With shutdown now upon us once more, compounded by a curfew at 8pm, Budapest restaurants have reverted to home-delivery mode as so successfully run last spring. To save you hours preparing food in the kitchen, we’ve picked out the most interesting 11 menus on offer so far – all you need do is pick up the phone.
1/11
Biarritz
Biarritz is a popular and long-standing
restaurant next to Parliament. They combine Hungarian tradition with modern elements,
plus a little French chic. Takeaway and home delivery can both be
requested, and their virtual menu is loaded with mouth-watering options that
change frequently. In the spirit of St Martin’s Day, goose dishes
play an important role in their current selection, from goose jelly to roasted
goose leg and matzo balls.
2/11
Börze
You shouldn’t
fail to invest in Börze (‘Stock Exchange’), even if the dishes are not brought
to your table, but to the adjoining store. They haven’t yet started home
delivery, but if you place the order over the phone, you can pick up lunch
15 minutes later – right after a walk into the city centre. There is a lunch
menu on weekdays and you can also choose from the main menu.
3/11
Felix
Known
for its global and Hungarian cuisine, as well as the best golden dumplings in
town, the dishes at the Felix Kitchen & Bar are perfect after a hearty walk, either
for Hungarian – catfish paprikash or Wiener Schnitzel – or global, shrimp pasta
or nasi goreng. In addition to the main dishes, you can find lighter grilled
dishes as well as creative salads on the menu, and whatever you order, it will
be made from excellent ingredients. Don’t skimp on the dessert section – what
could be a more suitable for an autumnal lunchtime than soft golden dumplings
with a silky sauce? Selected dishes can be ordered through Wolt,
but Felix has also started its own delivery, and you can find details on their
Facebook page.
4/11
Jardinette
When able to accommodate guests, Jardinette Is one of those peaceful and shady garden restaurants typical of Buda, with a menu appealing to well-to-do local residents. Now that it’s goose days, in addition to meat broth, breaded meat and pottage, they also make goose delicacies, from soup to roast to matzo balls, and you can even order a family portion of four from the Buda classic selection. A special confectioner takes care of the desserts, so it’s worth checking out the current cake offer. You can order directly by phone or through Wolt.
5/11
Mátka étterem (Closed)
This light, Hungarian-centric
restaurant located downtown comes with hearty recommendations. If you want
something traditional, yet modern, Mátka is the place to go, with a full menu
of Hungarian dishes garnished with a special international twist. Mátka also
offers home delivery through its own website.
6/11
Rétisas
This schnitzel heaven in south Buda
will not let its regulars down during this crisis, either. Here, takeaway is
always an option, but they also deliver food to Districts XI and XXII, as well
as to Budaörs. They have plenty of traditional Hungarian delicacies, some of
which – like the speciality of the house, mátrai
borzaska, pork chops in grated potatoes – are large enough to last you several
days at a time.
7/11
Robinson
Found by the lake in City Park, romantic Robinson has been a local favourite for 30 years
– in the time of lockdown. we can enjoy their dishes at home. With one or two
exceptions, Hungarian flavours dominate their menu, such as goulash, Hortobágy
pancake and slow-baked beef shoulder. For St Martin’s Day, they are
currently offering fine goose-based delicacies, too. The ordered meals can be
picked up in person or delivered at an additional cost.
8/11
Rosenstein
While everyone appreciates
the home-delivery service offered during lockdown, the kind reception received
when sitting down for a meal here makes you thoroughly regret that you can’t
enjoy the experience today. But you should take what you can get. Right now, a
special Facebook page has been set up to communicate their delivery selection,
and they bring out the chosen food themselves. In addition to the daily offer, you
can find most Rosenstein classics – such as fish soup, roast goose leg and
game.
9/11
Stand25
Head to Attila utca to taste
the delicious dishes offered by Stand25 Bistro. We mean that literally –
there’s no delivery option, so you have to get there by your own steam, but the
trek is worth the end product, and it’s a nice excuse to leave the house.
Takeaway dishes can be requested to be hot or cold, in which case you can do
the final touches of preparation at home, guaranteeing a fresh experience. On
the menu, you find real comfort foods – such as the best potato casserole in
town – as well as other homemade treats.
10/11
Szaletly
Szaletly opened in the summer of 2020
in place of the former Thököly Restaurant. Although at the moment you can’t
lounge in the restaurant’s comfortable garden area – it’s slowly becoming too
cold to be able to do that anyway – you can still enjoy their delicious, homely
flavours. Those nearby can come and pick up their food directly after placing a
phone order, but Wolt also deliver the goods to costumers further away. As
committed environmentalists, the staff only uses minimal packaging, all of
which is made of biodegradable materials.
11/11
Szépilona
The newly-redesigned
Szépilona Bistro is a real treat for Buda residents, since they only offer lunch and dinner
delivery to Districts I, II and XII. A special exception was made for the
writers here at WeLoveBudapest, and we were lucky enough to receive a meal
directly from the chef, Roland Takács. On the menu, you find a mix of classic
and more modern dishes, as well as a special weekend offer of Tafelspitz. Think boiled veal or beef in
broth, served with a mix of minced apples and horseradish.
