Top 5 Restaurants to visit in Budapest – Traveller’s Guide

While the Hungarians have not abandoned their traditional roots of its 1000 years old goulash soup, new ingredients and cuisines have entered the culinary mainstream. Although the traditional Hungarian cuisines reflect the ethnic and regional influences of the country, other international cuisines have won the hearts of millions of Hungarians around the country, especially Budapest. From updated takes on classics to entirely new cultural cuisines, we have listed some of the best, rib-sticking restaurants of Budapest. Don’t miss them out if you are looking for a savoury gastronomical roller coaster adventure!

Gundel

Location: 1146 Budapest, Gundel Károly út 4, Hungary

Károly Gundel has redefined the entire Hungarian cuisine with a different take on the traditional direction.

With an in-depth history of the Hungarian cuisines and compiling different recipes from the Carpathian basin, Gundel has enchanted thousands of food lovers with its sophisticated, century-old dishes. Besides its impeccable standards of service from its staff and high customer satisfaction rate, the traditional atmosphere is blended with international and Hungarian approach.

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With its handpicked wine collection and famous paintings from renowned Hungarian artists, this restaurant has cemented its legacy as one of the leading restaurants of the country.

Tropicana

Location: Budapest, Vigadó u. 2, 1051 Hungary

Ever seen charming professional dealers in suits playing casino games? If not, check out live dealers in casino sites like Monster Casino. That is the same atmosphere that the Tropicana restaurant offers you with! If you are a fan of casino culture, then, this is the go-to place for you! Besides spending your time at the gaming floor (which is bigger than the Las Vegas counterpart), the Tropicana hosts a Bamboo bar that serves delicious snacks and cocktails. Tired of playing the classic traditional games? Head over to the restaurant section to avail delicious food & great live music entertainments. From Contemporary Fresh Seafood, Pre-Colombian Aztec Soup to imported steaks (internationally), the menu is infused with different global cuisine to nudge your inner desires. With exceptional quality service and a remarkable Mexican Colonial Hacienda-style atmosphere, this is the ideal place to hang out if you are simultaneously looking for entertainment as well as an unforgettable dine out.

Onyx Restaurant

Location: Budapest, Vörösmarty tér 7, 1051 Hungary

If you are looking for a gastronomic adventure with Hungarian cuisine and international flavours, then the Onyx restaurant is the best bet for you in the country!

This Hungarian restaurant is known for its exceptional emphasis on the country’s wine selection and domestic quality products. The restaurant opened in March 2007 and easily became one of the top visited restaurants in the country with its top-notch services.

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Besides, the restaurant won two Michelin star in 2018 which is the first in Central Eastern Europe, thanks to their progressive attitude and respect for traditions. Chef Ádám Mészáros is the mastermind behind its popularity. To cater to international visitors, the restaurant also has a ‘BEYOND OUR BORDERS’ menu. It is positioned near Vörösmarty Square. This is a must visit for every food lover!

Taj Mahal

Location: Budapest, Szondi u. 40, 1067 Hungary

Love Indian cuisine? From soups, tandoori specialities, chicken dishes, fish & prawn, lamb dishes to Indian bread, salads & yoghurts, Indian drinks and South Indian dishes, you can virtually get anything with respect to India here at Taj Mahal Restaurant. Considered as one of the top restaurants in Budapest, this is the perfect place to pamper your taste buds to the maximum.

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With elegant Asian art and wood decor and carvings, this place will definitely satisfy your inner authentic food-loving soul. The restaurant boasts of an unrivalled reputation, thanks to its traditional recipes and market fresh ingredients. The friendly and informed service staff will guide you properly through the menu offerings and compliment you with the perfect drink if you are new to Indian cuisine. The mouth-watering new delicacies and an irresistible selection of Indian flavours make this an apt contender for the top spot in the best restaurants of Budapest.

Costes Restaurant

Location: Budapest, Ráday u. 4, 1092 Hungary

In the summer of 2008, the Costes restaurant was opened. It received the first ever Michelin star in Hungary and has maintained that ever since then.

It was ranked 14th best in Europe and 25th best restaurant in the world by Tripadvisor in 2014. The restaurant has managed to keep up the high self-esteem with its no-compromise food quality, exceptional services and finest dishes of Hungarian cuisine. Before opening the restaurant, the owners scoured entire Europe to find the best food suppliers of the continent and trained its staffs rigorously. Head chef Eszter Palágyi took over in 2015 and transformed the pace into an elegant and stylish accommodation. The restaurant offers a relaxing atmosphere which does not include any dress code. Gault & Millau ranked the restaurant as the best Restaurant of Hungary and was regarded Restaurant of the Year by the Dining Guide. With friendly and flawless service and proper guest satisfaction, it is the number 1 go-to place if you are in Budapest for a food adventure.