5 great Hungarian restaurants in Budapest for authentic Hungarian cuisine

These are great restaurants in the Hungarian capital, Budapest, if you would like to try authentic Hungarian dishes, such as gulyás, paprikás, and pörkölt.

Every Hungarian family has its own recipes for the typical dishes of Hungarian cuisine and let’s not even go into the debates about whether there should be pasta in halászlé or whether bejgli is best with walnut or poppy seed filling. Szeretlekmagyarország.hu compiled 5 great Hungarian restaurants in Budapest, where anyone can taste dishes in an elegant fashion, prepared just the way a Hungarian grandma would do.

Gléda Vendéglő

Photo: Gléda Vendéglő Facebook

“Our dream was to create a restaurant that represents everything we believe about hospitality. This is our passion. This is Gléda,” say the two owners, János Deli and Sándor Kerekes, about their restaurant.

The restaurant has a modern flare next to the traditional Hungarian dishes such as catfish stew with homemade dumplings and veal paprikás. The chefs also put vegan options on the menu to make everyone feel welcome.

On Thursdays, live music elevates the atmosphere to a new level, but beware: the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Sundays.

Address: 1037, Mikoviny street 2-4.

Gettó Gulyás

Photo: Gettó Gulyás Facebook

Gettó Gulyás is in the heart of the party district of Budapest, they call themselves a “Hungarian Stew restaurant”. As the name suggests, they specialise in Hungarian stews. They have 11 different types of stews on their menu, even a vegan one.

The restaurant’s décor fits perfectly with the nearby ruin bars, they even have a couple of street tables to enjoy dinner while in the fresh air. Reservation is highly advised as due to the popular location of the restaurant, it is often full.

Address: 1077, Wesselényi street 18.

Hoppá Bistro

Photo: Hoppá Bistro

Hoppá Bistro is a modern Hungarian French restaurant which is featured on the Hungarian Michelin Guide. Sustainability and locally sourced, Hungarian ingredients play an important role in the life of the restaurant, they even serve coffee made from Hungarian coffee beans.

Hoppá proves that it is possible to reimagine Hungarian dishes in a modern, progressive way. Another speciality of the restaurant is that people can have access to their recipes by subscribing to their newsletter.

Address: 1051, Október 6. street 15.

TATI Farm to Table

Photo: TATI Farm to Table Facebook

Probably the best example of a Hungarian farm-to-table restaurant in Budapest is TATI, as they have their own farm. They believe in “Hungarian smallholders, local ingredients and enjoying the beauties of the countryside”, while it is their mission to translate this lifestyle for people to enjoy in downtown Budapest.

Their menu is following the seasonal calendar to remain as environmentally friendly as possible, while also keeping traditional Hungarian dishes such as tócsni – a Hungarian variety of hash browns – chicken or catfish paprikás.

Address: 1074, Dohány street 58-62.

Gundel Cafe Patisserie Restaurant

Photo: Gundel Cafe Patisserie Restaurant Facebook

The Gundel was originally opened in 1894 and was recently featured in this article of the oldest Hungarian restaurants that are still open today. The restaurant also operates as a café; therefore, it is an ideal place for breakfast or brunch.

Alongside traditional Hungarian dishes, it also serves THE original Gundel pancake, a famous Hungarian delicacy prepared with a chocolate sauce, walnuts, raisins and a rum filling.

Address: 1146, Gundel Károly street 4.