UnoMas Tapas&Bar

Ever since its opening last summer, UnoMas has held a special place in the heart of foodies who admire Mediterranean cuisine, especially its legendary tapas. This nonchalant hub of Iberian flavours brings the authentic vibes of La Rambla to Budapest’s Pozsonyi Street. Made with carefully selected ingredients, all-time favourite tapas dishes and rare delicacies (only available in UnoMas) go hand in hand with signature cocktails. Regulars and newbies, locals and foreigners will equally love this special joint, even if they come for its weekly changing lunch offers or a light dinner accompanied by music.

1137 Budapest, Pozsonyi út 14. | Website

Madhouse Budapest Bistro & Craft Beer Bar

Longing for an unforgettable gastro experience in the heart of Budapest? Make time to visit Madhouse Budapest, a delightful joint in the city centre with the loveliest team of workers. At this special place, you will have everything for a perfect night, including Hungarian craft beer brand Mad Scientist’s latest drops. Every week, 2-3 new beers debut at Madhouse, which makes it an unparalleled haven for beer lovers. The 24 beer taps, however, are not the only thing people love about this venue: many come for executive chef Norbert Piszkor’s sustainable, ethical bistro kitchen that boasts local, seasonal ingredients.

1061 Budapest, Anker köz 1-3. | Website

ÉS Bisztró

Celebrating its ten-year anniversary in 2023, ÉS Bisztró prides itself on playing a part in Budapest’s gastronomic revolution that made high-end hotel restaurants attractive to a wider, younger audience. With its nonchalant atmosphere, this centrally located venue specialises in Viennese-Hungarian courses, such as the all-time favourite Tafelspitz. The bistro is also famous for its regularly changing seasonal blackboard offers, as well as delicious hamburgers and steaks. Perfect for people-watching on Fashion Street, the ÉS terrace is spacious enough to seat big families and groups of friends.

1052 Budapest, Deák Ferenc utca 12. | Website

Flava Kitchen & More

Inspired by the world’s most popular gastronomic cultures, Flava Kitchen & More is a metropolitan oasis, located just a stone’s throw away from Liberty Square. The stylish restaurant’s menu has something to suit every guest’s taste, providing an unforgettable culinary experience. The concept of ‘sharing is caring’ is at the core of this unique jungle-themed joint. In addition to traditional dishes, North African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern delicacies complete the repertoire that also embraces excellent drink offers, ranging from fine wines and champagnes to exciting cocktails – the perfect ingredients for a relaxing night-out on the inviting terrace!

1051 Budapest, Október 6. utca 26. | Website

Tapas Fino

Tapas Fino is the latest opening from Continental Group. The restaurant is located on the UNESCO world heritage Danube Bank, offering an upscale selection of tapas dishes, Cavas and the bests from the Spanish vineyards. Led by executive chef András Sipos, the menu is inspired by Spanish cuisine, with fantastic meals cooked to perfection with a Hungarian touch. The cosy space with its modern decor and the floor-to-ceiling windows brings authentic Mediterranean vibes to the heart of Budapest. Thinking of finishing your day with a sunset cocktail by the Danube? Tapas Fino’s summer terrace is your place to be!

1056 Budapest, Belgrád rakpart 24. | Website

Sophisto Restaurant, Brunch Spot & Champagne Bar

The very chic and modern Sophisto is situated right next to St. Stephen’s Basilica, the venerable Budapest landmark that is on everyone’s bucket list, so chances are you will be glad to find a place to wind down in the area. The champagne bar-turned-restaurant only opened a year ago, but it has already become a lavish locale with exceptional culinary treats. Matching diverse moods, diets, and day periods, Sophisto’s renewed menu embraces palatable breakfast and lunch courses, but the real deal is the gorgeous dinner experience that features such delicacies as oysters, rabbit saddle with liver and corn, vegan cassoulet, and truffle mille feuille.

1051 Budapest, Szent István tér 2. | Website

Jardinette

Located away from the noisy city centre, Jardinette’s charming terrace has been Budapest’s favourite green oasis for 20 years. Boasting a wonderful conservatory all year, the beautiful garden attracts locals and tourists alike from spring to autumn. There is nothing like tucking into Jardinette’s monthly changing, seasonal meals under the sweet chestnut trees. This year, the restaurant has launched a brand-new gin bar, with an extensive gin assortment and other fresh, fruity and spicy cocktails to choose from. The juicy street food coming from the smoker is another novelty that brings us succulent pork ribs and hot chicken wings.

1112 Budapest, Németvölgyi út 136. | Website

Szerecsen Aperitivo

Fusing the Parisienne atmosphere with Hungarian and Mediterranean flavours, Pest’s iconic Két Szerecsen (Two Saracens) restaurant has recently opened a new spinoff bistro right next door. Figuratively and literally, Aperitivo is the hall to Két Szerecsen, a place to hop in for all-day breakfast (until 5 PM), lightsome meals and good-humoured conversations. Alongside tapped prosecco, cocktails, and coffee, fresh antipasti, delicious cheeses, cold cuts, dips, and a few of Két Szerecsen’s signature dishes will sweep you off your feet. Get cosy in a homely corner inside, or enjoy la dolce vita at the lovely terrace!

1065 Budapest, Nagymező utca 14. | Facebook

VAJ

There is a bakery-brunch spot hybrid close to Rákóczi Square you just can’t pass by without having a look inside. The buzzing terrace of VAJ attracts both locals and tourists, and so does the cool interior design. But wait until you taste the heavenly smelling pastries and cakes, along with the pleasing scent of light roast coffee. Come any time of the day, you will surely find something to match your mood, even if it’s homemade kombucha to start your day off right, stuffed empanada in your lunch break, or tea and a scrumptious tart on a Sunday afternoon. Just a little something to tease your brain: to be continued in Buda…

1085 Budapest, József körút 30-32. | Facebook

Gléda Restaurant

Reinventing turn-of the-century style hospitality and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Gléda offers classic, Hungarian home-style dishes paired with modern kitchen technology. This unpretentious, family-friendly restaurant features an easy-going milieu, but also ensures that every meal is made with utmost precision and attention-to-detail. Enjoy the art deco style interior, or choose the spacious and quiet terrace for a refreshing cocktail before tucking in the delicious meals (including vegan options) Gléda offers. On Thursday evenings, live music by jazz guitarist Gergely Pálinkás sets the tone for a special night.

1037 Budapest, Mikoviny utca 2-4. | Website

FIRST Local Craft Beer & Kitchen

Nestled in buzzing Madách Square, Local belongs to the clan of beloved Hungarian brewery FIRST Craft Beer. Offering 32 types of beers on tap, this cool joint has even more reasons for you to visit: its open-concept kitchen provides diners with delicious dishes made from fresh, local ingredients, as well as classic street food items, and regularly organized live music acts take the gastro experience to new heights. Are you up for a personalized brewery tour and beer tasting? Sign up to one of FIRST’s exclusive programs (held in their main location outside of the city centre) and learn all about craft beers!

1075 Budapest, Madách Imre tér 3. | Website

Geraldine

Did you know that the beautiful garden surrounding Hungarian National Museum gives home to a lovely confectionary? Wandering under the evergreen trees, a garden house-turned-café will shortly catch your eye. This elegant building houses Geraldine, the latest member of the famous Hungarian Auguszt confectionaries that date back to 1870. We highly recommend you stopping by and tasting their gorgeous cakes made from age-old recipes, fine coffee, and invigorating ice cream. Other than the delicious treats, the tranquil environment with outdoor tables around the little fountain will leave you enchanted.

1088 Budapest, Múzeum krt. 14-16. | Website

Timi

My favourite place to be: Csillaghegyi Megálló

As I live in Óbuda I like to spend my free time in District III. One of my favourite breakfast places is Csillaghegyi Megálló that is located at the Csillaghegy suburban railway stop. I believe it is one of the best breakfast places according to Tripadvisor. You’ll find heavenly homemade cakes, avocado and eggplant dips, hot sandwiches, and an excellent coffee and tea selection that can be lifesaving on your way to work or after an exhausting visit to the nearby swimming stadium.

My favourite thing to do: Swimming stadium visit

When in Óbuda, it’s worth visiting the recently renovated and friendly-priced Csillaghegy Árpád Spring Spa, the late Csillaghegy Baths and Swimming Pool that boasts a relaxing sauna world too. The swimming pool temperature is cold enough to wake you up in the morning if you like to start your day with a refreshing morning swim as I do. For me, mornings have a magical aura that I like to enjoy. After the swimming session, I often drop by Csillaghegyi Megálló for a cream cheese hot sandwich.

Léna

My favourite thing to do: Daytrip to Normafa

During February I try to take part in winter programs. If it snows, we visit Normafa with my friends for some sledging, after which we like to sip on a glass of hot wine in the nearby homely ski hut. If the slopes are not covered with snow, we go for a long walk in the forest, eat a strudel at the wooden booth, ride the cog railway to Városmajor, and finish the day with a late lunch at Fióka. I also like skating in the winter. Marczibányi tér ice rink is located close to our house, so we often spend a few hours there with the family on weekdays and during the weekend too. For me, the best part of cold winter days is warming up in an infrared sauna.

My favourite place to be: Tabán

Surrounded by Gellért Hill, Naphegy, and Várhegy, Tabán boasts a lovely park, old little streets and buildings as well as several eateries. It is the place of my teenager years. We used to hang out in Rácz Kert with my friends in the summer that gave home to wild live music concerts. During winter we frequented Tabán Tea House. We also went to Tabán Art Cinema that I visit nowadays too. I like that it stayed authentic. The Tabán area has hosted many music festivals for several years now: once I heard Frank Zappa live, which was amazing. I can’t wait to go to Tabán Festival in the spring and end the day in my favourite restaurant, Aranyszarvas established in 1695.

Zoli

My favourite place to be: Mohács

For me, February is about one of the most interesting marching in the country, the Busó Festival of Mohács (or Busójárás as we call it) that our family will attend this year too. Busójárás is a common way to bid adieu to the winter season and welcome the coming of spring; it is sometimes paralleled with the Rio Carnival and the Carnival of Venice. At the festival the townspeople ward off the evil spirits of winter in frightening masks, making noise with rattles and bells. On the last Thursday of the Carnival season children wear costumes.

My favourite thing to do: Haydn – The Creation by Concerto Budapest

In the last 4-5 years I have paid special attention to the concerts of Hungarian violinist and conductor András Keller and Concerto Budapest. First I attended one of their summer shows which blew my mind. Depicting the creation of the world, The Creation oratorio by Haydn will be staged in Liszt Academy on 15 and 16 February, which makes it the perfect Valentine Day’s gift. This time the Purcell Choir will be joined by two amazing singers, Andrea Rost and Miklós Sebestyén who conquered the stages of the Metropolitan Opera of NYC too.

Fűvészkert

You may have heard the word ‘fűvészkert’ (which means botanical garden in Hungarian) before, since this particular garden is the main scene of Ferenc Molnár’s famous novel, The Paul Street Boys. In Fűvészkert, the first botanical garden in Hungary, more than 8000 types of plant can be found – you can even take a guided tour with an expert who will tell you all about them! The centrally located garden is otherwise ideal for long walks, romantic dates, and, of course, picnic.

Margaret Island

There is nothing like Margitsziget in sunny weather. The 2,5-kilometer long green island is located on river Danube, halfway between Buda and Pest, and visited by every Budapester in springtime including the enthusiasts of outdoor sports, dog lovers, cyclists, youngsters, pensioners, workers, locals as well as foreigners. You can try lángos, the Hungarian fatty food specialty; borrow a bike, watch the fountain show, use the street workout facilities, take the running path, or just chill on Nagyrét. Don’t miss out!

The yard of the Hungarian National Museum

The yard of the Hungarian National Museum is located in the heart of Budapest, between Astoria and Kálvin tér. In 1848 it was the meeting point of Hungarian revolutioners, nowadays it is that of the students of the nearby universities who either lie in the grass, or sit on the stairs drinking, eating, and chatting. Although the noise of the busy streets may be bothering for some, the vigorous vibes of the young compensate.

Garden of Philosophy

Situated a bit lower than the Citadel but still over the city there is Gellért Hill’s hidden gem, the Garden of Philosophy. The park was named after Nándor Wagner’s sculpture which has stood there since 2001. Garden of Philosophy is less known by the tourists, so it is not as crowded as the Citadel but the view is similarly impressive.

Kopaszi-gát

Buda has its own island of peace, namely Kopaszi-gát (gát meaning dam). The huge green area at the waterside is situated in the outskirt of Budapest, which might be the reason why it is so calming walking around the recently renovated area. You will find restaurants and cafés in case you forget to bring your own for the picnic. Remember not to take dogs, because they are not allowed in the park.

Római-part

When you take the train to the only natural coast of the city, you will be amazed by the retro atmosphere the place has preserved since the second half of the nineteenth century. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés that mostly serve Hungarian specialities you can try, or you can organize a barbecue while enjoying the closeness of the river.

Normafa

Normafa is the perfect choice for families who would like to get away from the urban bustle to spend a day in green environment. You can take one of the walking paths, go up to Erzsébet Lookout Tower for a beautiful view over the nearby hills, take the children’s railway, or just enjoy the afternoon on a blanket while the kids are having fun at the playground.

Erzsébet tér

As soon as the warm weather arrives, every year Erzsébet square becomes loaded with people chilling in the sun in the afternoon, and getting pre-drinks in the evening. This green spot of Deák square is filled with loud laughter mixed with the sounds of jamming musicians every day.

The organisers first dreamt about this extraordinary event in 2009 which to be presented in Erdőbénye, perhaps the most magical village of the stunning Tokaj wine region. And since then this attractive settlement known as Bénye has become the venue of this 4-day long event.

During the festival the beautiful gardens and wineries – each with its own unique style – are open to visitors who can enjoy a wide variety of events ranging from concerts and literary readings to handcraft workshops, bike and birdwatching tours. There are plenty events organized for children as well.

While visitors can taste the products of the winemakers and wineries of Erdőbénye, they can also enjoy events ranging from the contemporary to the traditional.

Here are our favourite programs of the festival:

Budaházy-Fekete Winery

Winemaker Rémusz Dávid, manager of Budaházy-Fekete Kúria, bought the mansion in 1996. Rémusz believes that nature along with a glass of wine is capable of solving all problems and creating total harmony. He will show his Furmint, Hárslevelű and Sárgamuskotály all from his own organic lands in Erdőbénye which he thinks everyone should experience.

Opening concert with the Erdőbénye winemakers and Magashegyi Underground concert on Thursday

The opening event of the festival is the great (re)meeting. Meet the Erdőbénye winemakers for a tasting, garden party and concert in the splendid garden of Budaházy-Fekete mansion from the afternoon onwards.

On the first night Magashegy (High Mountain) meets Hegyalja (Foothills). This Thursday evening opening party with a great wine tasting and concert promises to set the festival off in style.

Bardon Winery

Bardon Winery offers the last four vintages at Bor, mámor… Bénye, so there will be more mature nectars alongside the recently bottled ’15 Furmint and Hárslevelű. Winery manager, Ádám Molnár, particularly loves the people of Erdőbénye as well as the unique beauty of the landscape and its wonderful tranquility. People who are always helpful and lovely and to whom he is extremely grateful for accepting him as a member of the community.

Gergő Demény guitar concert on Friday at 6PM

Gergely Demény’s compositions capture the audience with their unusual sounds. Those who love dreamy, melancholic and lyrical guitar music will love Demény’s concert.

Ábrahám Winery

The wine of philisophers in the cellar of philisophers. But there is nothing to fear, although they are the successors of Rousseau, they do not wait visitors with philosophic work. They make wines close to nature – accepting all the risks associated with being close to nature. Purity characterises all their wines. The extra attraction for families is the great kindergarten music.

Tóth Evelin and Flamenco Nuevo concert on Saturday at 4.30PM

An exceptional meeting: the traditional flamenco rhythms of dance performer Mária Keck is combined with the wonderful voice and compositions of an outstanding Hungarian singer, Evelin Tóth. János Illés will be playing the guitar.

Préselő Winery

Exciting wines, great music in the garden, pleasant village atmosphere all in the heart of the village: this is Préselő Winery and Guesthouse.

Mörk concert on Saturday at 4.30PM

“Stand-Up Jazz & Philosophic Pop, whatever we call it, Mōrk is a strange yellow taste!”

Extreme Pop or Stand Up Jazz, but mainly soul-funk base with free spirit. This is Mörk. Márk Zentai (vocals), Gábor Novai (keyboards), Bálint Jason Szeifer (bass guitar) and Dániel Ferenc Szabó (drum) quickly found their way to the heart of Budapest’s underground music scene by giving concerts in living rooms and other unusual venues – and thus at Préselő Winery, too.

Karádi-Berger Winery

The Karádi-Berger couple started to make wine back in 1999, first as a hobby. They soon realised that this couldn’t be done as a hobby any more, but with full attention. Today they are not only one of the most prominent wine producers of the region but organize Bor, mámor… Bénye festival as well.

They bring a lighter selection to the festival: light, fruity Furmint-Hárs; their elegant Furmint Palandor; dry Szamorodni, a real classic Tokaji wine in a modern form; their pleasant Summer Wine, and the sweet Botrytis Selectio.

Bormámor evening on Saturday at 7.30PM

The elemental power of Evelin Tóth’s voice enchant us, János Illés brings swirling guitar tunes, the music of Mária Keck frees us all, the beat of György Dragomán’s words inspires us, while Anna Szabó T.’s wine songs, love poems and melodic verses accompany the rythms. This will be a magical evening!

Vayi Winery

One of the more recent figures in Erdőbénye is Vayi Winery of Krisztián Ungváry – a historian for a change who chose one of the most attractive buildings on the main street for the centre of his estate. You can taste excellent sweet wines, interesting drys and a special balsamic vinegar here.

Krisztián Nyáry: Real Heroes speech on Saturday at 4PM

Can someone become a hero? And if so, how? What does it actually mean to be a hero? Who do we remember and why? Krisztián Nyáry will be looking at these questions spicing up his talk with interesting examples and anecdotes. In his books Igazi hősök and Merész magyarok published in 2014 and 2015 the author wrote about people whose lives and decisions are still good examples today.

During the festival

Numerous children events are staged for the little ones to, such as the Rutkai Bori Banda concert or Peppino the Clown. But there are also exhibitions and bike tours, communal breakfasts and talks – all of which promise to make this long weekend in Erdőbénye unforgettable.

The Erdőbénye winemakers’ gardens will be the venues during the festival.

Read more about the detailed programs here: http://bormamorbenye.hu/programok/

And more about accommodation here: http://bormamorbenye.hu/szallas/

The exclusive line-up includes such prominent names of the genre as Kool & the Gang, Mario Biondi, Matt Bianco feat New Cool Collective, Incognito and many more!

Located on the norther side of Lake Balaton, the friendly settlement offers a wonderful time to music lovers: enjoy the sunshine and the picturesque environment, lie in the grass and let the echo of the lake’s gentle waves flow into the sound of music. The popular festival offers a wide range of gastronomic delicacies, and of course, a pretty impressive line of performers. This year, the event starts with the opening concert of world-renowned Kool & the Gang, followed by a series of outstanding artists and bands presenting the most enchanting tunes of soul, blues and jazz.

Click HERE for more!

Between 12 and 14 May, City Park (Városliget) will turn pink, presenting the most delicious assortment in town, accompanied by concerts and exciting programmes.

More than 50 winemakers and the best of street food caterers will offer their finest products during the season opening wine festival. You can see such acclaimed names on stage as ByeAlex and the Slepp, the Muriel, Pribojszki Mátyás Band, the Zaporozsec, the Blahalouisiana and DJ Juhász Laci. There will plenty of folklore performances, too: Fonó will deliver a special flashmob and you can also participate in the traditional dance house with a modern twist. Don’t miss out on this year’s Rosalia Festival: leave the buzzing city behind and enjoy the peaceful environment and the buoyant atmosphere! The entry is free, get your own glass to taste the marvellous wine brands for 1.000 HUF!

As organizers of the Dűlőre Futunk (‘Vineyard Run’) charity event and running race taking place in August, they live up to their quoted credo. The 12 kilometer-long challenge offers an amazing panorama of the Káli basin, the volcanic hills and lake Balaton. With their race the Laposas set an excellent example of the new-wave wine marketing, therefore it should come as no surprise that the winery will also be present at the first Running Expo. According to the world-wide trend, sport and wine do not rule out each other, on the contrary, they have much in common. The Portuguese Réccua Douro Ultra Trail and the Marathon du Médoc running-and-tasting located in Bordeaux are two superb examples of this palette, but similar events are held in Italy and Austria, too.

The Running Expo might sound unusual at first, though the concept of such events became fairly popular across the continent – just like the running tournaments organized in wine regions. The famous Le Salon du Running was only a collateral event during the Paris Marathon, but soon after it became one of the major sport festivals of the country. Professionals and amateurs meet, beginners and professionals get together to explore the brand-new sportswear items or listen to the advice of lifestyle consultants and dieticians. These colorful running parades are the ultimate mixture of scientific conferences and family programs – which is exactly what the Hungarian team of the Running Expo would like to create. In France, about 10% of the population runs on a daily basis, meaning that 5.9 million people go for a run every day. In Hungary, this rate is around 1% so far, but the matrimony of wine and running might just be the key to make us start warming up!