Mikszáth tér is the eighth district's Mediterranean enclave. Despite the architectural differences, its narrow lanes and tiny plazas evoke small Italian towns. However, its abundance of cafés, pubs, and restaurants makes it a prime destination for al fresco dining from spring to autumn.
The heart of the eighth district is the Múzeum körút and the area stretching inward from Kálvin tér, encompassing the pedestrianized Baross Street, Szabó Ervin Library, Reviczky utca, Mikszáth tér, and the charming Lőrinc Pap tér. Thanks to its proximity to universities and the library, the area boasts numerous student-friendly eateries, alongside established favourites and innovative newcomers. See the best spots to explore this vibrant district.
Starting on Baross utca from Kálvin tér, you'll likely encounter a queue outside Smashy, a Gen Z and tourist favourite this year. Their simple yet delicious smash burgers are a hit, perfect for a picnic on Mikszáth tér or the Museum Garden. Next door, Budapest Bägel, a gastronomic pioneer, offers a range of sandwiches and specialty coffees. Alternatively, Kaffeine is a great option for coffee connoisseurs. This stretch of the street has undergone a culinary transformation, with Asian cuisine dominating the scene. From sushi to noodles and fried rice, there's an Asian option to suit every taste. While not gourmet, it's a convenient choice.
Across the street, find Premier Kultcafé, Europe's largest disability-friendly community and cultural space. This vibrant hub offers delicious sandwiches, salads, egg breakfasts, beer, and coffee. Next door, Benito Coffee serves similar delights, including specialty coffees for the discerning palate.
Fecske Presszó, a longstanding local institution, offers Hungarian and international fare, from salads to hot and cold sandwiches. While once a student haunt, it now caters to a broader clientele, though its lunch menuremains affordable. Upstairs, Főfotó, a contemporary exhibition space and analogue photography haven, provides a small menu of sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and syrups.
Ötpacsirta Street transports you to Latin America, while Arquitecto Pitpit offers authentic Spanish tapas and exceptional vermouths in one of the city's most enchanting courtyards. Reservations are essential, as even Johnny Depp was turned away during its opening.
Returning to Mikszáth Square, the former Zappa Café, now Tilos a Tilos, serves Hungarian, Italian, and tapas-inspired dishes. Its neighbour, Kis Fecske, offers a similar menu focusing on burgers, flatbreads, and snacks, alongside main courses. KisLumen, renowned for its excellent coffee, completes the trio with its own terrace and unique atmosphere.
Krúdy utca begins with Al Piatto, a newcomer offering canotto pizza and Rome's mini-fried pizza, the montanara. Next door, Tantuni House introduces you to Anatolian street food, specifically tantuni – spicy minced meat wrapped in flatbread, similar to gyros. For a taste of Hungary's smaller wineries, museum-quality wines, and light bites, Zengő Bár is the perfect spot.
Across the street, Mixát is a fusion of ruin bar and cultural space. Its eclectic menu spans from empanadas and spicy poppers to burgers, pastas, Tex-Mex quesadillas, pizzas, and desserts, complemented by a wine and beer selection.
Al Dente, next door, offers a genuine Italian experience with antipasti, pasta, gnocchi, main courses, pizza, and sweet treats.
To balance the Italian and burger offerings, Jaromír a Templomhoz introduces an Eastern European flair with exquisite Czech beers, sausages, and the distinctive hermelín cheese, adding a new dimension to the neighbourhood's culinary scene.
(Cover photo: Mudra László - We Love Budapest)
