Where to Eat and Drink in Budapest: Your Ultimate Guide

Whether you’re in town for a weekend city break or soaking up all the Hungarian capital has to offer on a longer Europe trip, one thing is certain: Budapest is a foodie’s dream. From steamy bowls of goulash to rooftop cocktails and ruin bars dripping with character, the city serves up all kinds of deliciousness.

Here’s your ultimate food and drink guide to Budapest, packed with trendy brunch spots, traditional eats, coffee havens, wine bars, and unforgettable local flavors—plus a few hidden gems I think you’ll love too.

Best Places for Dinner in Budapest

Mazel Tov – This Middle Eastern-meets-industrial-chic hotspot in the Jewish Quarter was hands down the best dinner I had in Budapest. The shakshuka with feta is the stuff of legend, and the vibe? Think fairy lights, live music, and fresh herbs hanging from the rafters. Tip: book ahead – it gets busy!
Tüköry Étterem – If you’re craving authentic Hungarian food without the tourist markup, this is the spot. Order the goulash, langos, and the cucumber salad with sour cream – you’ll be dreaming about them long after you leave.
Street Food Karavan – Think food truck vibes in a trendy outdoor garden. Grab a chimney cake or a gourmet burger, and wash it down with a local craft beer. Great for a chill night with options for all dietary needs.
Drum Cafe Budapest – A no-frills local favorite serving up hearty Hungarian dishes at super affordable prices – perfect for a quick and tasty dinner near the city center.
Spinoza Café & Restaurant – Tucked away in the Jewish Quarter, Spinoza blends cozy vibes with classic Hungarian-Jewish cuisine and live piano music most evenings.
Pizza Manufaktúra – Craving pizza? This casual eatery near the Grand Boulevard dishes up artisanal, wood-fired pies with quality ingredients and unbeatable value.

Brunch & Coffee Spots That Hit the Spot

Cirkusz – Woke up dusty after a night out? This lively brunch spot will save your soul. There’s great coffee, hearty brunch plates, and plenty of veggie/vegan options.
Stika Budapest – Arguably the best brunch in town, Stika is a little sleek, a little hipster, and totally worth the queue.
Espresso Embassy – If you’re into specialty coffee, you have to stop here. Iced filter coffee + a slice of flódni (Hungarian Jewish pastry with poppy seed, apple, and walnut) = life made.
Blue Bird Cafe – Blue Bird Café is a cozy spot known for its specialty coffee, laid-back vibe, and tasty breakfast options. It’s a great place to start your day or take a midday break with a cappuccino and pastry in hand.

Where to Grab a Drink (Ruin Bars + More)

Szimpla Kert – You can’t come to Budapest and not hit up this legendary ruin bar. It’s chaotic, creative, and totally one-of-a-kind…there’s a bathtub table, a wall of broken computers, and a statue of a rabbit because…why not?
360 Bar – For panoramic city views, this rooftop gem is a must. The cocktails are good, the atmosphere is chill, and the sunset vibes? Immaculate.
DiVino Wine Bar (Gozsdu Udvar) – Trendy wine bar located in the bustling laneway scene. Great for people-watching with a glass of local Hungarian wine in hand.

Historic & Iconic Cafés

Central Café & Restaurant 1887 – This elegant café was once a haunt for musicians, writers, and artists. It still oozes that old-world charm, and it’s a great place to soak up some culture over coffee and cake.
New York Café – A must-see even if you only stop for a drink – it’s seriously jaw-dropping inside. Think frescoed ceilings, velvet everything, and gold for days. It’s pricey, but hey, it’s one of the most beautiful cafés in the world.

Sweet Treats You Can’t Miss

Gelarto Rosa – Artisanal gelato shaped into edible roses. Instagrammable and delicious.
Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács) – Street vendors make these hot, sweet spiral cakes fresh to order. Get one rolled in cinnamon sugar or filled with Nutella.
Flódni – A slice of this traditional Hungarian Jewish pastry from a bakery like Auguszt or Café Gerlóczy is a must.

Take a Food Tour in Budapest

If you’re keen to dive deeper into Budapest’s vibrant food scene (and maybe let someone else do the planning), joining a local food tour is the perfect way to taste the best the city has to offer. From traditional Hungarian dishes to sweet treats and wine tastings, these tours are a fun, easy, and delicious way to experience the culture. Below are some highly-rated food and drink tours in Budapest that are definitely worth checking out…

Budapest Guided Food Tour with Drinks Included ($104 AUD per person)
Guided Tipsy Food Tour with Drinks Included in Budapest ($104 AUD per person)
Central Market Hall Guided Food Tour with Tastings ($23 AUD per person)
Budapest: Guided Foodie Walking Tour with Food and Drinks ($109 AUD per person)
Hungarian Wine Tasting with 7 Wines and Tapas ($96 AUD per person)
Budapest: Food Tour with Wine tasting By Foodapest 2025 ($109 AUD per person)
Hungarian Chimney Cake Workshop in the City Center ($78 AUD per person)

Planning Your Full Budapest Adventure?

If you’re hungry for more than just amazing food, don’t miss my First Timer’s Guide to Budapest – packed with tips on where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your time in this incredible city. From soaking in thermal baths to exploring historic landmarks, I’ve got your Budapest itinerary covered. Read the full travel guide now and start planning your dream trip!