Restaurants in Budapest
The cuisine in Hungary is known around the world and plays a
major role in the Hungarian culture. From roadside eateries to
stylish gourmet restaurants, the dining options in Budapest are
endless and food from almost all nationalities can be found. It
would be sinful not to sample the traditional cuisine, however,
even though there are so many exciting foreign foods on offer.
Budapest is a city of great views and there are many restaurants
and cafes where you can enjoy the scenery while eating.
If you want to try some Hungarian staples indulge in goulash,
soups, Hortobágyi palacsinta (stuffed pancakes),
trout, dumplings, strudels and the iconic and decadent Dobos Cake,
a five-layer sponge cake layered with butter cream and topped with
caramel slices. Hungarian cuisine is known for using lots of
spices, such as paprika and hot chillies, and is arguably some of
the spiciest cuisine in Europe. This does mean that you should be
careful about ordering traditional food for children - but there
are mild options as well.
The inner city and Central Pest are the main areas for dining out
in Budapest, while Central Buda also boasts some great eateries. It
is customary to make reservations at restaurants and waiters
usually expect a 10 percent to 15 percent tip for good service.
Indigo
One of Budapest's finest Indian eateries by far, the trendy Indigo is popular with locals and visitors alike and never fails to please with its mouth-watering curries and fragrant dishes. Stylish, yet modern décor and clean lines create a fresh atmosphere and the great food and service make for a memorable dining experience. Open for lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards accepted.
Address: Jokai 13
Telephone: +36 (0)1 428 2187
Email: indigo1@invitel.hu
Website: http://www.indigo-restaurant.hu
Café Vian
Those looking for a trendy eatery with both indoor and outdoor dining options need look no further than Café Vian. The food is good, the prices are reasonable and many young and hip locals frequent this popular Budapest restaurant. Try the grilled chicken breast 'Vian' style with ratatouille and candied lemon and potato pancake, or the red wine flavoured beef stew with dumplings. Open daily. Reservations accepted.
Address: Liszt Ferenc tér 9
Telephone: +36 (0)1 479 0428
Email: cafevian@t-online.hu
Website: http://www.cafevian.com
Fortuna Restaurant
This stylish restaurants features five dining rooms for guests to choose from, namely the Fortuna room, the Royal room, the Knights room, the Terrace and the Sparkling wine cellar. The delicious tradition Hungarian dishes and wines are a taste sensation and visitors will not be disappointed. Try the pheasant breast filled with quince and served with curd-cheese flan, or the sirloin steak with bull's blood wine sauce served with a porcini, chantarelle and shitake mushroom trio ragout. Open daily. Reservations recommended.
Address: Hess András tér 4
Telephone: +36 (0)1 375 6857
Email: fortuna@hu.inter.net
Website: http://www.fortuna-restaurant.hu
Nancsi Neni Vendegloje
Also known as Aunt Nancsi's Restaurant, this family-run place is situated in the peaceful Buda Hills. It serves hearty Hungarian food at its best and is worth the short taxi ride out of the city centre. Try the Hungarian black truffle cream soup or the 'joy stew'.
Address: Ordogarok ut 80
Telephone: +36 (0)1 398 7127
Website: http://www.nancsineni.hu/eng/index2.html
Regi Sipos Halaszkert
With a menu that is updated and refreshed on a weekly basis it's difficult to pin down a dish that this place is particularly well known for. Régi Sípos Halászkert is the best restaurant to go to if you want to try authentic Hungarian cuisine in Budapest, and authentic Hungarian fish soup in particular. This restaurant offers a variety of other dishes and a superb wine list.
Address: Lajos utca 46, District 3, Obuda
Telephone: +36 (0)1 250 80 82
Website: http://regisipos.hu
Comme Chez Soi
Comme Chez Soi is known as the best place to go for Italian food in Budapest. The menu is full of simple and delicious pizzas, pastas, seafood and meat dishes, and there are a varied selection of antipasti options as well. Its generous helpings and reasonable prices have made it increasingly hard to get a table, so reservations are required. Open Monday to Saturday, 11am to midnight.
Address: Aranykéz u. 2
Telephone: +36 1 318 3943
Website: http://www.commechezsoi.hu
50Bar
One of the trendiest restaurants in Budapest, 50Bar serves vegetarian and soul food set to a soundtrack provided by Hungary's finest deejays. Great for meals or drinks, the venue is open until 1am Tuesday through Sunday, and the kitchen stays open until midnight. Bookings are recommended.
Address: Frankel Leó út 48
Telephone: +36 1 326 0619
Email: info@50bar.biz
Website: http://www.50bar.biz
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