New York Café
It's no surprise that queues regularly form outside the New York Café, twice named one of the world's most beautiful cafés. Housed in the former headquarters of the New York Life Insurance Company, the grand building has been a meeting place for writers and intellectuals since the early 1900s. Literary figures including Dezső Kosztolányi, Sándor Bródy, Mihály Babits, Margit Kaffka and Sándor Márai were all regulars. Since 2020, the venue has been operated by the Anantara Hotels & Resorts, serving everything from elegant lunches to coffee and cakes. It's undoubtedly one of Budapest's most spectacular interiors, but expect to queue and pay a premium - coffee and cake for two will typically cost just over HUF 10,000.
Details here
Klotild Patisserie
For decades, it was hard to imagine both of the twin Klotild Palaces on Ferenciek tere fully restored and open at the same time. That changed with the recent opening of the The St. Regis Budapest in the northern palace. Alongside the hotel, locals can also visit a beautifully restored former pharmacy, one of the city's oldest, which has been transformed into an elegant pâtisserie while preserving its original 1940s interior. Cakes are made in-house, with the millefeuille being a standout - available in both sweet and savoury versions, the latter is one of the most striking pastries you'll find in Budapest. Ice cream and breakfast are also on the menu.
Details here
Cova – Matild Palace
Just across the square, the Matild Palace is home to another remarkable café, complete with three terraces. Once known as the Belvárosi Café, the elegant Art Nouveau space, adorned with chestnut leaf motifs, was a favourite of Gyula Krúdy. In June, it welcomed Cova, the historic Milanese pastry brand, bringing its celebrated Italian baking traditions to Budapest. Don't miss the panettone, made from a recipe passed down through generations for more than 200 years. Alongside pastries, the menu also features light Italian dishes, making it an ideal spot to linger from morning through to the afternoon.
Details here
Párisi Passage Café & Restaurant
The third beautifully restored landmark on Ferenciek tere is a worthy alternative to the New York Café. With its rich wood panelling, intricate carved details and striking dome, the interior is just as impressive as the menu. From breakfast and lunch to afternoon tea and evening cocktails, there's something to enjoy throughout the day. Prices are also a little lower than at the New York Café, making it a more accessible option for a special treat.
Details here
Gerbeaud
With a history spanning more than 160 years, Gerbeaud Café is one of Budapest's most iconic cafés. Founded by Henrik Kugler and later taken over by Swiss pastry chef Emil Gerbeaud, it introduced classics such as cognac cherries and chocolate cat tongues to Hungarian confectionery. While the display of cakes is hard to resist, the menu also includes breakfast and light lunch dishes. Before taking your seat, look around - much of the elegant interior, including the furniture, has remained unchanged since 1910. Although it's a favourite with visitors to the city, Gerbeaud has also been creating more reasons for locals to return, including its Gerbeaud KULT cultural programme series, launched this spring.
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Gresham Palace
Part of Budapest's Danube Banks UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest is one of the city's finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture. Heart-shaped details can be spotted throughout the building, said to reflect architect Zsigmond Quittner's affection for one of the palace's former residents. Originally built as the headquarters of the Gresham Insurance Company, the palace was transformed into a luxury hotel in the early 2000s. For views over Széchenyi István Square and the Danube, book a table at KOLLÁZS Brasserie & Bar. If you're more interested in the building itself, head to MÚZSA, where creative signature cocktails combine theatrical presentation with equally memorable flavours.
Details here
Gundel Cafe Patisserie Restaurant
Set within a palace that's more than 130 years old, Gundel Restaurant serves many of chef András Wolf's signature dishes in surroundings that evoke the elegance of turn-of-the-century Budapest. It's an excellent choice for a leisurely lunch or dinner, especially in summer, when you can make the most of the restaurant's spacious garden. The menu showcases classic Hungarian cuisine, while the evening set menu, available from 6 pm, offers particularly good value: two courses cost well under HUF 20,000, and the three-course option is only slightly more.
Details here
Centrál Grand Cafe
A fixture of Budapest's café culture since 1887, Centrál Café was once one of the city's leading literary and intellectual meeting places. Although it has been carefully restored in recent years, the café on Károlyi Street has retained the grand atmosphere that has made it a favourite for generations. Whether you're stopping by for breakfast, brunch, coffee and cake or a light bistro meal, its elegant historic interior makes even an everyday visit feel like a step back in time.
Details here
(Cover photo: Koncz Márton - We Love Budapest)
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