Summer came early, along with the desire for a cooling scoop – or two. If you are on the hunt for some rich and delicious gelato (or 'fagyi' as Hungarians call it) in the city, here is where to go.
1. Cioccolatte Ice Cream Shop
You know real spring is here when Cioccolatte on Pozsonyi út swings its door open. Take a stroll down this lively street in Újlipótváros and treat yourself to award-winning Italian gelato – whether it's basic chocolate or a fantasy-filled creation you're craving. And if you only try one flavour, go for the pistachio. If you prefer the other side of the river, they've got a spot near Kopaszi-gát too.
Price: HUF 600-650 / scoop
More details here.
2. Kő fagyi? on Bartók Béla út
Kő fagyi? is the question you can only answer with a firm yes: 'Fancy an ice cream?'. Nestled on artsy Bartók Béla út in Újbuda, the ice cream parlour journeyed from the Highlands of Lake Balaton to Budapest – and we couldn't be happier. Their scoops are the real deal: rich and spot on, crafted solely from natural ingredients. With flavours like coconut, cashew, mango, and pumpkin seed oil-infused cream, it's no wonder queues stretch around the block.
Price: HUF 600 / scoop
More details here.
3. Mikrokosmos
Down the road on Bartók Béla út, lies another ice cream haven: Mikrokosmos. Freshly reopened last Thursday, they serve up a selection of classics, but if we were you, we'd definitely go for something extra. Our personal favourite is the cheesecake flavour, and if you're lucky, their 'Sorrento walnuts with fresh figs' ice cream is also making a comeback. There is also a decent variety of lactose-free and sugar-free options. Oh, and here's a sweet bonus: if you bring along your furry friend, you can get them a chilly treat too!
Price: HUF 600 / scoop
More details here.
4. Gelateria Erdei
Steps away from the Opera House, a quaint ice cream shop awaits those craving delicious gelatos with no artificial ingredients. At Gelateria Erdei, you can experiment with Hungarian desserts reimagined as scoops of ice cream. Try the túrógombóc (cottage cheese dumplings), mákos guba (a sweet poppy seed-based bread dessert), or madártej (floating island).
Price: HUF 440–880 / scoop
More details here.
5. Csöpi Fagyi
Csöpi ice cream shop is a tiny spot on the Buda side, not far from Margaret Bridge and Széllkapu Park. With a minimalistic design, the spotlight is entirely on the gelatos, offering 10-12 varieties a day. However, the rotation is quick, so there's always something new to discover. Made with premium ingredients, each scoop promises authentic flavours, ranging from classic vanilla to pecan nuts. And if you spot sugar-free mango at the counter, don't hesitate – it's a must-try!
Price: HUF 600–650 / scoop
More details here.
