Whether it’s a classic Hungarian cocoa swirl, a bowl of healthy granola or a full English, here’s where to find the best start to the day around Budapest.
1/36
À la Maison
This French-style bistro on downtown Nádor utca started off as a family business, and dedicates the entire day to having breakfast. You can find a particularly wide variety of egg-based dishes here, as well as special varieties of Eggs Benedict, plenty of full breakfast meals and lots of international options. Having reopened after the quarantine later in June, they’re offering full-day brunch sessions on Szervita tér again.
WLB tip: Los Angeles breakfast
2/36
À TABLE! AKÁCFA UTCA
A slow start to the day can be enjoyed French-style at À Table! Akácfa utca, essentially invented for a leisurely breakfasts. The traditional interior of the typical à table! bakery can be found at this sit-down venue as well – there is no flirty Parisian furniture or overthought design, but rather the bistro feel of Normandy or Brittany, with a wooden floor and wall-mounted kitchen accessories, surrounded by posters alluding to France. Classic French pastries line the counter, with cheese and ham croissants to be found as well.
The portions are different from those normally associated with Paris, to make sure that no one leaves hungry. The hot breakfast dishes are based on different versions of croques and eggs. The croque madame could be a well-rounded lunch as well, coming with three slices of toasted brioche, filled with Italian cooked ham, béchamel sauce and Emmental cheese, topped off with fried eggs and with a side of salad and cherry tomatoes. The Eggs Benedict is doubly hearty, while the hot and cold sandwiches indicated on the menu as tartines are tasty and filling as well. There’s great coffee, tea and orange juice to go with the breakfast, while those who need something sweet to finish off will be delighted to find the desserts of the former chef of the Four Seasons Gresham Palace.
WLB tip: croque madame
3/36
Anyám szerint
This lovely place on Wesselényi utca is perfect for those who love an enormous breakfast, with plenty of options to choose from. The menu offers a diverse set of pastries, as well as egg-based dishes, French toasts, American pancakes, English breakfasts, mueslis, smoothie bowls, toasts and sandwiches. You can ask for one of the abundant breakfast platters throughout the day, and those who feel brave enough can follow them up with one of the yummy homemade cakes found here.
WLB tip: Danish cinnamon rolls, American pancakes
4/36
Börze
Opening at 7.30am and closing at midnight, Börze (‘Stock Exchange’) is a café, deli, brunch venue and restaurant all under one roof. Although we like spending time here at any time of the day, our favourite is breakfast at one of the marble tables. The Fölséges reggeli, aka the Hungarian savoury platter, comes with a variety of cold cuts and a glass of champagne, kicking off any morning just right. The chef’s offers range from smoothie bowls to hummus zaatar and pan-fried Hungarian chorizo with spinach, eggs and fermented cabbage.
WLB tip: Fölséges reggeli, banana-coconut milk and peanut butter-cocoa smoothies, omelettes
5/36
Budapest Baristas
The venue-lined Kiskörút is one of the most exciting 1.5 kilometres of Budapest, featuring Budapest Baristas along with various other excellent locales. Here, visitors may find carefully prepared matcha lattes, as well as classic expressos. Breakfast can be ordered between 8am and 2pm, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll try one of their fruity meals, which are not only Insta-worthy, but truly satisfying as well. Fruit and bacon are at the heart of the venue, both of which can be used to complement their American pancakes. You’ll really enjoy the sweet-potato toasts, the results of tons of experimentation, and are not that easy to come by anywhere else. There is a great egg and bagel selection as well, and the breakfast menus come at a discount for students.
WLB tip: BuBa’s favourite sweet-potato toast, granola with Greek yoghurt and fruits, any pancakes
6/36
Cafe Brunch Budapest
Set on a lovely street corner between the Opera House and the Basilica, Café Brunch Budapest has a large variety of breakfast options, available all the way up to 3pm. The philosophy that breakfast is the most important meal of the day is taken rather seriously here, with all of the options coming in large quantities, including the Hungarian-style omelettes, the salmon-and-avocado sandwiches and the fruit-topped, plant milk-filled porridge. Thanks to the picture windows, the interior is pleasantly lit and you can take in the bustle of the square while enjoying your smoothie, granola yoghurt or coffee. In fine weather, their cosy terrace opens up, ideal for lazy summer afternoons.
WLB tip: Eggs Florentine
7/36
Cereal Beast
The mecca of colourful, crispy, crunchy and milky cereals and muesli, Cereal Beast is a true gem. Despite not being the healthiest option, we recommended it for its creative and fun qualities, and endless variety. Many of their products are not available at local stores, so you can explore a whole new range of flavours that you might never come across otherwise. Customers will also find completely sugar-free and vegan options on the menu.
WLB tip: personal compilations
8/36
Cirkusz Kávéház
The gastronomic scene at Dob utca was much less condensed in 2014 than it is today. When Cirkusz arrived, it conquered the hearts of those looking for a nice place to eat in the morning, and remains a revered breakfast venue today as well. They roast their own coffee, Bagira, the baristas and machinery world-class, but the place is still constantly evolving. They prepare some of the most beautiful latte art for their guests, which can make even the greyest of Monday mornings just that little bit more special. The brunch options include dishes such as the Eggs Royale, which are made up of a poached egg served with salmon and spinach, as well as the Pulled Pork Benedict, which is exactly as you’d imagine. You can further enhance the experience with Prosecco, Bloody Mary and Mimosa cocktails.
WLB tip: Eggs Royale, regenerating breakfast
9/36
Coyote Coffee & Deli
Coyote Coffee & Deli has delighted us with excellent quality dishes, coffees and breakfasts for over ten years. The place is hard to miss when walking by, as it exudes the scent of freshly brewed, flavoursome coffee: their own blend, Alt Wien, arrives from a Viennese roaster, but they have their own one for creating new, specialty coffees as well. Seasonal ingredients determine the selection – homemade bagels, cheesecake, granola, salads, vegan pastries and allergen-free options are also widely available. The terrace can be enjoyed from the morning until the evening, open until 9pm. The locale was recently reimagined with a bit more of a southern touch, which makes it even more attractive.
WLB tip: tapioca pudding, cheesecake, gourmet bagels à la Attila Bicsár
10/36
Déryné Bisztró
Déryné offers breakfast from 7.30am to 11am on weekdays, and from 9am to 4pm over the weekend. As the first local venue to serve Eggs Benedict, Déryné is renowned for its distinguished, international breakfast selection. For the more luxurious version of this breakfast classic, we recommend asking for its duck liver-boosted counterpart. The English breakfast served here is the ultimate fan’s favourite, but the Croque Monsieur, the Viennese sausage, the Belgian waffles are also must-tries. In addition, Déryné provides international newspapers, which you can leaf through over coffee.
WLB tip: shakshuka, overnight oatmeal
11/36
Émile
Far from the noise of the city, this captivating villa in District II enchants visitors with its combination of a chic, French-style eatery offering day-long breakfasts, and an outstanding bakery. The team from Cacao moved into this whitewashed property to offer cocoa rolls, buttery croissants and cinnamon treats from Budapest’s renowned Gerbeaud confectionery, while sandwiches, cheese rolls and scones are also available. The breakfast/brunch options at Émile include tapioca puddings, Eggs Benedict and Mimosas, which can be enjoyed in the tranquil garden over a cup of One Eleven coffee.
WLB tip: seeded breadsticks, cheese scones
12/36
Fågel by artizán
Porridge and oatmeal are some of the most popular breakfast dishes nowadays, represented in great variety and with unique versions at the Fågel breakfast bar. The name of the place, meaning ‘bird’ in Swedish, alludes to of all the seeds, nuts and grains available here. You can choose corn-based dishes, sweet and savoury options, and combine them with the toppings of your choice, such as peanut butter, fruit, berries, granola and even pesto. There are no additives or sugar used, and everything is gluten-free and vegan.
WLB tip: personal compilations
13/36
Fiaker
Guests can drop back into the Habsburg era at Fiaker, which has a sleek interior and excellent, traditional flavours. Their style is well represented with the breakfast selection, featuring fresh croissants with butter and marmalade, three-egg omelettes with optional toppings, goose liver pâtés with homemade jam and pumpkin-seed brioche, Eggs Benedict and pumpkin-avocado toasts. Busy Madách tér is never as tranquil as early in the morning, making it a beautiful and relaxing backdrop during your tasty breakfast. Fiaker only opens at noon for now, but soon it will return to its regular pre-quarantine schedule.
WLB tip: Monarchy breakfast
14/36
Flat White Kitchen
The appearance of a cool café was long due at Kolosy tér by 2017, when the Flat White Kitchen came along. According to the founders, people who decide to have breakfast outside of their own homes are looking for attentive service and special flavours, which was the philosophy followed by the creation of the menu and the breakfast specialities. Perhaps their most outstanding savoury option is the French toast filled with cheese and ham, with a side of marinated tomatoes. As for a sweeter option, we recommend the Belgian waffles with red berries or chocolate cream. Your breakfast can be consumed on the lovely roofed terrace, too.
WLB tip: stuffed French toast, Belgian waffles with chocolate cream
15/36
Franziska
Having started out with a web shop offering dessert boxes, Franziska popped up on the Buda side as a beloved café, pastry shop and breakfast venue in 2018. They only focused on sugar- and allergen-free foods at first, but later they’ve made their concept more diverse, emphasising their modern traits and internationally inspired cuisine. Avocado and smoothie bowls are their great favourites, and the speciality coffees and flavoursome teas are also worth a try.
WLB tip: peanut-butter toast, green smoothie bowl
16/36
Gentry Coffee&Brunch
This café and brunch venue on downtown Királyi Pál utca aims to bring something new to the city, both in terms of style and food. Its interior design matches its name, and the breakfast items try to introduce a twist to the generic offers, resulting in a unique and exciting menu. Almost everything you find here was prepared on the spot, including the sausages and the pastries – the team doesn’t lack for dynamism or creativity, which means that you can always expect to be surprised. We tried the poached eggs with potatoes and shallots, the pecan-ginger-duck ham croissant and the chestnut honey-butter-lime pancakes. The gourmet breakfasts can be paired with delicious coffee options, as well as a glass of Prosecco.
WLB tip: poached eggs with onion, tomato, avocado
17/36
Gerlóczy Kávéház
The Gerlóczy Café is a cosy, Parisian-style café, restaurant and boutique hotel a few steps from the City Hall in downtown Budapest. The breakfast menu features all of the classics, such as pastries, sandwiches and bistro meals, with tasty coffee concoctions. For a quick breakfast or a Mediterranean morning feel, customers can pick up a croissant or one of the tasty filled pastries found here, or simply order scrambled eggs. We recommend coming if you have a bit more time on your hands, so you can savour one of their abundant offers with Greek yoghurt and muesli, cheese or ham platters or smoked salmon.
WLB tip: unhurried breakfast
18/36
Horizont
The terrace of the former Horizont cinema has morphed into a trendsetting daytime spot on Erzsébet körút. Going under the same name, Horizont offers delicious dark coffee and tasty breakfasts. Here you can sample the newest of the new, as the main inspirations for the café’s innovations come from trips to Melbourne and Sydney, among others. The soft, relaxing shapes and forms of the interior complete the aesthetic of its curved space, which is always a pleasant setting for a morning coffee. The ever-changing breakfast/brunch selection should definitely be given a try, as it hides some exciting peculiarities. Both the presentation and the flavours are first-rate, with even the most basic dishes having a lovely, characteristic Horizont twist to them. The alcohol-free fruit cocktails are just one example of the amazing finds.
WLB tip: avocado toast
19/36
INEZ Bagel Shop
By the Toldi Cinema, the INEZ Bagel Shop awaits early-risers only on weekdays, from 8am. This friendly little shop is filled with crispy bagels (with varieties such as smoked salmon, brie cheese and pesto), daily soups for lunch, and the unmissable INEZ swirls. At the top of the chain is the cinnamon roll, which tourists love to devour at the shop. The French chocolate swirl is great as well, and the little more peculiar savoury swirls should definitely be sampled, too – the spinach-and-buffalo-cheese version is not a bad way to start the day. It’s more usual to grab your food and go, but sitting down on the atmospheric little porch is also possible.
WLB tip: cinnamon roll, pesto bagel
20/36
Két Szerecsen Bisztró és Kávéház
Classy and elegant breakfasts with a modern twist – just as you’d expect from a place like Két Szerecsen. The egg-based dish varieties range from basic to gourmet, omelettes, fried eggs, scrambled eggs and Eggs Benedict, but the French toasts and the Viennese sausages are also worth investigation. For something more contemporary, you can try their porridge and oatmeal, and we also recommend the traditional Hungarian kőrözött (Liptauer) spread, as well as the egg spread. The lovely, classic flavours you can savour come with fair and affordable price tags.
WLB tip: Spanish omelette
21/36
KIOSK Pest
The long awaited KIOSK Brunch has finally arrived, available every day between 8am and 11am. The dishes are trendy and innovative, while still matching the familiar, neat atmosphere of the bar/restaurant. The menu offers French-style pastries with buttery or marmalade-filled versions, but there are lighter items such as buckwheat toast with avocado cream, too. Items on their egg-based dish selection can be mixed and matched however you prefer, allowing you to create the perfect combinations. The full breakfast palette is great for those looking for a larger meal to fill up in the morning, with all of the Benedict varieties, as well as great Hungarian and vegan breakfast choices.
WLB tip: KIOSK Benedict, buckwheat toast with avocado, tomatoes, marinated mushrooms
22/36
Kuglóf Bistro
Beneath the Árkád mall, colourful tables and a coffee-sipping, brunch-eating, jolly crowd entice guests to the Kuglóf Bistro. Here, fresh fruit is turned into smoothies and French pastries are prepared on the spot, with a hazelnut praline croissant to die for. You’ll also find egg-based dishes, rye bread or homemade muffin-based toasts with avocados, salmon and dipping sauce. Kuglóf serves breakfast from 8am until noon during the week, at weekends until 1pm.
WLB tip: hazelnut praline croissant, Eggs Florentine
23/36
London Coffee Society
The story of the London Coffee Society began in 2016, quite humbly. Since then, the venue found on central Dohány utca has gone through a number of changes, aiming for further development and a constant widening of the palette, accumulating public attention and popularity. Exploring their breakfast range, you always find something new to enjoy. Its vibe is like that of a place on London’s Brick Lane, usually with a set of cheery people at the breakfast tables. The best seats can be found on the gallery, and their avocado-filled dishes, shakshukas, blue spirulina bowls and egg creations are always satisfying. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the Nutella banana bread!
WLB tip: shakshuka, smashed avocado
24/36
Mindenem
The Mindenem brunch restaurant on Múzeum körút serves hearty, traditional breakfast items. The French toast and the cheese-, mushroom- and ham-topped omelettes are tasty and classic options, but those who prefer something a bit more health-conscious in the morning won’t be disappointed either: chia pudding, wheatgrass juice, porridge or granola with coconut milk are all popular choices here. Vegetarian dishes are always available, and the takeaway boxes are eco-friendly.
WLB tip: omelette, cinnamon porridge
25/36
MITZI
At stylish, contemporary MITZI, you can have breakfast from the morning to the early afternoon, with a frequently changing set of flavours. Their creative and homely start-the-day-right menu is neat and to the point, featuring everything you might need for a great breakfast, from granola to egg dishes and other, fancier ones. As a specifically family-friendly spot, MITZI has a separate list of breakfast options for children, with the only place nearby that serves that Bretagne favourite: buckwheat pancakes with ham, cheese and fried eggs.
WLB tip: Bretagne galettes
26/36
Mókusch café & confectionery
This former café and deli transformed into a café and confectionery in 2019, still gladly awaiting all visitors in District I with coffee and daily offers of cakes and pastries – the latter doesn’t come in a wide selection, which they make up for by being really tasty. Sandwiches are available on certain days, but the stuffed French toast is always there in case you need a filling meal to start the day.
WLB tip: French toast with ham, cheese and sour cream
27/36
Normafa Delikát
The recently opened Normafa Delikát keeps hunger at bay with tasty breakfast options available throughout the day, and light dinner meals for the evening. The menu features porridge, a variety of pastries, American pancakes with different kinds of toppings, hot dogs and sweet French toasts – but you are also welcome to try some of their tapas spreads in the morning. They offer picnic baskets later in the week, comprising delicious pastries, spreads and freshly baked breads, ideal for the greenery of Normafa – you can even ask for a blanket to borrow. The coffee, whether you drink it on the spot or take it away, will not disappoint either.
WLB tip: sweet French toast
28/36
Pantry Brunch & Coffee
Pantry is the love child of tapas and brunch, dreamed up by a team of specialty coffee aficionados. The menu is comprised of foods with three (1,990 HUF), five (3,290 HUF) or seven (4,590 HUF) elements. The main categories – eggs, meat, salads, spreads, pastries and sweets – offer three to four different options, which are easily combined with the items in the other categories. This way, instead of getting one large meal, you can try and mix a number of things that pique your interest, for the same price. There are also a number of healthy and easy to digest items listed on the menu, as well as South-African coffee that is great with both dairy and plant-based milks.
WLB tip: homemade granola with yoghurt
29/36
Rojt és Bojt kávéskuckó
This peaceful little café in Krisztinaváros has a nice, homely charm, with the owners’ dog usually lounging inside, and breakfast options available all day. The guests’ favourite BLT bagel with smoked Black-Forest ham, mayonnaise, fried eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon and a mixed salad should be tried in any case, while the croissant-sandwich with cream cheese, French-pepper salami, sun-dried tomatoes and fried eggs is also a good choice. You can opt for an egg-based dish or plain and filled croissants, baked locally. The delicious, Italian-roast coffee fits right into the atmosphere of the café. This popular venue is often packed, so book a table, just to make sure.
WLB tip: BTL bagel, croissant sandwich
30/36
Sixletter Coffee Co
You can feast your eyes on a truly modern, cosmopolitan interior design at this new-wave specialty café on Alkotmány utca. The space is airy and comfortable, perfect for a business meeting as well as a lazy morning coffee. This international vibe defines the menu too, with a primary focus on breakfast, but filling lunch options are also to be found. The breakfast options, the heartier Debrecener double sausage and the variety of tortillas with guacamole can be sampled all day long. The most defining features of Sixletter are their tasty brunch options, like the Croque Madame.
WLB tip: grilled Debrecener with wholegrain mustard, Eggs Benedict with English muffin and mangalica prosciutto
31/36
Stika
Stika has been operating as a reliable breakfast centre in Budapest’s party district since 2014. The venue, led by two constantly elegant baristas, would be a great addition to any cosmopolitan city in Europe. Their eagerness towards improvement and following the latest trends always shows – recently, they put up a little gallery. Their signature dish is the breakfast burger, made up of savoury American pancakes that are divided by 150-gramme meat patties. They also have something called the Benny selections, referring to their own Stika-style Eggs Benedict ranging from basic to royal, which comes with salmon and caviar. Hungarian cuisine is also represented at the locale, and fully vegan dishes and smoothie bowls are also served.
WLB tip: breakfast burger, caviar Benny, black smoothie bowl
32/36
Szimply
Szimply is a cosy breakfast place in Röser udvar across the road from the Great Synagogue, offering healthy, filling and fresh dishes all day. It came about as an extension to Kontakt, a local favourite coffeehouse, which had long played with the idea of adding food to its repertoire. Here, instead of the traditional bacon and eggs, you will find fresh and healthy breakfasts with a seasonally changing menu.
WLB tip: avo toast, pumpkin hummus
33/36
Toprum (Closed)
Found atop a hotel near Kálvin tér, Toprum is an unmissable brunch spot, providing a great morning experience while overlooking the awakening city. While offering the most popular and classic breakfast options, they strive to put a touch of the modern and unique into all of their dishes. There’s a good selection of international items, including American pancakes, Asian soups and shakshukas. Among the drinks, you can find excellent brunch cocktails as well as coffee, orange juice and tea. Brunch is only available at weekends for the time being, and booking a table is recommended.
WLB tip: pastrami sandwich
34/36
Törökméz
Törökméz is always a great range of options in the morning: apart from serious hot dishes, we can also ask for a simple eggs-with-something, a burrito or a full English, as well as vegan French toast, green shakshuka and a variety of sandwiches. The meals are packed with superfoods and healthy ingredients, not to mention the multiple vegetarian options on the menu – and you can ask for them throughout the day. On Saturdays, Törökméz prepares four different combinations based on guests’ favourites, with Middle-Eastern flavours and West-Coast health foods, among others. The service is always friendly and flexible, and despite their growing popularity, the prices remain affordable. Although you can’t book at weekends, there’s normally no more than a ten- to 15-minute wait by the counter until a table becomes available – while sipping on one of their freshly squeezed juices or refreshing lemonades. We recommend lounging on the terrace when the weather allows, and four-legged friends are also welcome.
WLB tip: banana bread, Buddha bowl 2.0
35/36
Villa Bagatelle
One of the best Buda-side breakfast spots, the Villa Bagatelle awaits guests from 8am. Table reservations are necessary over the weekend, as seats are often filled, sometimes by morning book-club meetings. The excellent pastries all arrive from Brót, the bakery on the ground floor. Egg-based dishes are another of their strengths, great for a light breakfast sitting outside on the terrace. There are a number of vegetarian dishes, as well as alternative breakfast options, with a fragrant tea or a glass of Prosecco to wash them down with.
WLB tip: French toast with cheese, preserved tomatoes and sour cream, salmon breakfast, French toast
36/36
Vinyl & Wood
This design store on Wesselényi utca has been offering tasty sandwiches and coffee for a while, but now you can also pop in for a light early-morning meal. Their usual breakfast item is version of granola or eggs, with different kinds of toppings. There are also some exciting grilled sandwiches to grab, like bánh mì or a cubano, which can be sought after throughout the day. Some of the salads also make for a delicious, filling breakfast meal.
WLB tip: superfood salad with maple dressing
