerts regularly take place. The current management carries forward this legacy so that guests can enjoy live music and flavourful meals in an elevated but casual atmosphere several nights a months.

1092 Budapest, Ráday utca 58.

Delicious Cakes at Daubner Confectionery

Buda’s most known confectionery is the one at Szépvölgyi út, namely, Daubner Cukrászda. It exudes tradition, considering the fact that it was founded in 1901, Daubner has been present in the lives of more generations. It is the go-to place for families who could not imagine any celebration without the unparalleled Daubner desserts. The confectionery can thank its popularity to an enormous assortment of tasty sliced cakes (ask for the customer favorite, E-80), sweet and savory treats, and the impressive list of ice cream flavors in the summer.

1025 Budapest, Szépvölgyi út 50.

Bathing at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

It is a scientifically proven fact that bathing in thermal water has numerous health benefits. After saying farewell to a long and challenging year, we recommend you recharging your batteries at one of Europe’s largest spa complexes, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, where you can experience the healing powers of thermal water. The eye-catching, yellow-walled building, located close to Heroes’ Square, has a number of indoor and outdoor pools which vary in temperature from around 18 to 40° Celsius degrees. If you want to unwind, this is the place to go.

1146 Budapest, Állatkerti körút 9-11.

Dinner&Party at Badhanna

Experimenting with foreign gastronomy has to be done at the right place, otherwise you might set yourself up for disappointment. Our pick as “the right place” for familiarization with Asian cuisine would be Badhanna, a buzzing bar restaurant situated right in the heart of the city. Badhanna takes you on an extraordinary trip with stops at Vietnam, Malaysia and Hong Kong along the route, all while introducing you to the many flavors of Asian street food and exotic cocktails. Word on the street is, great parties take place within the same walls after dinner is over.

1051 Budapest, Hercegprímás utca 18.

Repertory Cinema Experience at Bem Mozi

Being within Bem Mozi’s over 108-year old walls is in itself a past evoking experience; to cross the doorstep is like exiting a time machine. The interior is charming, colorful, a little bit ruin pub-ish but in a more organized way. The lineup is quite impressive, however, don’t look for movie titles which were recently released. If you go to Bem Mozi, you get the chance to watch the best or the worst, but definitely most iconic films of cinema history instead. Are you interested? Bem Mozi’s English-language screenings are listed on the cinema’s Facebook page.

1027 Budapest, Margit körút 5.

Make sure you check out these gorgeous gastro spots too:

Eat the City: Unmissable Landmarks and the Flavors to Match

In our opinion, food tours are the perfect way to explore a city. Tag along our sight-eating journey

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Art Cafe Muse

Bródy Sándor utca’s Painters Palace, which has been one of the main hangouts of Budapest’s artist community ever since its opening in 2016, has just welcomed its little brother next door! Overlooking the quaint Gutenberg tér, Art Cafe Muse entices guests with the same stylish interior design and laid-back atmosphere, but has a completely different offering. While at bohemian Painters Palace you can master the art of creative writing or figure drawing, sitting at one of the hard-wood tables of Art Cafe Muse, you can draw inspiration from a nice cup of ristretto or a glass of fine wine.

1088 Budapest, Bródy Sándor utca 27.

Sessions at Hard Rock Hotel Budapest

Although Nagymező utca’s Hard Rock Hotel is yet to be opened, its luxurious restaurant named Sessions is already making waves on the flavourful sea of Budapest gastronomy. The venue’s menu was put together by executive chef Tamás Lipták and sous chef István Sziszik, whose duo has a shared professional past in the culinary arts that goes back to 15 years. Most of the dishes are prepared from top-quality Hungarian ingredients, yet are tailored to more international tastes, while the cocktail creations of Dominican mixologist George Valdez pay tribute to famous Hungarians, such as Ferenc Liszt, Ernő Rubik and Houdini.

1065 Budapest, Nagymező utca 38.

Dobka Bistro

Voted in 2018 as Hungary’s best street food venue, Cupákos has decided to ditch its name and its menu composed solely of meaty dishes and reinvented itself as a refreshingly bold bistro aimed at true culinary connoisseurs. Helmed by chef Ákos Tasnádi, the same man who was responsible for Cupákos’ success, the kitchen of Dobka Bistro is a veritable melting pot of world cuisines, serving dishes like vegetable consommé with wakame and matzo balls, pearl barley risotto garnished with green peas and Lyon onions, and the knuckle of pork confited in beer, served with mashed potatoes and fermented vegetables.

1074 Budapesdt, Dob utca 31.

Frida

Although we don’t have statistics on this, we strongly suspect that in terms of the number of cafés per capita Újlipótváros beats every other neighbourhood in Budapest. Frida is the latest addition to Pozsonyi út’s ever-growing list of coffee places, which stands out from the crowd with its spacious and cheerful interior and simply flawless pizzas, made in a wood-fired oven. Besides the Italian classic, you can quench your appetite with light sandwiches and hearty salads, as well as delicious cheese and cold cut platters.

1137 Budapest, Pozsonyi út 23.

Anton

Located on the corner of Bródy and Horánszky utca, Anton is a new wave coffee shop and artisanal bread empire, where you can sip on the fine roasts of Hungarian roastery Casino Mocca and London’s Dark Arts, revitalize yourself with a heavenly matcha latte, or meet your carb macros (complete with vegan and vegetarian options) with the freshly-baked products of Tripoli Bakery. So, what does the counter of Anton has to offer? Besides the venue’s highly addictive sourdough bread, it has something different to surprise your tastes buds with every day: we recommend you to try Anton’s amazing vanilla-rhubarb tart, its toothsome vegan hazelnut cake, and its out-of-this-world pistachio croissant.

1088 Budapest, Bródy Sándor utca 23/A

Moxva Kert

Hiding in the north-western corner of Széll Kálmán tér, Moxva Garden runs a Central and Eastern European kitchen and serves two-course lunch menus during the day, and charms its guests with a great selection of beers during the night. There is a total of six beer types available on tap, and almost fifty more in the fridge. Most of the bottles and cans come from Hungarian craft breweries, but you can find a number of German, Polish and Czech specialities as well. Don’t be discouraged by the lack of an outdoor terrace, the sturdy walls of Moxva Garden shelter a spacious inner courtyard, perfect for larger gatherings and birthday parties.

1024 Budapest, Széll Kálmán tér 8.

Pasta Head Budapest

Pasta, prosecco on-tap, and one of the most beautiful neo-renaissance buildings of the country right next door – what more do you need to feel like you’re in Italy? Neighbouring the Opera House, Pasta Head Budapest offers the authentic Italian flavours fast: the venue opened its doors in early September, awaiting the lovers of Italian cuisine and prosecco with daily changing classic pasta dishes (ranging from the beefy Bolognese and spicy Napoli to the exquisite Vercelli, garnished with chicken, toasted pine nuts and pesto), bubbly frizzante wine, and surprisingly wallet-friendly prices.

1065 Budapest, Hajós utca 21.

Café Brunch Fővám tér

The newest member of the Café Brunch chain (renowned for their diverse and yummy all-day breakfast options) is situated on Fővám tér, right across the iconic building of Great Market Hall. Here you can sate all of your stomach’s cravings: go for the healthy granola with fresh fruit and yoghurt, grab a grilled egg salad bagel, or choose Café Brunch’s trademark scrambled eggs, served with fresh salad and homemade bread. Are you on a special diet? Worry not, Café Brunch has a wide selection of gluten-free, vegan and paleo options, including cakes, pastries, salads and soups.

1056 Budapest, Fővám tér 2-3.

If you have ever felt clueless during carb-related conversations, having no idea what this whole good carb/bad carb thing meant, don’t worry, we’ve been there too. Fortunately, differentiating them is not as hard as one might assume. Basically, carbs (one of three macronutrients) are a source of energy for the body that also act as a critical fuel for the brain and the heart. They help muscle preservation and promote digestive health too. In fact, according to healthline.com, dietary guidelines suggest that we get about half of our calories from carbohydrates (sugars, starches and fibres found in fruits, grains, veggies and milk products). However, the website also points out how controversial carbs are in the nutrition world.

What is optimal?

Over the years, carbs have gotten a bad reputation. Even if they play an important role in the human body, many believe that consuming fewer carbohydrates is the way to optimal health. Studies indicate that cutting carbs automatically reduces the appetite, as well as the calorie intake. There is scientific proof that having a low-carb diet could lower the blood sugar and insulin levels helping millions of people worldwide with diabetes and insulin resistance. What’s more, low-carb (and keto) diets have proven beneficial in treating brain disorders like epilepsy.

However, too little carbohydrate can be harmful, so it is important to be moderate. Also, what might work for someone doesn’t necessarily work for everybody. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution; the optimal carb intake depends on factors like age, gender, physical activity and metabolic health. The signs you aren’t eating enough (or not the right) carbs include exhaustion, immunity problems, weight loss issues, poor digestion, bad breath and moodiness.

Good Carbs vs. Bad Carbs

All in all, carbohydrates are not our enemy; all you have to do is make the right choices. This section will be very helpful for you in case you need practical advice on what the good and bad carbs are. Let’s start with the good ones: all vegetables are good carb sources so feel free to eat them every day. Whole fruits (apple, banana, strawberry, and so on) are likewise beneficial for the health, but keep in mind that some of them might have high sugar content. Make sure to incorporate legumes (lentil, kidney bean, peas), nuts (almond, walnut, peanut), seeds (chia seed, pumpkin seed), tubers (potatoes, sweet potatoes) and whole grains (oat, quinoa, brown rice) into your diet, while avoiding bad carbs like sugary drinks, fruit juices, white bread, white pasta, pastries and cookies, sweets, chocolate and French fries. They are low in minerals, do not provide lasting energy, and are also linked to weight gain and numerous serious health conditions.

Super Healthy High-Carb Foods

You might be surprised that quinoa, oats, buckwheat, banana, beetroot, sweet potato, orange, blueberry, grapefruit and apple are all high-carb foods known to be incredibly healthy. Some are rich in mineral and are very filling, others are a good source of protein and vitamin B6 and C. In case you want to cut down on carbohydrates, you better avoid them though.

We, Hungarians have all heard stereotypes about our cuisine before, most of which are related to our “too generous” use of onion and garlic. As opposed to this unfortunate popular belief, our gastronomy is not a one-trick pony that can only operate on these two bulbous vegetables. Different types of meat, fresh vegetables, fruits, white bread, dairy products and honey are all inevitable parts of the Hungarian kitchen: we have countless veggie and fruit soups, creamy vegetable meals, hot pasta dishes (túrós csusza aka square pasta with curd cheese, sour cream and bacon crumbles is a must-try), and flavourful sauces and meat specialties made from poultry, beef, lamb, pork, fish and wild game.

Considering the wide array of spices that we use, it is technically impossible to have a dull cuisine. Just to mention a few: we add bay leaf (which has a flavour arsenal of more than 50 compounds) to potato sauce, bean and tomato soups and use cumin for cabbage dishes, sausages, sauces and baked pork meals. Tarragon is also our friend, perfect for seasoning poultry, wild game meat, salads, green bean and many more. Parsley is another ingredient that can’t be missing from any Hungarian household; it gives freshness to the chicken soup, and adds a special twist to sides like baked potato and Hungarian hash browns. Of course paprika (grind and fresh) is the apple of our eye, but it is not as dominant in our culinary palette as assumed. It is true though that the dishes we are most proud of, such as paprika chicken, stuffed cabbage, fisherman’s soup and goulash, happen to have this ingredient.

Modern Hungarian Cuisine

Just like most things in life, Hungarian gastronomy also had its ups and downs in the past. The ambassador of contemporary Hungarian cuisine and owner of Andrássy Food & Wine Miklós Forrai shared his thoughts with us not long ago in an interview saying:

“People around the world know that Hungarian gastronomy was very good in the past, and by saying this I refer to years before the turn of the century. If I could, I’d rather erase the 40 years prior to the regime change. Now people are open-minded and curious about what stage the Hungarian gastronomy is at right now. I must say, we are headed to the right direction.”

With that being said, the biggest milestone of the last decade was when Costes became the country’s first Michelin-star restaurant in 2010. It brought with itself a wave of development influencing the whole fine-dining culture of the country as well as bistro kitchen and the local gastronomy in general. At the moment, Hungary has 6 Michelin-star restaurants: Costes, Onyx, Borkonyha, Costes Downtown, Stand and Babel.

Must-have Hungarian meals:

• Hungarian stuffed crepe
• Paprika chicken
• Fisherman’s soup
• Beef goulash
• Square pasta with curd cheese
• Beef vadas
• Jókai-style bean soup
• Somlói sponge cake
• Cottage cheese dumpling
• Gundel crepe
• Rákóczi’s cake

Find recipes and a list of recommended restaurants here!

Both foreigners and locals like to frequent the restaurant to get immersed in the beautiful panorama overlooking the second biggest public park in Budapest, and most of the time they don’t even know that there is one thing that outshines the environment: the gastronomy of Robinson. Led by chef Dávid Kugyela, the devoted team of cooks is eager to provide guests with well-designed, perfectly made courses and a wide spectrum of flavours. In January we were invited to encounter the Robinson dining experience first-hand.

The chef put together two different menus for us so that we could have a more complex picture of the á la carte dishes everyone chooses from when there. Many say that starters are of great importance as they set the tone for the whole culinary journey: the courses we faced first established a pretty optimistic mood. First up, duck liver pâté came our way, a classic course of meal that is well-liked worldwide. On the side, golden beet marinated in a cider vinegar reduction sauce made with coriander and star anise, hazelnut crumbs and Turkish honey, mandarin jelly and homemade brioche harmonized perfectly with the melt in your mouth creamy pâté.

We were not even over this exciting fusion of tastes when another extraordinary starter arrived: ahi tuna steak with daikon and mango. A pure delight from Asia, it was topped with crispy daikon, which reminded me of glass noodles, toasted sesame seeds, lemon oil, coriander seeds and leaves, and sprinkled with a special Asian sauce made of soy sauce, cider vinegar, mirin and the seven-flavour Japanese spice mixture, shichimi togorashi. The flavour harmony was made complete with the freshness of the mangos served on the side.

We continued our gastronomic journey with venison steak, pumpkin puree with lemon oil, Brussels sprouts leaves with pine needle vinegar, sautéed red cabbage with cherry vinegar and herbs – it was exactly as lavish as you would expect.

I couldn’t imagine a more playful way of representing textures in gastronomy, but the ne plus ultra of all the magnificent meals we tried that day was yet to come: pork belly confit (with the crispiest crackling I have ever tasted) with fried French blood sausages, Savoy cabbage leaves filled with a mixture of white cabbage, onion, bacon and caraway seeds, and apple mustard, aka apple puree with sweet violet mustard, a combination of Dijon mustard and red grape must. The crispiness of the pork together with the flavour of the sausages much milder than the ones we eat in Hungary was a match made in heaven. Surprising as it is, the cabbage and the apple puree were not too distinguishing to steal the spotlight from the meats.

Finally, two light as a feather desserts arrived. One was more heavenly looking than the other: cherry-flavoured puree, sorbet and jelly were added to the chestnut tart complete with spicy whipped cream, whereas the airy chocolate mousse was sided with yogurt ice cream, passion fruit meringue, beet jelly with elderberry, and sponge cake. They were the happy ending to our first-hand dining experience at Robinson Restaurant Budapest as there’s no way we could have left more satisfied.

Contact details:

robinsonrestaurant.hu
1146 Budapest, Városligeti-tó (City Park Lake)
+3630 663 6871

Local Korner

Based on customer reviews, Local Korner is the best pizza place in town. The eatery opened somewhat more than a year ago aiming to bring something different to the table, literally and figuratively. Their pizzas are one of a kind; guests can pick their favoured toppings, choose a sauce and also decide on what dough they’d prefer. Local Korner also makes sure you have the best dining experience of your life. The attentive service, positive atmosphere and quirky design with Budapest’s map, as well as a 6×8 meter blind map of the world decorating the walls attract dozens of people every day from 11 AM to 10 PM. People enjoy leaving their autographs on the maps so much that there’s almost no clear surface on the walls! If you would like to try the restaurant but paying a visit personally isn’t an option, order through WOLT, a delivery service that brings Local Korner’s exceptional pizzas right to your doorstep!

1052 Budapest, Semmelweis utca 17.

Foodrunner.hu

TGI Fridays and Planet Sushi together launched a delivery service called foodrunner.hu so that you can order your favourite American and Asian dishes in one step, quick and simple. Almost the whole food selection of the two restaurants is available on Budapest’s newest food delivery service. Hungry for TGI Fridays’ legendary hamburgers, whiskey glazed signature dishes, steaks or ribs? Add any of them to your virtual shopping cart! Planet Sushi’s selection is likewise satisfying: the menu is complete with the restaurant’s popular sushi boxes, but you’ll find something to your liking even if you aren’t a big sushi fan. Choose from hot Asian dishes: divine ramen soups, noodles with different toppings and signature meals like teppanyaki that is made on an iron griddle! It is worth taking a look at the dessert section too, because TGI Fridays’ New York Cheesecake and Planet Sushi’s fruity chocolate Domino are both to die for.

The website makes it possible to get your order delivered quickly and conveniently. Anytime you want, you can change what’s in your cart before finalizing the order. Payment options include cash (by delivery), and credit card (in advance). It is possible to follow your delivery real-time on a map if you click on the link in the SMS message sent to you with the verification of your order. For further information, visit foodrunner.hu or call +36303235070.

Trófea Grill

Situated in the heart of Budapest, all-you-can-eat Trófea Grill restaurants have come up with a solution for everyone who’d throw the wooden spoon and hang the apron any part of the year. More than 100 Hungarian and international dishes are available to choose from, many of which are inevitable for any type of holidays. Goulash, stuffed cabbage,  roasted duck leg, freshly grilled meat specialties, king crab, heavenly desserts; the list goes on and on. Let it be a family occasion or a night out with friends or colleagues, Trófea won’t disappoint. Good to know: you don’t necessarily have to book a table to feast on Trófea’s mouth-watering dishes; opt for home delivery and get the chosen meals delivered to your door!