Culinary triumph: Michelin Guide acknowledges an unprecedented number of Hungarian restaurants

Hungary’s culinary scene is sizzling with success, as the latest Michelin Guide awards celebrate a wave of new stars, eco-conscious honours, and a surge in Bib Gourmand restaurants, cementing the country’s place on the global food map.

This year’s Michelin Guide Awards

As Turizmus.com writes, Hungary’s gastronomy scene achieved remarkable recognition at the Michelin Guide Awards on 10 December. Pajta in Őriszentpéter received its first Michelin star as a newcomer, while all previously starred restaurants retained their titles. This year’s Michelin Guide spotlighted Hungary’s growing culinary excellence, with 78 restaurants recommended, marking a significant leap from previous years. The prestigious list now includes 57 Michelin plate restaurants, 10 of them new, showcasing the diversity and quality of Hungarian cuisine.

Hungary performs well in the region

The country also celebrated an increase in Bib Gourmand establishments, known for offering affordable yet high-quality dining, rising from six to eleven. Environmental sustainability was recognised too, with Natura Hill in Zebegény earning a Green Star, joining five other eco-conscious restaurants. Towns like Tata, Esztergom, and Őriszentpéter joined Budapest in boasting Michelin-starred venues, further enhancing Hungary’s gastronomic appeal. These achievements by the Michelin Guide underscore Hungary’s growing reputation as a destination for food enthusiasts and strengthen its position ahead of regional competitors like Serbia and the Czech Republic.

Further recognitions

Beyond culinary excellence, Hungary’s performance in the Michelin Guide has far-reaching effects on tourism and international perception. Awards for individual excellence, such as the Sommelier Award to Mátyás Székely and the Young Chef Award to Levente Lendvai, highlighted the talent driving this success. The Opening of the Year Award recognised Iszkor in Mályinka, one of the six new Bib Gourmand restaurants. As Hungary continues to impress on the global gastronomic stage, its vibrant culinary scene promises to attract more visitors, cementing its status as a must-visit destination for fine dining and unique flavours.

Two Michelin stars:

• Platán Gourmet, Tata
• Stand, Budapest

One Michelin star:

• Pajta – Őriszentpéter (new)
• 42 – Esztergom
• Salt – Budapest
• Costes – Budapest
• Borkonyha Winekitchen – Budapest
• Babel – Budapest
• Rumour – Budapest
• Essencia – Budapest

BIB Gourmand:

• Iszkor – Mályinka (new)
• Újváros Bisztró – Szarvas (new)
• N28 Wine and Kitchen – Budapest (new)
• Goli – Budapest (new)
• Platán Bisztró – Tata (new)
• Macok – Eger
• Morzsa – Pécs
• Casa Christa – Balatonszőlős
• Sparhelt – Balatonfüred
• Kistücsök – Balatonszemes
• Anyukám mondta – Encs

Green star:

• Natura Hill – Zebegény (new)
• Graefl Major Kétútköz – Poroszló
• Onyx Mühely – Budapest
• Salt – Budapest
• Villa Kabala – Szigliget

Recommended restaurants:

• Szaletly – Budapest (new)
• Kollázs – Budapest (new)
• Zazie Bistro – Budapest (new)
• Teyföl – Szentendre (new)
• Füge – Biatorbágy (new)
• Cut & Barrel – Budapest (new)
• Sho Tihany – Tihany (new)
• Virtu – Budapest (new)
• Aleli – Budapest (new)
• Bilanx – Budapest (new)
• Natura Hill – Zebegény
• Kreinbacher Birtok – Somlóvásárhely
• Hoppá! Bistro – Budapest
• A Konyhám Stúdió 365 – Fonyód
• Hosszú Tányér – Hosszúhetény
• füge – Tihany
• Öreg Prés – Mór
• Zelna Borbisztró – Balatonfüred
• Tihanyi Vinarius – Tihany
• Alkimista Kulináris Műhely – Szeged
• Horgonyzó Kisvendéglő – Tiszalök
• Rutin – Budaörs
• Neked Főztem – Zánka
• Zip’s – Miskolc
• Avalon – Miskolc
• NOON – Balatonfüred
• GÓRÉ – Kisharsány
• Graefl Major Kétútköz – Poroszló
• Umo – Budapest
• Bobajka – Tarcal
• Botanica – Dánszentmiklós
• Csopaki Resti by Laurel – Csopak
• MoszkvaTéЯ Bisztró – Budapest
• Tati – Budapest
• White Salon – Budapest
• Zincenco Kitchen – Budapest
• FLAVA – Budapest
• Fricska 2.0 – Budapest
• Piac 42 – Esztergom
• Nobu Budapest – Budapest
• Costes Downtown – Budapest
• Onyx Mühely – Budapest
• St. Andrea – Budapest
• Textúra – Budapest
• Mák – Budapest
• Arany Kaviár – Budapest
• Víg Molnár Csárda – Csopak
• IKON – Debrecen
• LAMAREDA – Győr
• Kővirág -Köveskál
• Végállomás Bistro&Wine – Miskolc
• 67 Sigma – Székesfehérvár
• Sauska 48 – Villány
• Villa Kabala – Szigliget
• Stand25 Bisztró – Budapest
• FELIX Kitchen & More – Budapest
• Spago by Wolfgang Puck – Budapest

Special awards:

• Young Chef Award 2024: Lendvai Levente, Virtu – Budapest
• Opening of the Year Award 2024: Iszkor – Mályinka
• Service Award: Lisztes Ivett, N28 Wine and Kitchen – Budapest
• Sommelier Award: Székely Mátyás, 42 – Esztergom

Read also:

• PHOTOS: Hungarian luxury hotel featured in Michelin Guide list!
• New Michelin Guide: these are the best Hungarian restaurants

Featured image: depositphotos.com