A place to meet, chat, have breakfast – or just pop in for cake
Cziniel Budakeszi’s clear ambition is to become a key player in the community life of Budakeszi. It’s not just a café, but a community space, where local art exhibitions, concerts, and children’s programmes are hosted, and where collaborations with civil organisations provide opportunities for meaningful experiences. As Zoltán Kőrössy, one of the founders of Eventrend Group, shared:
One of our main driving forces is community building, which means a great deal to us. Whenever we’re thinking about a new venue, we always consider what added value it brings. We want it to be a meeting point for everyone – from grandparents to parents with young children to couples – because a confectionery can become a central space for different life situations and human connections.
Gábor Nagy, the other founder of Eventrend Group, added:
I grew up in a place where we spent time together – personal connection was part of our lives. The world has changed since then. What we want is to create meeting places that nurture these relationships. We believe in this, and that’s exactly what we want to realise here at Cziniel. A space where friendships, love stories, and family connections come alive.
A fantastic team worked together under the guidance of managing director and creative mind Andor Darvas to complete the venue in time for the start of summer break. The new owners first stepped through the gates of Gesztenyéskert in 2024 and rebuilt the space entirely from scratch. The interior design concept — just like at Gundel and Centrál — is the work of Ildikó Hergenrőder .
Multi-functional spaces in soft, friendly tones
Everyone can find their favourite spot at Cziniel Budakeszi — whether you’re here to work, for a meeting, a romantic date, a family get-together, or just stopping by for a few pastries. The cosy winter garden with a fireplace and the shaded garden terrace are equally inviting.
The lower floor houses a spacious service counter, while upstairs on the gallery level , you’ll find soft tones, comfy armchairs, and a children’s corner .
Outside, the shady garden terrace offers 100 seats, complemented by a separate ice cream terrace , children’s activities , and live music . In July, expect things like a reptile show and marzipan-making sessions for the little ones.
Cziniel is not just a confectionery but a social hub — not only for locals but also for visitors from Budapest. The aim is to preserve and elevate the legacy of this once-iconic venue.
From brunch and hearty café fare to family-style weekend lunches
The menu features classic breakfasts , creative brunch dishes, light salads, hearty warm meals, homemade ice creams, more than 60 types of cakes, and specialty coffees – catering to all moods and times of day. Whether you’re after a time-tested classic, an exciting new dish, or something to mark a special occasion, you’ll find it here — all made with quality ingredients and attention to detail.
The breakfast menu includes classics like scrambled eggs, filled French toast, Viennese sausages, ham and eggs, and a Mediterranean croissant. One of our favourites was the spicy, juicy shakshuka served with crispy vegetables and poached eggs. There are also three versions of Eggs Benedict (ham, salmon, and goat cheese) — we tried the goat cheese one.
For those craving a lighter, sweeter breakfast, there are also homemade granolas with berries or mango, served with fresh yoghurt.
The tabbouleh is a refreshingly healthy option with quinoa, bulgur, fresh vegetables, and a cooling mint–parsley–lime combo. And the reinvented layered savoy cabbage dish, with spicy sausage crumbs, brings a delicious twist on a Hungarian favourite.
The café menu also includes fresh salads, grilled goat cheese, and on weekends, traditional Hungarian lunches like rich guinea fowl soup and breaded pork chops, served in portions for 2 or 4 — bringing those nostalgic homemade flavours to a restaurant setting.
The dessert selection includes classic Dobos cake, the popular Cziniel slice, light cheesecakes, and even gluten-free, sugar-free, paleo, and vegan options. As for coffee, the menu ranges from iced options to classic espresso, but don’t miss the raspberry cream coffee or the sugar-free lemonades. Whole cakes can be pre-ordered in 10- or 16-slice sizes, and there are always a few full cakes in the display case, along with plenty of sweet and savoury bite-sized options.
A perfect stop before or after a walk
Cziniel Budakeszi is easily accessible both by car and public transport — the 22 and 22A buses stop right at the entrance, and Budapest transport tickets and passes are valid up to this point. Just a short walk away you’ll find the Szilfa clearing and Budakeszi Wildlife Park, among other lovely trails. Whether before or after a hike, it’s always worth stopping in for a tasty coffee and cake, or even a more filling breakfast or lunch. There’s even a Cziniel app, which makes the experience even more personal — offering exclusive deals, discounts, and pre-order options.
Behind Cziniel Budakeszi stands the Eventrend Group, who expanded to Budakeszi following the success of Cziniel Római. The group bought the old Nagyvendéglő building and renovated it from top to bottom. With over three decades of experience in running cafés, restaurants, hotels, and events, the group currently oversees 31 projects and employs around 1,000 people. Their portfolio includes more than 20 culinary brands, such as Gundel Restaurant, New York Café, Városliget Café & Restaurant, Spoon the Boat, Főőrség Café, Séf Asztala, Symbol, Groupama Arena, and catering services at Müpa Budapest. They also manage 79 unique event spaces across 24 Budapest venues.
(Cover photo: Zsuzsi Forgács)
Contact details:
Cziniel Budakeszi
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