Attention, Food Lovers! First you are going to know local classic dishes and then addresses where to eat them, besides other types of cuisine. Budapest’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of traditional Hungarian dishes, international flavors, and innovative cuisine. From budget restaurants to eat in Budapest to gourmet ones, grab and savor our list.

Traditional dishes

Goulash (Gulyás):

Overview: Goulash is Hungary’s most famous dish and a quintessential classic. It’s a hearty soup or stew made with tender chunks of beef, paprika, onions, and other vegetables. It’s seasoned with paprika, giving it a rich, reddish color and a slightly spicy, smoky flavor. Goulash is often served with a dollop of sour cream and fresh bread or Hungarian dumplings (nokedli).

Paprika Chicken (Paprikás Csirke):

Overview: Paprika chicken is another Hungarian favorite. It features tender pieces of chicken cooked in a creamy sauce made with sweet or hot paprika, onions, and sour cream. This comforting dish is typically served with Hungarian dumplings (nokedli) or egg noodles (galuska).

Stuffed Peppers (Töltött Paprika):

Overview: Stuffed peppers are a beloved dish in Hungary. They are typically made by filling bell peppers with a mixture of ground meat (usually pork or a pork-beef blend), rice, onions, and seasonings. The stuffed peppers are then simmered in a tomato sauce until the peppers are tender and the flavors meld together.

Dobos Torte:

Overview: Dobos Torte is a classic Hungarian cake that features multiple layers of sponge cake filled with chocolate buttercream. The top layer is a caramel glaze that’s cracked into pieces, giving the cake its distinctive appearance. It’s a sweet and indulgent treat often served on special occasions.

Lángos:

Overview: Lángos is a popular Hungarian street food and snack. It’s a deep-fried flatbread made from a simple dough of flour, water, yeast, and a pinch of salt. Once fried, it’s typically topped with various savory ingredients like garlic, sour cream, grated cheese, and sometimes sausages. Lángos is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Fisherman’s Soup (Halászlé):

Overview: Fisherman’s Soup is a spicy, paprika-infused fish soup that originates from Hungary. It’s traditionally made with freshwater fish like carp and catfish. The fiery red broth is rich in flavors and pairs well with crusty bread. It’s a must-try dish, especially if you’re near the Danube River.

Rákóczi Túrós (Rákóczi Cottage Cheese Cake):

Overview: Rákóczi Túrós is a Hungarian dessert consisting of a flaky pastry crust filled with a sweet cottage cheese mixture. It’s often flavored with vanilla and lemon zest, creating a delightful balance of flavors. The top is typically dusted with powdered sugar.

Hungarian Sausages (Kolbász):

Overview: Hungarian sausages, or kolbász, come in various shapes and flavors. They are often smoked and seasoned with paprika, garlic, and other spices. You can find them served at markets, in sandwiches, or as accompaniments to many Hungarian dishes.

Túró Rudi:

Overview: Túró Rudi is a beloved Hungarian chocolate-covered dessert bar. It consists of a sweetened cottage cheese (túró) filling coated in a layer of dark chocolate. Túró Rudi bars are a favorite snack or sweet treat in Hungary.

Pick Salami:

Overview: Pick Salami is a Hungarian brand known for producing high-quality salami and sausages. It’s often enjoyed as part of charcuterie boards, sandwiches, or simply sliced as a snack. Pick Salami is flavorful and has a slightly spicy kick.

Restaurants

Traditional Hungarian Cuisine:

Gundel Restaurant

Overview: Gundel Restaurant, established in 1894, is a Budapest icon known for its classic Hungarian dishes. Experience the rich flavors of goulash, paprikash, and the famous Gundel pancake dessert.
Address: Gundel Károly út 4, 1146 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Gundel Restaurant
Suggested Dish: Beef goulash with nokedli (dumplings)
Average Price per Person: $$$
How to Get There: Located in the City Park (Városliget), it’s easily accessible by tram or a pleasant walk from Heroes’ Square.

Rézkakas Bistro

Overview: Rézkakas Bistro is a charming restaurant offering a warm and rustic atmosphere. It’s known for its hearty Hungarian meals, including stuffed peppers, stews, and homemade pastries.
Address: Sas u. 3, 1051 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Rézkakas Bistro
Suggested Dish: Stuffed peppers with tomato sauce
Average Price per Person: $$
How to Get There: Situated in the heart of Budapest, it’s within walking distance from the Danube River.

Pesti Disznó Bistro

Overview: Pesti Disznó Bistro offers a modern take on traditional Hungarian cuisine. Enjoy dishes like duck leg confit, pork knuckle, and innovative variations of classic Hungarian recipes.
Address: Dohány u. 22, 1074 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Pesti Disznó Bistro
Suggested Dish: Duck leg confit with red cabbage
Average Price per Person: $$
How to Get There: Located in the historic Jewish Quarter, it’s accessible by tram and metro.

French Cuisine:

Comme Chez Soi – French Bistro

Overview: Comme Chez Soi is a French bistro in Budapest, offering a cozy ambiance and a menu inspired by French culinary traditions. Indulge in escargot, coq au vin, and crème brûlée.
Address: Bajnai u. 12, 1024 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Comme Chez Soi
Suggested Dish: Coq au vin
Average Price per Person: $$
How to Get There: Located in the Buda Castle district, it’s accessible by walking or public transportation.

Callas Café & Restaurant

Overview: Callas Café & Restaurant is a sophisticated French-inspired venue with a view of the Hungarian State Opera House. The menu features French classics like foie gras, duck confit, and crêpes.
Address: Andrássy út 20, 1061 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Callas Café & Restaurant
Suggested Dish: Duck confit with orange sauce
Average Price per Person: $$$
How to Get There: Located on Andrássy Avenue, it’s easily reached by walking from the city center.

Café Pierrot Bistro

Overview: Café Pierrot Bistro offers a taste of Paris in Budapest. Enjoy a selection of French dishes, including quiche, ratatouille, and a variety of French wines.
Address: Alkotmány u. 17, 1054 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Café Pierrot Bistro
Suggested Dish: Quiche Lorraine
Average Price per Person: $$
How to Get There: Situated in the city center, it’s within walking distance from the Parliament and the Danube River.

Spanish Cuisine:

Casa Pueblo Spanish Restaurant

Overview: Casa Pueblo offers a taste of Spain in Budapest. Explore the vibrant flavors of Spanish cuisine with dishes like paella, tapas, and churros.
Address: Vámház krt. 6, 1093 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Casa Pueblo Spanish Restaurant
Suggested Dish: Seafood paella
Average Price per Person: $$
How to Get There: Located near the Great Market Hall, it’s easily reached by walking from the city center.

Pata Negra

Overview: Pata Negra is a Spanish restaurant in Budapest known for its authentic tapas and Spanish wines. Enjoy a range of tapas dishes, including patatas bravas, albondigas, and a selection of cured hams.
Address: Ráday u. 10, 1092 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Pata Negra
Suggested Dish: Patatas bravas
Average Price per Person: $$
How to Get There: Situated in the bustling Ráday Street, it’s accessible by tram and metro.

El Asador de Pata Negra

Overview: El Asador de Pata Negra is a Spanish grill restaurant in Budapest, offering a selection of grilled meats and seafood. Try dishes like grilled octopus, Iberico pork, and Spanish-style grilled vegetables.
Address: Hollán Ernő u. 9, 1136 Budapest, Hungary
Website: El Asador de Pata Negra
Suggested Dish: Grilled octopus with paprika potatoes
Average Price per Person: $$
How to Get There: Located in the Újlipótváros district, it’s accessible by tram and a short walk from Margaret Island.

Italian Cuisine:

Il Bacio Di Stile Italiano

Overview: Il Bacio Di Stile Italiano is a delightful Italian restaurant in Budapest. Indulge in the flavors of Italy with dishes like handmade pasta, risotto, and authentic pizza.
Address: Hold u. 16, 1054 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Il Bacio Di Stile Italiano
Suggested Dish: Homemade mushroom ravioli
Average Price per Person: $$
How to Get There: Located in the city center, it’s within walking distance of the Danube River and St. Stephen’s Basilica.

Mai Manó Italiano

Overview: Mai Manó Italiano is an Italian restaurant offering a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with Italian classics. Enjoy dishes like bruschetta, carbonara, and tiramisu.
Address: Nagymező u. 20, 1065 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Mai Manó Italiano
Suggested Dish: Spaghetti carbonara
Average Price per Person: $$
How to Get There: Situated in the city center, it’s within walking distance from the Opera House and Andrássy Avenue.

Trattoria Toscana

Overview: Trattoria Toscana is an Italian restaurant in Budapest with a warm and welcoming ambiance. Explore a menu filled with Tuscan flavors, including pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and Italian wines.
Address: Vámház krt. 3, 1093 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Trattoria Toscana
Suggested Dish: Margherita pizza with buffalo mozzarella
Average Price per Person: $$
How to Get There: Located near the Great Market Hall, it’s easily reached by walking from the city center.

Indian Cuisine:

13. Kis India Eszpresszó és Étterem

Overview: Kis India offers a delectable array of Indian dishes in Budapest. From flavorful curries to tandoori specialties, this restaurant brings the tastes of India to Hungary.
Address: Rákóczi út 1, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Kis India Eszpresszó és Étterem
Suggested Dish: Chicken tikka masala
Average Price per Person: $$
How to Get There: Located in the city center, it’s accessible by tram and metro.

14. Curry House Indian Restaurant

Overview: Curry House is a cozy Indian restaurant offering a variety of curries, biryanis, and vegetarian options. The menu features a mix of North and South Indian flavors.
Address: Rákóczi út 13, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Curry House Indian Restaurant
Suggested Dish: Lamb rogan josh
Average Price per Person: $$
How to Get There: Situated in the city center, it’s easily reached by walking from Blaha Lujza Square.

15. Maharaja Indian Restaurant

Overview: Maharaja Indian Restaurant is known for its authentic Indian cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere. Explore a menu filled with traditional dishes like samosas, biryanis, and Indian bread.
Address: Károly krt. 6, 1075 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Maharaja Indian Restaurant
Suggested Dish: Vegetable biryani
Average Price per Person: $$
How to Get There: Located in the city center, it’s accessible by tram and a short walk from Deák Ferenc Square.

Chinese Cuisine:

Peking Duck House

Overview: Peking Duck House is a Chinese restaurant in Budapest specializing in authentic Peking duck dishes. Enjoy succulent duck served with pancakes, hoisin sauce, and fresh vegetables.
Address: Vámház krt. 8, 1093 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Peking Duck House
Suggested Dish: Peking duck with pancakes
Average Price per Person: $$
How to Get There: Located near the Great Market Hall, it’s easily reached by walking from the city center.

Mandarin Restaurant

Overview: Mandarin Restaurant is a well-established Chinese eatery in Budapest, offering a wide range of dishes from various Chinese cuisines. Explore options like sweet and sour chicken, Szechuan prawns, and dim sum.
Address: Bajnai u. 11, 1054 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Mandarin Restaurant
Suggested Dish: Dim sum platter
Average Price per Person: $$
How to Get There: Situated in the city center, it’s within walking distance of St. Stephen’s Basilica.

Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar & Street Food Market

Overview: Szimpla Kert is a famous ruin bar in Budapest that also hosts a street food market with diverse international cuisine, including Chinese street food stalls. You can savor a variety of Chinese dishes while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Address: Kazinczy u. 14, 1075 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Szimpla Kert
Suggested Dish: Chinese dumplings
Average Price per Person: $
How to Get There: Located in the Jewish Quarter, it’s accessible by tram and a short walk from Deák Ferenc Square.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options:

Napfényes Étterem és Cukrászda

Overview: Napfényes is a beloved vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Budapest. The menu features plant-based versions of Hungarian and international dishes, including hearty stews and vegan desserts.
Address: Ferenciek tere 2, 1053 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Napfényes Étterem
Suggested Dish: Vegan goulash
Average Price per Person: $$
How to Get There: Located in the city center, it’s a short walk from the Danube and the Great Market Hall.

Kozmosz Vegan Etterem

Overview: Kozmosz Vegan Etterem offers a creative vegan menu with a focus on fresh, organic ingredients. Discover a range of plant-based dishes, from colorful salads to vegan pastries.
Address: 1088 Budapest, Szentkirályi u. 3, Hungary
Website: Kozmosz Vegan Etterem
Suggested Dish: Vegan Buddha Bowl
Average Price per Person: $$
How to Get There: Located in the Palace District, it’s accessible by tram or a short walk from the city center.

Great Bistro – Vegán Étterem

Overview: Great Bistro is a vegan restaurant offering a diverse menu with a focus on Hungarian and international vegan dishes. Enjoy options like vegan schnitzel and gluten-free choices.
Address: Október 6. u. 19, 1051 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Great Bistro
Suggested Dish: Vegan schnitzel with potato salad
Average Price per Person: $$
How to Get There: Located in the city center, it’s easily reached by walking from Deák Ferenc tér.