We Love Budapest has profiles for literally thousands of the city's venues, with a short write-up and some photos, to make deciding where to go easier. We decided to check out which venues readers were most interested in, so here we compile a list of the 25 most searched cafés and restaurants in Budapest, based on the venue listing that readers viewed the most times in 2014.
2/24
Vintage Garden
Vintage Garden is located in District VII and looks like a design shop, but this cute place is actually a French bistro. The interior feels a bit like you're in Provence. White-wood finishes, flowers and quaint decorations dominate the 100-square-foot terrace and the interior as well. The menu is French, with a charming Francophone atmosphere to match.
3/24
Alexandra Bookcafe (Closed)
Sip your coffee or enjoy a cake with live piano music in the background at the grandiose Alexandra Café. Located on the grand the building functioned as a casino in the 19th century before housing the first real department store in Budapest. Now the café, part of the huge Alexandra bookstore, also known as the Lotz Hall, is open to anyone wanting to have a break in an absolutely luxurious room that is drenched in old-world splendour.
4/24
Kádár Étkezde (Closed)
Curious about the dishes Hungarian families ate in the 70s and 80s? Then visit Kádár Étkezde in Klauzál Square. The unbelievably simple and brilliant dishes cooked by Katika are served in a homely atmosphere. The floor and the tablecloths are chequered, the walls are adorned with old photographs, and the chicken broth is just perfect. Since the eatery is near the , there are kosher dishes along with all of the traditional meals found in typical Hungarian homes.
5/24
Most!
Most! is a basement bistro in offering fantastic lunch menus as well as breakfast and dinner. The interior is dominated by pictures, books, and wooden tables and chairs. They often host concerts and Most! is ideal for having a beer with friends while listening to some cool, unusual music. Prices are moderate, and the mood is always friendly. If you want to hang out and have a nice time, this is a great option!
6/24
Menza Restaurant & Cafe
Right near Menza is ideal for a lunch while sightseeing or a relaxed dinner, but be warned that it is often difficult to find a free table, so booking is a good idea. The service is fast and friendly, the milieu is that of a modern bistro, and the terrace is opened during summer. The traditional menu lists Hungarian and international dishes, the portions are large, and the daily lunch menu is reasonably priced. In the evening, it's a lovely spot for a cocktail.
7/24
Bordó Bisztró (Closed)
Bordó Bistro has a diverse breakfast, lunch and dinner menu and a special weekend brunch menu. There is a large wine selection as well. We also need to mention the interior because this is a large part of the appeal. The two storey space has huge glass windows. It had been a printing house and has a dark red floor, hence the name Bordó, which means burgundy. Update: Closed
8/24
400 Bar (Closed)
400 is a huge bar and terrace with modern interior design, a spacious feel and a trendy urban ambience. Nonetheless, it has also managed to preserve the underground traits that are typical of much of Pest's nightlife. The vibe is best characterised by the red and black stripes of the wall and the metal pipes winding around the ceiling. The prices are typical of the area, while the kitchen offers hearty meals with Serbian flavours. This is an ideal spot for a big night out and larger groups.
9/24
My Little Melbourne
The name of this intimate little café on Madách Square is a tribute to a trip to Melbourne. The team behind the small My Little Melbourne café wanted to bring the spirit of coffee and café-culture to Hungary. Their motto is 'life's too short for bad coffee'. In addition to the numerous java options, choose from various juices, salads, sandwiches, croissants and other refreshments.
10/24
2Spaghi - Ráday utca (Closed
Two guys from Milan with a real Italian mentality and zero Hungarian language skills run this pasta place called 2Spaghi. Their style astounds everyone: it's a little bit loud and chaotic but that makes the place all the more authentically Italian. Each day they make various types of fresh pasta (ravioli, bucatini, tagliatelle, fussili) in Gozsdu Udvar that you can take home or eat right on the spot.
11/24
Kino Cafe mozi
Enjoy refreshments, coffee specialities and alcoholic beverages along with home-style cakes and freshly prepared sandwiches at Kino. You can choose from various breakfast options in the mornings on weekdays and all-day-long on weekends. The café also provides numerous Hungarian and international papers and wifi for guests.
12/24
Csendes Vintage Bar & Café
Csendes is the favourite afternoon and early evening bar of many. The ruin pub-esque interior is cluttered with vintage knick-knacks, and it has a vibe unlike other venues in the area. The pieces of contemporary art and the second hand treasures covering the walls and the ceiling are partly what attracts artists, university students and young couples to Csendes. Each night it's filled with a fun crowd, who are sipping a glass of wine or warming up over a steaming tea (in huge, polka dot cups) sitting beneath century-old chandeliers.
13/24
Bors Gastrobar
Bors Gastrobar is a real curiosity in Budapest. They deserve an A+ for their special soup and sandwich combinations, made of carefully selected ingredients. The also offer a selection of vegetable stews and pasta creations. A few of the Bors specials include coconut-chilli pumpkin cream soup with roasted pumpkin seeds, and the French Lady baguette with rosemary red onion jam, spicy chicken breast and Emmental cheese. Next time you're hungry in Kazinczy Street, head to Bors!
14/24
SUGAR! shop - Millenáris (Closed)
SUGAR! shop has three locations: , Paulay Ede and Petőfi Street. The only thing better than the taste of their sweets is the way these sweets (and the stores) look. The effort put into the design of these creations is incredible. Fortunately, those with food sensitivity can also enjoy these pretty confectioneries with some lactose-free, gluten-free, and birch sugar versions as well. The store’s design is all the more impressive with giant lollipops, colourful wall paper and ice cream cone-shaped napkin holders. SUGAR! is like a sweets-themed wonderland. Enter at your own risk!
15/24
12bé - Experimental kitchen
12bé is the kind of place where you meet friends and friends-of-friends. 12bé is one of Budapest's popular 'apartment restaurants'. They advertise their upcoming dinners beforehand, each with a theme. The owner, Anna, is full of great ideas - her creativity is just amazing. She likes opposites, so a lot of the dinners have opposites within the given theme such as spicy vs. piquant or light vs. dark. Make sure you book in advance.
16/24
LEVES.
LEVES. which means 'soup' is a street food flagship in Budapest. Each day there are at least five different kinds of soup like coconut pumpkin soup, mint green pea soup, Catalan chicken soup or cold raspberry soup. LEVES. has baguettes, cookies and other delicious sweets as well.
17/24
The Donut Library - Újlipótváros (Closed)
The Donut Library in a nutshell: the ingredients are all natural, the service is professional and the flavours are dreamy. But it's not just donuts that you can enjoy here; with a spacious café you can come for a great coffee and stay for a longer break as well. Sitting in the comfy armchairs, you can also browse the books on the shelves, and if you fancy reading one simply leave a book in exchange and take the one you want home.
18/24
Blue Bird Café - Gozsdu
Blue Bird Café at specialises in a coffee brewing method rarely found in Budapest. Coffee beans from all around the world are roasted on spot and ground only a few metres from guests. It is up to you whether the ground beans are poured into a take-away bag for you to take home or brewed in the Italian coffee machine for you to drink on the spot. The coffee is exquisite and the cakes are to die for (or indeed to live for).
19/24
Spíler
Spíler in is a must-visit. There is a bar section, a courtyard and a restaurant. The music is great, the crowd is mixed, the prices are friendly. There is a solid menu and and a long drinks list. There is also Hungarian craft beer available. We'd also like to recommend their hamburgers, which are hearty and mouth-watering.
20/24
Funky Pho
Funky Pho is a super friendly, award winning Vietnamese street food restaurant. There is pho soup, summer rolls, grill salads, Hungarian craft beer and much more, all at very affordable prices. Vegetarian, gluten and lactose free dishes are also available. There isn't any MSG or any other artificial crap added here. Funky Pho was selected for the Street Food of the Year award in 2014 by the French restaurant guide Gault&Millau. It's also one of the first sustainable restaurants in Hungary.
21/24
Black Cab Burger
There are a couple of Black Cab Burger joints now in Budapest, all offering delicious burgers. In fact, Black Cab Burger is most certainly one of the most popular options for hamburgers. This is partly because you can make your own combination, so that your burger is exactly how you want it. Choose the size of the bun, the weight of the meat and what toppings you would like. If you get thirsty choose from draft and bottled English beers and ciders.
22/24
Andalgo Deli
Andalgo Deli is a tiny Spanish grocery store near the entrance of . Stepping inside, you leave Budapest behind and land right on the Iberian Peninsula. This place is filled with cerveza, sangría and jamón - that is Spanish beers, wines and hams. You’ll find many more Spanish products too: olive oil, spices, pates, cheeses, turrón, chocolates and Nocilla chocolate spread (the Iberian - and apparently more addictive - version of Nutella). Drop by Andalgo for a delicious sandwich, salad or coffee. And the sweetest news of all: there is churros too, freshly made on the spot, with hot chocolate sauce.
23/24
Kispiac Bisztró
Kispiac Bisztró is home to traditional Hungarian flavours, with everything from the jams, bread and pickled vegetables made in store. This place is ideal for a nice lunch or a dinner and you can also order takeaway. The ingredients are all fresh from local markets. It's the perfect place to try Hungarian specialities. While the bistro can only seat around 20 guests, if you can get a spot you'll be guaranteed a delicious meal, friendly service and a homely atmosphere.
24/24
Centrál Café
Founded in 1887, Centrál Café is among the oldest restaurants and cafés in Budapest. It represents tradition and history, but is not afraid of change and modern elements. Its beautiful, antique interior, the paintings, decoration, lights and elaborate wooden surfaces make it one-of-a-kind. The kitchen focuses mostly on Hungarian cuisine. It serves excellent desserts and fine coffee. You'll find Centrál in the heart of the city, close to the and the pedestrianised shopping streets. Take a step back in time to 19th century Budapest.
