local

One of our favourite underground ruin bars. Lámpás offers live music almost every night, with regular jam sessions throughout the week and open mic nights every Sunday happening as well. Best place to be for an aspiring musician or if you just want try yourself out!

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.

One of our favourite venues of Budapest, it’s a must visit for all jazz/music fans around. Concerts are happening almost everyday, with late jam sessions several nights. Best Hungarian and gypsy jazz musicians are performing and their kitchen is worth checking out too!

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

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

Definitely visit this place! Bors Gasztrobár is specializing in great soups and baguettes.

Known for its reasonable prices, making it an excellent choice for those looking for tasty, budget-friendly options in Budapest.

It’s a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking to enjoy a quick and satisfying meal with a gourmet twist.

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.

A38 Ship is one of the most iconic concert venues and cultural centers of Budapest. Covering a wide range of genres, we’re sure you’re going to find a concert to suit your taste during your stay. Don’t forget to check their website!

Located in the heart of Budapest, Akvárium is a great club and concert hall open all year round. Offering great parties and live events, it’s an ideal place to hang out with locals and listen to Hungarian bands!

If you’re less adventurous, had enough of goulash, or just simply want to have some great comfort food at a reasonable price, give these places a try!

Pizza Manufaktúra serves some of the best pizzas in Budapest, a true favourite of locals.

Bamba Marha is a solid local burger chain which serves great quality burgers at fair prices. With 10 locations in Budapest, you are never too far from one of them.

The 360 is still frequented by locals and travellers for their cozy atmosphere and affordable drinks.