December 25 is a restful holiday for most people in Hungary, so we are especially grateful for Budapest’s dedicated food-service workers who are reporting for duty that day so that we can forget about cooking and dine out instead. Here are some diverse restaurants that will open their doors for Noel noshing, at all price ranges – but no matter where you go, don’t forget to tip generously!
2/4
Fine Dining
Brasserie and Atrium: During the most wonderful time of the year, sparkling decorations adorn the glass-roofed courtyard here at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest. In addition to a Christmas brunch served between noon and 4pm, a special Christmas Day buffet dinner begins at 6pm featuring an Angus-beef carving station and Hungarian holiday delicacies.
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace: A trio of extraordinary Christmas feasts will be served amid this fairy-tale Art Nouveau landmark – a buffet breakfast lasts from 6:30am to 11am, followed by a brunch from 11am to 3pm, before a Festive Dinner is offered between 6pm and 10pm (including courses like halibut fillet or Iberico pork with sweet potatoes).
Gundel: Budapest’s most historic eatery stays open on Christmas Day to serve a special lunch menu between noon and 3pm, featuring cold goose liver with truffle oil served on cranberry toast and fish soup with homemade vermicelli. From 7pm to 11pm, the Christmas dinner menu includes smoked river catfish and venison fillet with orange-Merlot sauce.
3/4
Mid-range Dining
Evidens Bistro: Savor classic dishes of Hungarian cuisine prepared with modern flair at this popular dining destination in downtown Pest, just steps away from the Basilica. The entire menu is available during the restaurant’s normal opening hours between 11am and midnight on Christmas Day, including traditional fish soup (a local Yuletide staple).
Mátyás Pince: With roots dating back 110 years, this recently renovated restaurant near the Danube waterfront is open on Christmas Day from 11am to midnight, serving the full selection of Magyar delicacies – such as classic veal goulash with túró-cheese noodles and paprika chicken with galuska dumplings – while live music entertains evening guests.
Sir Lancelot: Celebrate Christmas Day by traveling back in time to dine amid an atmosphere of Europe’s medieval era at this endearingly kitschy theme restaurant. Between noon and 1am, guests are welcome to choose among the usual selection of meaty platters served without forks, while sword fighters and damsels in distress provide live entertainment.
