The “napi menü” is a Budapest lunchtime institution – every weekday, many of the city’s restaurants offer two- or three-course midday meals for a fixed price, which is often less than 1,200 forints (under four euros). Of course, the quality of these lunch specials varies greatly from place to place… but at the following three Budapest eateries, guests can count on having a memorably delicious meal every time – and while their “napi menü” prices may be a little higher than what you’ll find at average restaurants, the excellent dining experiences they offer are definitely worth the extra cost.
Inside this homey bistro that prides itself on using high-caliber ingredients to prepare hearty meals with Middle Eastern influences, lunch patrons can sit back in antique upholstered chairs while savoring flavorful lunch specials that focus on utilizing fresh seasonal foodstuffs. These days, the Babka “napi menü” options begin with soups like chicken fricassee, kohlrabi, and pork ragout, followed by main courses such as lamb stew with cumin-flavored potatoes, cholent with stuffed goose neck, or zesty chicken fajitas, and lunches here conclude with tempting desserts including tiramisu, sponge-cake roulade with wine foam, and Hungary’s own “flódni” layer cake.
Price: Two courses – 1,800 HUF, three courses – 2,300 HUF
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This stylish cellar restaurant is one of Budapest’s very best dining destinations for its friendly atmosphere combined with undying dedication to creating top-quality cuisine. While recently enjoying a “napi menü” there – which always presents multiple choices for each course every day – we enjoyed the bustling scene of laughing locals savoring every bite from the artfully arranged plates brought by waiters singing along to the sound system’s disco tunes. After being served freshly baked bread, our meal began with spinach-and-ewe-cheese quiche enhanced with dabs of hollandaise foam, followed by a luscious lamb stew with the extraordinarily tender meat from Hungary’s Őrség region served on the bone, and complemented perfectly with light paprika sauce and homemade gnocchi. Finally, we delighted in every last crumb of Fricska’s dessert of crispy upside-down apple pie with rich vanilla ice cream.
Price: Two courses – 2,250 HUF, three courses – 2,450 HUF More details
