Whether it's a wedding reception, a birthday party, a team-building event, a hen or stag do, a romantic proposal, or any kind of family or corporate event, choosing the perfect venue is never easy. Special occasions deserve the best venues, and we're here to help you find them. Check out seven venues in one of the capital's most beautiful areas, in the winding streets of Buda Castle and Hegyvidék, where the location itself guarantees an unforgettable experience.
The Castle District is home to great places such as Jamie Oliver's rustic yet casual Italian restaurant, the gourmet street food spot Baltazár, and the romantic Pierrot with its refined elegance. If you're looking for traditional flavours and a turn-of-the-century atmosphere, Pest-Buda Bistro and 21 Restaurant are great choices, and for a new-found classic, head to Fekete Holló Restaurant. Recently, the Spíler BierGarten reopened on Dísz tér, offering a twist on the authentic Bavarian beer garden vibes.
1. Casual Italian flair: Jamie Oliver's Italian Budapest
Jamie Oliver's first restaurant in Budapest is located in the historic Castle District of Buda. This dazzling Italian is the perfect choice for any event with its spacious and bright space, huge floor-to-ceiling windows, and a terrace overlooking the Matthias Church. Rustic and authentic Italian cuisine awaits, dreamed up by Jamie and his Italian mentor, Chef Gennaro Contaldo. Whether you're in a large group, a birthday party, or a wedding lunch, the delicious Mediterranean bites and the exciting atmosphere are just the beginning. The drinks and cocktails menu is also impressive, so there's something for everyone. If you're looking for a private event, the restaurant's separate room can seat up to 27 people and offers complete privacy. And if you're expecting more than that, you can hire the entire interior of the restaurant, which can accommodate up to 87 people.
More details here.
2.Cool vibes: Baltazár
Baltazár is hands down one of the coolest places in Buda Castle, where gourmet street food for share is the main focus, making it a real communal experience. One of the restaurant's specialities is the famous Spanish Josper grill, and the Catalan charcoal grill serves up some serious meat and vegetarian dishes that you won't find anywhere else. Whether it's a corporate or family event, team building, or birthday party, the Baltazár Grill restaurant offers a range of options to ensure your event goes off without a hitch. If you're looking for a smaller, more private event, Baltazár's back room can accommodate 30 people, but if you're looking for more, you can also book the whole restaurant, seating up to 60 comfortably. When the weather is nice, you can also take advantage of the cobblestone patio, which has a party atmosphere of its own and also seats 60. For any informal event, the terrace of the Baltazár Grill is sure to be the highlight of the event.
More details here.
3. Elegant and romantic: Pierrot Café & Restaurant
Pierrot is a casually elegant, sophisticated yet friendly restaurant, set in a beautiful, romantic setting within 13th-century walls, where classic Hungarian cuisine is served in a chic bourgeois atmosphere. Although Café Pierrot started as a café 40 years ago with a very limited menu, it has always kept pace with the latest innovations, and thanks to years of experience, today it maintains the highest quality standards – whether in terms of ingredients or kitchen technology. Pierrot's interior and garden are the perfect settings for a romantic wedding reception. The two interior rooms can seat 70 people and the garden alone accommodates 70. Exquisite cuisine, a wide selection of wines, and live piano music are available on request. The restaurant's elegance creates romantic vibes upon entry, making it the perfect venue for a wedding or proposal. The Pierrot is also the ideal venue for a VIP business lunch, dinner, or diplomatic event, but the wide selection of wines and live piano music invite you to wine & dine.
More details here.
4. Friendly and homely: Pest-Buda Bistro
An unbeatable restaurant for traditional Hungarian flavours, Pest-Buda Bistro in the Castle District aims to transport you to the world of Hungarian gastronomy. Pest-Buda Bistro strives to create a nostalgic atmosphere, presenting you with the dishes of Hungarian grandmothers – or at least as close as it gets. All of this is complemented by meticulously prepared meals. The family atmosphere of Pest-Buda, and the homely Hungarian flavours can be the perfect setting for an intimate event: a wedding anniversary or a family lunch or dinner. The restaurant includes two rooms and a beautiful terrace. The front room accommodates 30 and the back room seats 24. The terrace can host an additional 40 people. It is possible to hold a private event in the halls or the restaurant, guaranteeing privacy.
More details here.
5. The classic turn-of-the-century tavern: 21 Hungarian Kitchen
If you're looking for a veritable turn-of-the-century flair, head to 21 Restaurant, where traditional flavours take centre stage, yet the food effortlessly evokes old-fashioned Hungarian cuisine. For 15 years, the chefs have been using the best ingredients and new techniques to create the most delicious dishes. The restaurant offers excellent Hungarian cuisine, a wide selection of wines, and the special atmosphere of the Castle District. A local favourite, the restaurant is also the perfect venue for a wide range of events. The casual ambience, layout, and facilities of the restaurant are excellent for corporate parties, team-building events, wine tastings, small and large business meetings, conference dinners, and diplomatic meetings. The restaurant can seat up to 60 people inside, so larger groups are welcome, and if the weather is good, the terrace can accommodate up to 40 people. It can also be reserved for exclusive events to ensure a flawless occasion. The restaurant is closed for refurbishment until the end of March, but you can still book a place for your event until then.
More details here.
6. A recurring favourite: Fekete Holló Restaurant
The new Fekete Holló Restaurant, the renewed gem of the Buda Castle, offers delicious, casual dishes. Located in the historic quarter of Budapest, including the charming Országház utca, this traditional Hungarian restaurant is a real treasure with an authentic charm. Having first opened its doors in the 1930s, this long-standing restaurant remains a beloved fixture in the Castle District, even after a century has passed. While it now boasts a fresh concept and new culinary offerings, it continues to maintain its trademark-friendly ambience. If you're seeking a venue within Buda Castle that balances affordability with a simple and familiar atmosphere, Fekete Holló Restaurant is an excellent option. It is a great place for birthdays, family or company events, and friendly gatherings. The establishment comprises two rooms, available for exclusive rental, offering a solution for both small and large groups. One room comfortably accommodates 47 guests, while the other can seat 39, allowing for a total of 86 seated guests.
More details here.
7. Bavarian beer hall in a modern guise: Spíler BierGarten
Spíler BierGarten has recently reopened in Buda Castle, and not just anywhere – under 8 Dísz tér, you'll find Buda's renewed garden, where the atmosphere of Bavarian beer halls in a truly modern guise awaits those looking for a good time and a bite to eat. The menu offers home-style dishes, including breaded meat and vegetable stews, and of course, you'll find beer garden classics like sausages and pork leg, burgers, and pizzas, as well as craft beer and a wide selection of wine spritzer. If you're organising a relaxed get-together, whether it's a birthday party, a company event, a friendly gathering, or a family outing, Spíler BierGarten is a perfect choice. They welcome guests from 11 am to midnight every day, Monday through Sunday, ensuring a warm reception and, naturally, serving ice-cold, frothy beer.
More details here.
(Cover photo: Péter Kálló – We Love Budapest)
