It’s no secret that Hungarians love to eat. In fact, with so many restaurants serving up traditional dishes throughout the city, it can be challenging to choose where to eat on any given day. With so many options to choose from, you’ll likely find a place that suits your tastes and budget almost anywhere you go in Budapest. But with so many eateries competing for your attention, it can be tricky to pick the perfect place to spend an evening eating and drinking locally.
And if you don’t have much experience with Hungarian food or culture, it can also be difficult to figure out what places serve authentic dishes and which ones are just trying to capitalize on foreigners visiting the city.
With that in mind, here are 20 of the best traditional Hungarian restaurants in Budapest — all of which offer fantastic food at affordable prices along with a fun atmosphere and impressive service.
1. Hungarikum Bisztró
As one of the best traditional Hungarian restaurants in Budapest, Hungarikum Bisztro should be near the top of any foodie’s bucket list. Serving up delicious dishes that are both modern and classically Hungarian, this is the perfect place to try a wide variety of traditional food in a unique and upscale atmosphere. The menu is broken down into a few different categories (appetizers, starters, soups, main courses, and desserts) that each feature traditional foods from one of Hungary’s nine famous regions. You can easily enjoy a few dishes from different regions during a single meal here, or you can go all in and try a specific region-themed tasting menu. The food at Hungaricum is fresh, flavorful, and expertly prepared, and the drinks menu includes a nice selection of award-winning wines, spirits, and local beers.
Address: Steindl Imre u. 13., Budapest 1051 Hungary
2. Pörc & Prézli Étterem
If you’re craving hearty pork and cabbage dishes the moment you step off the plane, then look no further than Porc & Prezli Restaurant. This is one of the best traditional Hungarian restaurants in Budapest thanks to its wide selection of homemade sausages paired with a variety of cabbage-based side dishes. If you like, you can also order a massive bowl of goulash, which is another popular dish served in Hungarian restaurants. If you’re not a fan of sauerkraut, you can also try a variety of different side dishes including potatoes, rice, and beans. Porc & Prezli has a spacious and welcoming interior with a large bar where you can enjoy a cold beer with your meal.
Address: Lazar u. 1, Budapest 1065 Hungary
3. Parisi 6
This elegant and charming restaurant is one of the best traditional Hungarian places to eat in Budapest, and it’s also one of the only places that serves up traditional cuisine from the city of Pécs (pronounced PETCH). This city is located in the southern part of the country in a region known as the Great Plain, and the food here is a bit different than the dishes served up in other parts of the country. Parisi 6 serves up delicious dishes inspired by Pécs’s culinary tradition, including kapnikás, a pasta dish with a creamy sauce made with paprika and sour cream; halászlé, a local fish soup made with carp, potatoes, onions, and sour cream; and pogácsa, a tasty Hungarian pastry made with rye flour, eggs, and lots of butter.
Address: Parizsi utca 6b, Budapest 1052 Hungary
4. Restaurant Rosenstein
Rosenstein is a grand restaurant that’s been serving up traditional Hungarian food to aristocrats and commoners alike for more than a century. The food served here is authentic and a bit fancy, so it’s not a great place to go if you’re trying to save money. Still, it’s definitely worth a visit if you want to experience a traditional dining experience in Budapest. You can try various dishes here, including traditional soups like lentil soup and bean soup, steaks, and roasted meats.
If you’re feeling brave, you can also try the famous gombás és halászlé, a Hungarian stew made with mushrooms and fish (it’s actually not that scary).
Address: Budapest, Mosonyi u. 3, 1087 Hungary
5. Café Kör
Kör is a café and restaurant that serves up traditional Hungarian dishes in a relaxed and modern setting. This is one of the best traditional Hungarian restaurants in Budapest for a few different reasons. First off, the food is fantastic. Secondly, the menu includes a wide selection of traditional dishes from all over the country, so if you’re looking for a one-stop place to try many different traditional foods, Kör is a great option. Thirdly, the café is very affordable and the staff is amiable, making it a great place to try traditional food without breaking the bank.
Tip: If you’re not sure what to order, try the svákli, a delicious potato pancake with cheese and bacon; the halászlé, a spicy fish soup; or the szegediner gombás töltött káposzta, a cabbagy stuffed cabbage dish served with mushrooms.
Address: Budapest, Sas u 17, 1051 Hungary
6. Gettó Gulyás
This restaurant is the perfect place to try delicious goulash, a Hungarian staple. Gettó Gulyás serves up traditional goulash in a communal style, meaning you’ll be given a bowl and then you can add as much paprika, sour cream, and garlic as you want. The restaurant is a bit loud and can be quite busy, but the food and the service are excellent. It’s also reasonably priced and a great place to go with a group of friends. The communal seating is also a great place to meet new people, and if you like, you can also grab a bowl to go.
Address: Budapest, Wesselényi u. 18, 1077 Hungary
7. Menza Étterem és Kávéház
Menza Restaurant is a fantastic place to eat traditional Hungarian food and try some of the city’s best goulash. This is one of the best traditional Hungarian restaurants in Budapest thanks to its approachable menu, affordable prices, and great central location. If you’re not sure what to order, the staff are very friendly and can help you choose the perfect meal. The restaurant has a modern interior and a cozy outdoor patio, so it’s a great place to go in any season. You can try many different dishes at Menza, including stews, soups, and roasted meats. The goulash is definitely recommended, and it’s a great place to try one of the city’s many famous dishes.
Address: Budapest, Liszt Ferenc tér 2, 1061 Hungary
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8. Szaletly
If you’re looking for a place that’s a bit more modern than many of the other traditional Hungarian restaurants in Budapest, then Szaletly is a great choice. This restaurant has a great atmosphere and serves up creative dishes inspired by various regions in Hungary. The food is creative, interesting, and delicious, and Szaletly also has an outdoor terrace that’s worth checking out on nice days.
The restaurant is reasonably priced and has a wide selection of wines and cocktails, making it a great place to go for either a night out with friends or a romantic date.
Address: Budapest, Stefánia út 93, 1146 Hungary
9. Bobo Restaurant
Bobo Restaurant is a great place to eat traditional Hungarian food if you’re trying to save a little money. The restaurant is moderately priced and serves up classic dishes like goulash, stuffed cabbage, and potato pancakes in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Bobo is a popular place to go for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, making it a convenient option to explore during your stay in Budapest. The restaurant is popular among locals as well as tourists, making it a great place to meet and mingle with other travelers while enjoying a traditional Hungarian meal.
If you’re not sure what to order, the staff are friendly and can help you choose the perfect dish.
Address: 1022, Marczibányi tér 7, 1022 Hungary
10. Kispiac Bistro
Kispiac Bisztro is a charming and cozy restaurant that serves up traditional Hungarian dishes in a modern and creative way. This is one of the best traditional Hungarian restaurants in Budapest thanks to its central location, approachable menu, and fantastic interior. The food is flavorful, surprisingly creative, and reasonably priced, which makes it a great place to go for a meal during your stay.
Address: Budapest, Hold u. 13, 1054 Hungary
11. Stand25 Bistro
If you’re looking for a traditional Hungarian restaurant that is casual, look no further than Stand25 Bistro. Composed of a simple, yet comfortable dining room, this eatery is great for couples, friends, and families traveling with children. While the majority of the menu is composed of traditional dishes, the menu also features a few modern dishes that would appeal to those who aren’t as familiar with traditional Hungarian cooking.
Address: Budapest, Attila út 10, 1013 Hungary
12. Tüköry Étterem
If you’re looking for a traditional Hungarian restaurant that serves up delicious food at affordable prices, Tüköry Restaurant is a great option. A great place for families and large groups, this casual eatery features a large dining room that is decorated with Hungarian artifacts and paintings.
Good to know: The staff also includes a pianist who plays a mix of classic and modern Hungarian music throughout the day.
Address: Budapest, Hold u. 15, 1054 Hungary
13. Pozsonyi Kisvendéglő
If you are looking for a unique dining experience, check out Pozsonyi Kisvendéglő. Nowadays, it is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike thanks to its charming outdoor patio and affordable menu.
This restaurant is a great place to try a wide variety of foods that are commonly served in Hungary.
Address: Budapest, Radnóti Miklós u. 38, 1137 Hungary
14. Király 100 Restaurant
If you’re looking for a traditional Hungarian restaurant that is both casual and serves up generously sized portions, this restaurant is a great option. While many of the items on the menu are simple, they are also extremely flavorful and filling. Offering daily specials as well as a wide variety of Hungarian staples, Király 100 is a great place to try some of Budapest’s most famous dishes without breaking the bank. Plus, the restaurant also has an English menu, so even those who aren’t familiar with the food will find something to their liking.
Address: Budapest, Király u. 100, 1068 Hungary
15. New York Café Budapest
New York Café Budapest is a great place to experience the flavors of traditional Hungarian cooking in a modern dining room. With a menu that features both modern and traditional dishes, this eatery is a great place to try out some Hungarian staples like gulyás, pörkölt, and halászlé along with some modern dishes like the Hungarian hamburger or fish and chips.
Address: Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 9-11, 1073 Hungary
16. Rákóczi Restaurant
If you’re looking for a traditional Hungarian restaurant with exceptional reviews, Rákóczi Restaurant is a great choice. Located near the famous Gellért Thermal Bath, this entry is a favorite among tourists and locals thanks to its delicious food and charming atmosphere. Offering a wide variety of traditional dishes, this restaurant is a great place to try some of the most well-known foods that are commonly eaten in Hungary. Rákóczi Restaurant is also one of the most affordable restaurants on this list, making it a great choice for travelers on a budget. Along with its friendly service, charming atmosphere, and delicious food, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy an authentic Hungarian meal.
Address: Budapest, Rákóczi tér 9, 1084 Hungary
17. Torockó Vendéglő
If you’re looking for a traditional Hungarian restaurant that is both affordable and family-friendly, Torockó Restaurant is a great option. While many of the items on the menu are simple, they are also extremely flavorful and filling. Plus, with daily specials and a kids menu, Torockó is a great place to go with friends or family who are visiting Budapest with children.
Address: Budapest, Martinovics tér 2, 1105 Hungary
18. Regős Tavern
If you’re looking for a classic Hungarian restaurant that has been around for decades and is always packed with locals, this restaurant is a great choice. While the menu features a variety of traditional dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your group.
With excellent service, a rustic atmosphere, and delicious food, Regős Tavern is a great place to experience a sense of what life was like in Budapest during the 1950s.
Address: Budapest, Szófia u. 33, 1068 Hungary
19. Gundel Cafe Patisserie Restaurant
Gundel is a great place to experience traditional Hungarian dining amidst a charming, Parisian atmosphere. With a menu that offers both modern and traditional dishes, this cafe is a great place to try a range of foods that are commonly served in Hungary.
The only downside is that this restaurant is expensive, but it’s definitely worth it!
Address: Budapest, Gundel Károly út 4, 1146 Hungary
20. Halászbástya Étterem
Halászbástya Étterem is a great place to enjoy a traditional Hungarian meal with stunning views of the city.
While the restaurant serves up a wide variety of traditional meals, it is also famous for its halászlé, a traditional Hungarian food. Along with its delicious food, this restaurant is also popular thanks to its live music and outdoor seating area.
Address: Budapest Budapest Budai Vár, Halászbástya – Északi Híradástorony, 1014 Hungary
If you’re looking for a different kind of dining experience, then Budapest is the place to go. There is a wide variety of traditional food and cultures, which makes it a unique place to dine out.
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