hungarian

Hands down the best goulash in the city. Coupled with its great variety of traditional Hungarian cuisine, this restaurant makes our list at #1 for all those who enjoy food, wine, music and a view like no other.

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. Book a table around 6:30PM as the sun sets over the river and Budapest’s iconic landmarks light up; diners can enjoy a truly magical atmosphere with live Hungarian Gypsy music that serenades the Buda skylight.

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

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.

A cozy Hungarian restaurant inside Budapest’s party district, also known as the old Jewish Quarter. The restaurant’s name makes its culinary priorities clear — the short menu features the heart of Magyar cuisine with staples like goulash, chicken and veal paprikash (€10-14), and various seasonal vegetable stews called főzelék. “Gettó” refers to the Jewish ghetto, what this neighborhood became during the winter of 1944, the darkest time of WWII in Budapest.

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

Before your meal, you could grab a drink at Szimpla Kert, the world-famous ruin bar just steps from away in Kazinczy Street.

Szegedi Halászcsárda is famous for serving authentic Hungarian fish dishes, with their fish soup (halászlé) being a particular highlight. Halászlé is a fish soup made from freshwater fish, typically seasoned with paprika and various spices. It’s a beloved dish in Hungary and holds a special place in Hungarian gastronomy.

In addition to their signature fish soup, the menu often includes a variety of fish dishes, such as different preparations of carp and other freshwater fish. You’ll also find a selection of Hungarian appetizers, desserts, and beverages to complement your meal and of course Pálinka, don’t forget the Pálinka. Mátyás Pálinkaház offers some of the best varieties of this Hungarian spirit in the city, make sure to go downstairs for a drink!

What to eat: „Witch Island” style fish soup, mixed fish soup, fried catfish, fish paprikash

Lángos is a beloved Hungarian dish that consists of deep-fried dough, typically oval or round in shape. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Traditionally, lángos is topped with a variety of savory ingredients, with sour cream and grated cheese being the most common. Other toppings can include garlic, ham, sausages, and more.

Lángos is a beloved Hungarian comfort food, and Retro Lángos is often well-received by locals and tourists alike for its tasty renditions of this classic dish of which they have the largest variety.

Depending on the location and time of day, you may encounter lines or crowds at their stand, especially during peak dining hours.

What to eat: cheese-sour cream lángos, Hungarian-style lángos

The chimney cake (kürtőskalács in Hungarian) is one of the most popular street food dishes of Hungary originating from Székelyföld in Transylvania. It is truly a must-try while visiting Budapest! The chimney cakes at Pichler are of excellent quality and always freshly made.