Hungarian food

Hungarian cuisine very well reflects the turbulent history of the country. Although lots of influences over the centuries, it still has its very distinctive features. Considered to be one of the spiciest cuisines of Europe (doesn’t necessarily means it’s hot!), thanks to the heavy use of paprika in many main dishes. Goulash is definitely the national symbol of our cuisine. If you crave some great Hungarian food, you can’t go wrong with these places!

Dunacorso

Hands down the best goulash in the city.

One of Dunacorso’s standout features is its picturesque terrace overlooking the Danube, providing an idyllic setting for a romantic dinner, a special celebration, or a relaxed evening with friends. Diners can enjoy a truly magical atmosphere with live Hungarian Gypsy music every night.

What to eat: goulash soup (bowl), paprika stew of veal, stuffed cabbage, Wiener schnitzel

great views hungarian live music

Menza

Menza offers a diverse menu that features a mix of Hungarian classics and international dishes. While they pay homage to traditional Hungarian cuisine, you can also find items like burgers, pasta, and salads on their menu. It’s a place where old meets new, blending the nostalgia of Hungarian retro design with modern culinary influences.

The prices at Menza are generally considered to be reasonable and offer good value for the quality of food and the dining experience.

What to eat: beef broth soup, veal paprikash (w/ egg dumplings), pork schnitzel, mákos Guba. Recommended for lunch specials.

contemporary hungarian local

Belvárosi Disznótoros

A traditional canteen-style Hungarian restaurant located in the heart of Budapest. Specializing in meat-heavy dishes and big portions. It was one of Anthony Bourdain’s favourite places on his visit to the city.

As seen on Anthony Bourdains visit to Budapest

What to eat: sausages (liver, blood), traditional meat dishes, fried pork

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Gettó Gulyás

A cozy, reasonably-priced Hungarian restaurant inside Budapest’s party district, also known as the old Jewish Quarter. The restaurant’s name makes its culinary priorities clear — the menu features all the staples of Hungarian cuisine like goulash, chicken and veal paprikash, and various seasonal vegetable stews called főzelék. A highly popular place so reservations are recommended.

What to eat: goulash soup, chicken paprikash, stew dishes, Gundel palacsinta, and túrógombóc

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Frici Papa & Kisharang Étkezde

If you are looking for a truly local, no-frills Hungarian restaurant, do yourself a favour and go to Frici Papa!
It is one of the last remaining eateries in Budapest, serving Hungarian classics at extremely reasonable prices (even by local standards).
Because the word got out, lots of tourists visit this place as well nowadays, but trust us, it’s worth the wait!

Kisharang Étkezde is a true gem in the heart of Budapest, a family-run restaurant with a very friendly service and hearty traditional food. Great place if you’re around the St. Stephen’s Basilica!

Tip: None of these places take reservations, so try to go a little bit outside of the usual eating hours to avoid standing in line.

cheap eats local traditional

VígVarjú

VígVarjú Étterem, located in Budapest’s historic Pesti Vigadó, offers a modern twist on traditional Hungarian cuisine in a gorgeous setting. Must-try dishes include the iconic Hungarian goulash, duck leg with red cabbage, and their signature flatbreads (Varjú-style). Pair your meal with a fine local wine or a refreshing homemade lemonade.

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