Ten Hungarian restaurants received Michelin stars at the prestigious French guide’s award ceremony in Budapest on Thursday evening — a record-breaking moment for Hungarian gastronomy.
Michelin stars awarded to Hungarian restaurants
Hungary’s culinary elite held strong this year: Platán in Tata and Stand in Budapest successfully retained their two-star ratings, while eight other establishments were newly awarded one Michelin star.
Anikó Túri, Administrative State Secretary at the Ministry of National Economy, highlighted at the event that Hungarian tourism has reached a historic high. “Last year we welcomed more guests than ever before, and the growth of domestic tourism was three times the EU average,” she said.
Representatives of the two Michelin-starred restaurants: István Pesti, chef at Platán in Tata, and (left) Tamás Szél and Szabina Szulló, chefs at Stand Budapest. Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán
Tourism keeps gaining momentum
“The momentum continues this year as well: the number of guest nights, accommodation income and restaurant revenue have been increasing month by month. This proves that tourism is one of the key driving forces of the economy,” Túri added.
“Both international and Hungarian visitors are now seeking authentic experiences — a dinner they’ll remember for a lifetime, or a flavour that reflects the treasures of Hungary’s land, the dedication of our experts, and their spirit of innovation. The Michelin Guide gives international recognition to these exceptional experiences,” she said.
Gastronomy as a global language
According to Olivér Csendes, Director of Visit Hungary, gastronomy today goes far beyond culinary pleasure. “It’s a shared, international language connecting people and cultures. More and more travellers set out specifically to taste the true character of a country,” he explained.
Around 20% of travellers choose destinations for gastronomic experiences, and more than half of premium travellers book their chosen restaurants in advance.
Norbert Varga (Stand, Budapest), winner of the Best Sommelier Award, alongside Péter Molnár, President of Tokaji Borrégió. Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán
“Discovering local ingredients and flavours has become one of the strongest motivations for travel — and Hungary excels in this,” Csendes added. He pointed out that these achievements are built on dedication, creativity and hard work. Michelin’s evaluations are based on the quality of ingredients, technical skill, the chef’s personality as reflected in the food, and the harmony of flavours.
The 2025 Michelin Stars
This year, one Michelin star was awarded to:
42 (Esztergom)
BABEL (Budapest)
Borkonyha Winekitchen (Budapest)
Costes (Budapest)
Essencia (Budapest)
Pajta (Őriszentpéter)
Rumour (Budapest)
Salt (Budapest)
The Michelin Green Star for sustainability went to Pajta in Őriszentpéter, while the Opening of the Year award was given to Máté Gerák’s restaurant Padi in Rátka, which also made it into the Selected Restaurants list.
UMO Budapest won the Best Service award. The Best Young Chef title went to Dávid Pallag (Rutin, Budaörs), and Best Sommelier was awarded to Norbert Varga (Stand, Budapest).
Additionally, the Bib Gourmand recommendation — honouring great value for money — was given to Cabrio (Budapest) and 94’ Konyha & Bar (Budapest).
Altogether, Hungary now boasts two two-star restaurants, eight one-star restaurants, six Green Star restaurants, thirteen Bib Gourmand winners, and 55 Michelin-recommended venues — marking an extraordinary milestone for the country’s culinary scene.
