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 Romantic café next to church |
Batthyany ter, 7 Budapest 1011 Hungary +36 1 212 3784 |
This historic coffee shop is housed in a delightful low building adjoining St Anne's church on Batthyany ter. Angelika is a labyrinth of rooms, some partitioned off with heavy red velvet drapes. The vaulted ceilings date back to the eighteenth century and the glass chandeliers hint at past opulence. Expect cakes and pastries, passable coffee and alcoholic drinks. Try the Puszta cocktail and be pleasantly surprised by the chocolate and cognac cherry. Cakes and pastries are also available to take away. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Gorgeous patisserie in courtyard |
Feny utca, 8 Budapest 1055 Hungary +36 1 316 3817 http://www.augusztcukraszda.hu... |
The Auguszt family make some of the best cakes and pastries in the city and this is one of their outlets. You can either sit in the tiny, cramped café and enjoy a coffee and delicious cake, or take away. The decor recalls a certain turn-of-the-century faded glamour, with old-fashioned mirrors and lamps.There is a variety of cakes and a selection of little savoury scones (served by the kilo), as well as specially made cakes for family celebrations and mouth-watering pastries. See the website for further details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Historic literary coffee house |
Iranyi utca, 29 Budapest 1056 Hungary +36 1 266 2110 |
First opened in 1887, the Central soon became the haunt of writers, poets and journalists. There are now even Internet facilities. A non-smoking balcony offers fresh air. The tables are square blocks of marble with rather severe wooden chairs. Try the 'Maria Thereza' coffee, a lethal blend of Cointreau, espresso and whipped cream. Or a flodni, a divine Jewish pastry with layers of apple, walnuts and poppy seeds. A variety of salads, seafood, chicken and pasta dishes are also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Like sitting in a submarine 2,000 leagues under the sea |
Vaci utca 60 Budapest 1052 Hungary +36 1 318 6274 |
Situated on the southern stretch of Vaci utca, the city's most famous tourist street, this restaurant is is a local haunt. Dark and labyrinthine you only have to pity the waiters who have to rush around without slipping up on the inelegant submarine floor. The toilets are most unusual and not very private. Go for the surroundings rather than the cuisine. Live music occasionally. The menu is a take on American healthy cuisine with starters consisting of salads and meaty entrees. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Elegant, yet reasonably-priced pizzeria |
Meszaros utca 12 Budapest 1016 Hungary +36 1 212 7024 http://www.donfrancesco.hu |
Don Francesco has links with Don Pepe, a chain of pizzerias in the city. The restaurant serves Italian food, but also is packed out at lunchtime (the main mealtime in Hungary) with workers who enjoy the daily menus which are Italian but with a Hungarian tinge. Well-established and popular with locals. Enormous care and attention has gone into the tasteful and thoughtful interior decoration. The painted dome ceiling shows plump, naked cherubs frolicking, all pink with health. The metal chairs are covered in verdigris in that fashionable gothic curlicued style that is so popular in trendy bars these days. The chandelier is also in the same style, recalling a medieval castle's fixtures and fittings. On one side is a fresco showing an elegant thin building towering above the Sorrento coastline and in the distance the bay of Naples and mount Vesuvius, covered in snow. The thick turkey ragout soup with tarragon from the daily menu is a good meaty broth base. Another menu item, grilled pork medallions served with herb butter, fried circles of potato and little salad garnish is a winner. However, you should really try the pizzas here - one of the best pastry crusts in Budapest, light and floury with cheese and tomato topping bubbling up at the sides. The Don is excellent value for the money. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ideal for business lunches |
Dohany utca, 5 District VII Budapest 1061 Hungary +36 1 269 6806 |
This restaurant was opened in 1994 when head chef Fausto DiVora brought the best staff with him from Marco Polo. Expect superb-quality food in elegant surroundings. Situated just along from the Great Synagogue, Fausto's restaurant is always booked up. The yellow walls and antique furniture provide an elegant touch. The tables are covered in crisp white linen. The menu includes a variety of soups and traditional Italian starters. Italian haute cuisine doesn't come cheap but there are more than 70 kinds of Italian and Hungarian wines available to ease the pain. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Atmospheric old artists' club and restaurant |
Kertesz utca 36 District VII Budapest 1073 Hungary +36 1 322 6043 |
Housed in the former Communist artists' club, there's a beer hall in the cellar, two eating areas (one on the ground floor and one upstairs), a gallery/exhibition area and a TV room-cum-students' union bar. In warmer months the best spot is the large courtyard, which has pink decor and plants. Inside, there is an imposing entrance, a wide high-ceilinged foyer and a sumptuous, sweeping double-sided stairway that winds past enormous stained glass windows. Set menus are available for HUF 1400 and include 'Hunter's Choice' offering homemade pheasant soup, game croquettes, game stew in red wine and cottage cheese dumplings. The 'Gourmet Menu' includes wild boar ragout and liver croquettes. Bean soup, goulash and all the traditional favorites are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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For lovers of good food |
Allatkerti ut 2 (District XIV) Budapest 1146 Hungary +36 1 468 4040 http://www.gundel.hu |
Founded in 1894 by Janos Gundel, this establishment has been called the best restaurant in Europe and some say the best in the world. The dining hall recalls the opulence of Budapest at the beginning of the twentieth century; there's a champagne bar and a wine cellar. The terrace garden is a delightful place to sit in summer and listen to gypsy musicians. Lamb and pigeon come in delicate pastry cases and can be washed down with wine from Gundel's own vineyards. Set lunch menus are available for HUF6000. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Robin Pollock |
 Photo: Anneli Nilsson |
 Photo: Bennett Hazlip |
 Photo: Silja Bára |
 Photo: Norm Shockley Sr. |
 Photo: Hsi-Hsien Wu |
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Traditional fish terrace restaurant on the Danube bank |
Fo utca 27 Budapest 1027 Hungary +36 1 212 3780 |
The Horgasztanya (Fisherman's Camp) restaurant has been a feature of the Buda bank of the mighty Danube for as long as anyone can remember. It stubbornly refuses to change with the times and continues to make some of the best fish dishes around. A dingy wooden interior is not the Horgasztanya's high spot and should really only be considered if you cannot find a single free table on the narrow terrace which clings to one wall of the building. Guests sit almost in the road, with a flimsy fence keeping the traffic away.The venue is popular with tourists who come across it when promenading along the bank of the river beneath the walls of Buda Castle. The fish soup is still considered to be one of the best in town and is served in a dainty black cauldron. Trout is the best bet amongst the river fish on offer, as Hungarian lake fish tend to be lazy and fatty. Meat eaters can try the beef in a rich Stroganoff sauce but the fish here is really too tasty to miss. Finish off with a wicked Hungarian pudding; Somloi Galuska, a mixture of sponge cake, cream, rum and chocolate. On a hot summer evening this all goes down well with a bottle of rose from Sopron. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Shrine to the 60's star Joplin |
Kiralyi Pal str 8 Budapest 1053 Hungary +36 1 266 2619 http://www.janispub.hu |
The street named after Pal Kiralyi is long, narrow and unexceptional. However, it is home to no less than seven places to eat and drink (at last count). This shrine to Janis Joplin has been here longer than most and still remains a popular place for a night out in the ever-changing Budapest nightlife scene. Although the decor is supposed to have an American theme, the place feels more like a trendy English pub, with plenty of space to sit and sup a beer and congenial service at the bar. On the way downstairs you will spot a mannequin of the famous Southern Comfort-swilling singer, but don't let that frighten you away. Live music entertains the folks in the cellar where the decor has an incongruous sailing theme with canoes suspended from the ceiling and other paraphernalia. Menu items are chalked up on the blackboard in Hungarian and English. Select how much pork knuckle you think you can eat as it costs HUF 210 per 10 dekagrams. Chicken breast, chilli beans, steak and sandwiches can all be washed down with a selection of draught beers at around HUF 400. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Vivien |
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Delicious duck dishes |
Fo utca 75 District II Budapest 1027 Hungary +36 1 201 9992 |
The prices here are significantly above average. Start with pancakes à la Hortobagy (a national park on Hungary's Great Plain). These are filled with minced meat and cream. Sopszka salad is a lighter mix of cucumbers, tomatoes and sheep's cheese from Bulgaria. The beef stroganov and goose liver with fried apple might be tempting, but the real draw is the duck dishes served with asparagus, green pepper sauce or morello cherry. Choose from some very pricey wines to swill it down. The decor is chic and elegant with high ceilings and space for around 45 guests. It is visited by tourists but most often it is filled with wealthy Hungarian couples enjoying a special night out and the live music entertainment. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Barbara Ann Page |
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Stylish French dining |
Kepiro utca, 3 District V Budapest 1053 Hungary +36 1 266 0430 http://www.kepirorestaurant.com |
This is a welcome addition to Budapest's upmarket dining scene. An international group of owners serve only the very best cuisine with special weekends highlighting various dishes including French cheeses, snails, asparagus and trout. Situated in a crumbling back street, Kepiro whisks you away into another world with its elegant surroundings and discreet service under a giant Renoir copy mural. Kepiro can be expensive as everything is so tempting you will want to splash out. There are special business lunches every weekday from midday to 3p which offer speedy service and light meals, e.g. a Niçoise salad or grilled salmon for around HUF 1500. The goose liver, rabbit, steak and trout are also highly recommended. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Little bar serving delicious food |
Nagymezo utca, 14 District VI Budapest 1064 Hungary +36 1 343 1984 |
This centrally located cafe and restaurant is very popular both by day and at night. It has an imaginative interior with a round booth in the centre and two raised areas (one designated for non-smokers) with windows that slide open in warmer weather. The warm, orange walls are adorned with pictures and posters, mainly depicting Saracens. The menu is international and includes some vegetarian dishes at moderate prices-the chicken salad comes highly recommended. The service is friendly and attentive. Booking is advisable at lunchtime. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tim Guest |
 Photo: Tim Guest |
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Traditional, heavy Hungarian fare |
Osvat utca, 11 District VII Budapest 1073 Hungary +36 1 322 3611 |
This is best known for being the local restaurant of self-taught pianist Rezso Seress (1889-1968) who wrote the haunting melody Gloomy Sunday, which became a hit for many international stars, including Billie Holiday. A plaque in the entrance gives the first line of the song. Kulacs is the Hungarian word for a drinking jug that shepherds take with them into the field. The decor reflects this rustic theme with one smaller room filled with wood, peasant embroidery and red and white cloths. The larger room is used for banquets and tourist groups and features a gypsy band which occasionally has a female lead violin player. The goose liver makes a filling starter, followed by chicken paprikas or catfish in a rich sauce. Wash it down with a fiery Hungarian red wine that will put hairs on your chest and have you singing along to the musicians' merry melodies in no time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A touch of Paris |
Merleg utca, 10 District V Budapest 1051 Hungary +36 1 317 3715 |
La Fontaine is a traditional brasserie, bar, café, restaurant and bistro all rolled into one, straight from the boulevards of Paris. This restaurant oozes Gallic charm and chic sophistication. Maitre d' Bernard Deleglise is the perfect host and makes everyone feel right at home. The giant bar is hewn from a single oak tree and dominates the café-bar area, which only offers four tiny round tables. The wicker chairs are comfortable and it is the perfect place to enjoy a morning café au lait and croissant while catching up on the latest news in Le Monde. Daily specials are chalked up in French on a blackboard and there are also good soups, salads and pâtés. Steak, salmon and many fresh ingredients are all available to provide a glorious dining experience. Quality French and Hungarian wines start at HUF 1900. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Sophisticated dining opposite French Institute |
Fo utca 20 District I Budapest 1011 Hungary +36 1 201 0047 |
Situated in a low, yellow-walled, early nineteenth-century building, Le Jardin de Paris has a real je ne sais quoi. In the summer, the owner Gabi Meunier greets guests in the delightful walled garden. In winter the interior dining area is sophisticated and chic.The yellowing paint on the walls gives the place a cosy feel and there are many romantic tables for two dotted around, although regulars from the French Institute opposite come on their own for a high quality taste of home. A jazz band plays in the evenings although the saxophone is a bit loud and you will have to bellow your sweet nothings at your partner.The dishes are simple yet the ingredients are fresh and tastefully assembled. Salmon steak with salad makes for a healthy dinner. A plate of grilled vegetables accompanies the chicken breast and a simple steak (bauvette) is tops for the meat-eaters. Filet mignon, ratatouille and lamb en croute are all good. The wine list has some excellent Hungarian reds. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Chic French cuisine |
Vigyazo Ferenc utca 4 District V Budapest 1051 Hungary +36 1 312 4505 http://www.lou-lou.hu |
Lou Lou is cozy and always packed - testament to the quality of this genuine bistro. The lighting is dimmed, the candles are lit and the tables are covered with sheer floral paper and the plates edged with flowers - all discreet yet effective touches. Lou Lou serves some of the best onion soup in the city. Other dishes include Greek salad packed with feta, Scandinavian salmon and tortellini on the spit, fresh vegetables tossed in garlic butter, chopped spinach mixed with spaghetti and a buttery spiced sauce, tenderloin fricassee, saddle of sliced lamb with French beans, egg-battered chicken Francese and grilled sweet prawns. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Traditional café and confectioner's |
Andrassy ut, 29 District VI Budapest 1061 Hungary +36 1 352 1337 |
Muvesz contains interior design from the turn of the century. Some of the chairs may be in need of repair, but the decor is nonetheless impressive. The coffee is excellent and the cakes are delicious. This place is popular with students who come over to study, neighbors who pop in to read papers, old ladies who drop by to chat and the ubiquitous tourists. As the waiting staff are not always prompt, and it may take a while to get the bill, ask for it well before you want to leave. There are eight coveted tables outside. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Interesting architecture, stunning interior |
Erzsebet korut, 9-11 District VII Budapest 1073 Hungary +36 1 322 3849 |
This was once the office of an insurance company. There has been protective wooden scaffolding around it for years to protect pedestrians against falling masonry. It is an imposing building, which seems to be lying in wait for an understanding (and rich) benefactor. The interior has been fully renovated and is a riot of gold and cherubs, velvet and marble. The operators of the coffee house - once a hang-out for authors, journalists, playwrights, students and dissidents - got fed up with tourists coming in just to look around so there is now an entrance fee of a few hundred forints. As this is deductible from your bill, you may as well treat yourself to a coffee and a Danish while you are there. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tram depot offers delicious dishes |
Budakeszi ut 5 (District II) Budapest 1021 Hungary +36 1 275 1396 http://www.remiz.hu |
Although Remiz means 'tram depot,' the trams glide past silently. In the summer, everyone sits outside and enjoys the aroma of the grilled dishes wafting across the bushes. Enjoy excellent salads and one of the best and healthiest lunch options around. The grilled salmon is divine and the chunks of meat grilled on skewers will delight carnivores. Choice wines from all over Hungary and naughty desserts can also be found on the tantalizing menu. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Zsolt Bugarszki  |
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Budapest's famous river |
Dowtown Budapest 1052 Hungary |
The Danube - Europe's most celebrated river - runs majestically through the center of Budapest. The city has taken full advantage of this and it now offers some of the finest panoramas to be found anywhere on the continent. Starting far away in Germany (where the Breg and Brigach rivers meet), the Danube runs some 2859 kilometers before spilling into the Black Sea. On its journey, it passes through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and Romania. Incidentally, contrary to the name of the famous waltz, it is not blue! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Seventh district curry house |
Dob utca, 50 District VII Budapest 1074 Hungary +36 1 352 0305 |
This restaurant is situated in a cellar in one of the less salubrious parts of town. Dob utca can be a bit intimidating at times but gird up your loins and head on down to enjoy delicious Indian food prepared by the Nepalese head chef. The cellar has been painted and done up in a style which is not particularly Indian. However, the dimly lit area is friendly and relaxing. The waiters are polite and friendly and help create a convivial atmosphere which is conducive to enjoying the tasty Indian food. The poppadums, parathas and naan breads are particularly good at the Shalimar. Vegetarians are well catered for and the dishes involving potatoes, cauliflower, spinach and okra are all very tasty. The chicken and beef dishes are also highly recommended. The presentation is a little uninspired, but the food itself is delicious. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Spacious Chinese restaurant |
Duna utca, 1 District V Budapest 1056 Hungary +361 318 6444 / +361 318 6504 |
This is a huge Chinese restaurant situated next to Erzsebet Bridge in Pest. The extensive menu includes chicken with bamboo shoots and mushrooms, shredded beef with vegetables, crisp fried frog, steamed shrimps and smoked salmon. You can also have a five-course meal for two here. There are four rooms decorated with traditional Chinese ornaments and aquaria containing lobsters and gigantic fish, but it is the front room that is used most of the time. Reservations are essential for groups of over five people. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Hungarian csarda with nautical twist |
Laktanya utca 3 - 5 District III Budapest 1033 Hungary +36 1 250 2288 |
The restaurant features a terrace, a garden and a nautical theme demonstrated by the unusual decor. The name Vasmacska translates literally as 'iron cat' and is the imaginative Hungarian word for an anchor. Narrow corridors, lined with dark wood lead to an elegant dining area that resembles a ship's saloon. There is another tavern in a similar style, split into two areas, a four-room pub and a covered garden and barn area making this, despite restrictions by the Ancient Monuments Act of 1985, one of the biggest restaurants in Budapest. This is deceptive, as once inside it is very cosy and convivial. The menu offers all kinds of meat: beef, veal, pork, poultry, venison, wild rabbit and wild duck. There are vegetarian dishes too and also unusual items like Csiga porkolt—snail stew. A selection of wines comes from Laszlo Roth's vineyard in the Villany region. Review © 2007, Wcities |