Many of the dishes we call classic Hungarian today were born in the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, a vast empire that spanned much of Central and Eastern Europe from 1867 to 1918. With dozens of nationalities living side by side, cultures, traditions, and cuisines constantly influenced one another. Wiener schnitzel, for example, made its way from Vienna through Milan, while others were inspired by French culinary traditions, and some were created in Hungarian kitchens. Dishes like palóc soup and császármorzsa (Kaiserschmarrn) are just a few examples of the rich culinary heritage that emerged. Craving a meal with a Monarchy-era vibe? These are the spots to try.

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Kismező

Kismező, a chic downtown restaurant, isn't your typical 'Monarchy-style' spot – it calls itself Hungarian. While the menu doesn’t focus solely on the 50 years of Austro-Hungarian rule, it does offer several dishes that go beyond the usual fare of traditional Hungarian restaurants. Think: chicken breast "Gödöllő style", vargabéles (a classic Transylvanian oven-baked dessert), cockerel stew, Mangalica pork belly with lentil stew, and veal paprikasch with bread. These traditional dishes, reworked with modern techniques, are all inspired by Hungarian bourgeois cuisine and are prepared to perfection. They're a brilliant introduction to Hungary’s golden culinary era, both for visitors and locals.

Details here.

Ida Bistro

Ida Bistro is tucked away at the bottom of the historic Várkert Bazár near Buda Castle – already setting the tone for an upscale experience. The name itself has quite a romantic touch: Ida was the wife of the building's architect Miklós Ybl. The stunning space captures the essence of turn-of-the-century, giving aristocratic-bourgeois vibes. Inside, you'll find a bright and spacious interior, with tables draped in white tablecloths. The menu showcases the era’s most famous dishes, such as Wiener schnitzel, goulash soup, pike-perch fillet, tafelspitz (beef bouillon, semolina dumplings, vegetables, boiled beef, spinach, apple puree, horseradish, bone marrow, toasted bread), császármorzsa (Kaiserschmarrn), and túrógombóc (cottage cheese dumpling, cinnamon sour cream). If making a decision feels tough, you can opt for the Austrian, Hungarian, or even a vegetarian tasting menu. The drinks list features a wide range of Hungarian and Austrian wines, plus classic and signature cocktails.

Details here.

Marumba

If you're craving the essence of a traditional Hungarian Sunday lunch, it's time to book a table at Marumba. Bourgeois, modern, and trendy, it still serves up the classics – right in the heart of Budapest's Jewish district. Alongside beloved dishes like goulash, rooster soup, and schnitzel, you'll also find some lovely extras: Mangalica paté with tarragon mustard, slow-cooked beef with bread dumplings and mushroom, and roasted duck leg with pasta and caramelised cabbage. With an inviting interior, stylish presentation, and authentic recipes, Marumba feels like stepping into a bohemian restaurant from the 1910s, somewhere in Prague, Vienna, or Budapest. The menu changes frequently, but the crowd-pleasers stick around, making it worth coming back for more.

Details here.

(Cover photo: Attila Polyák - We Love Budapest)

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