2024 is moving fast! With the first third nearly over, we've compiled a guide to the exciting new restaurants and cafes that have debuted in Budapest this year.
Restaurants, bistros
The economic climate might slow down bigger restaurant openings this year, but there are still some exciting exceptions! First up, a perfect fit for those cold January days: 101neo. This spot took over the former Ramenka location, offering comfort food in a sleek black interior. Their signature hot soups are incredibly hearty and perfect for any weather.
Another January favourite is Goli, bringing delicious interpretations of Middle Eastern cuisine to Budapest. While they do offer some meat dishes, the focus is on beautifully prepared vegetarian options. Plus, they're rumoured to have the best labneh in town – even if it comes at a bit of a premium.
Átszálló, a local favourite near Szentlélek tér expanded its menu in 2024, adding pizzas, pastas, and burgers to their already popular pastries and sandwiches.
Meat Boutique has been closed for a few years, but this revamped bistro now offers a complete menu makeover, featuring Balkan-inspired dishes alongside a well-stocked deli counter featuring cheese, olives, and sandwiches, among other things.
The former bus station site at Széll Kálmán tér has been reborn as LuLu, an all-day brunch haven with overnight oatmeal, smoothie bowls, and more.
Master Wang's newest Biang Bisztró location at Astoria boasts a unique signature dish called Chinese spaghetti with tangy spring onion and soy sauce.
Scusi Focacceria behind the National Museum has also opened a new unit at Arany János utca, treating guests to breakfast options and casseroles alongside the classic focaccia selections.
Craving something unique? Falk Miksa utca just welcomed 94' konyha & Bar, a new restaurant serving up a delicious fusion of Far Eastern flavours. For an even more adventurous experience, check out Yuru, where Japanese and Nordic influences collide in a speakeasy setting.
Bartók Béla út's newest gem, Nicaragua, takes you on a Central American adventure. Start your day with brunch, indulge in sweet treats and coffee at the afternoon cafe, then wind down with delicious snacks and drinks at their lively bar. Just 10 minutes away, the Amore di Napoli team brings their magic touch to Amore – Pasta e basta. Get ready for authentic Italian pastas, delectable breakfasts, and heavenly desserts.
Street food
The Budapest street food scene is hotter than ever, with new vendors popping up all over town! From classic favourites to exciting twists, there's something for everyone. Craving delicious, affordable Neapolitan pizza? Look no further than Passata 2.0, the new Váci utca outpost of the Szentendre favourite.
Get ready to smash your burger cravings at Smashy, the new Baross utca hotspot. Their mouth-watering smashburgers won't break the bank at HUF 5,000, for which you can literally sample the whole menu, but be prepared to join the queue – the hype is real! Forget fancy or fleeting trends – Quentin's Burger dives into classic, over-the-top burgers with a Tarantino twist. The focus here is on more classic fantasy burgers, tuned up with lots of toppings. Meanwhile, The Burger Project is winning the smash burger battle, with a knockout punch of creative toppings on each creation.
Neapolitan pizza fans rejoice! Salve opens a new location in the Kopaszi Dam area, while you can sample MANU+'s delicious pizzas at their new spot on Vámház körút.
Strand Lángos & Bistro, a favourite at Lake Balaton, brings gourmet lángos (Hungarian fried flatbread) and elevated beach classics to Hűvösvölgy. Meanwhile, Vas utca welcomes Nokedlish, transforming the popular Hungarian side dish nokedli (small egg noodles, also known as Spätzle) into a filling and affordable street food with international twists. Need a quick fix? Minden Rántva & Szósz in Lágymányos offers a variety of fried delights, perfect for on-the-go or complementing home meals.
Finally, Léműhely, the cold-pressed juice powerhouse, finds a new home at the Fény utca Market.
Pastry shops, cafés, bakeries
Budapest is becoming a haven for bread lovers! The first few months of 2024 have seen exciting bakery debuts. Déryné opened a unit at the beginning of the year, so now you can grab their delicious sourdough bread and pastries right next to their brilliant bistro. VAJ isn't sitting still either - they've opened a spacious new store in the heart of the city on Sas utca. Läget, a haven for Scandinavian treats and home to the city's best cinnamon rolls, and David's Kitchen offering pastries with a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern twist have also just opened, while Pékanyu relocated to a bigger and better space, much to the delight of Diósd residents!
Need a caffeine fix? Insula Café on Deák tér offers a slow-coffee experience perfect for savouring your drink. If you're looking for a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, Rojt és Bojt's new location in the 1st district around the Buda Castle is the place to be. They even have delicious home-style bites to pair with your coffee. In a hurry? Flatty Coffee on Vámház körút has you covered with their convenient grab-and-go option: complex coffees and sweet treats!
Craving a taste of Russia? Cake & More by Garannikova is your new go-to! Sample authentic Russian breakfasts, caviar blinis (Eastern European pancake), savoury pirogs (baked dough), steaming teas brewed in samovars, and a delightful selection of traditional and modern pastries.
With warmer weather approaching, ice cream season is upon us! Bruno, the beloved ice cream parlour from Kolosy tér, has opened a new location in the artistic Újlipótváros district. Indulge in their delicious ice cream flavours, and from May, they also serve refreshing granita!
(Cover photo: Forgács Zsuzsi - We Love Budapest)
