Dating can be casual, with fun moments, but it needs a supportive, intimate, romantic, mysterious, and homely environment. Where both parties can sit back comfortably and the conversation just flows, making the hours seem like minutes. Choose wisely, according to your budget, mood, shared memories, time of day, and season. We've listed 10 places that are brilliant for first dates, anniversaries, or Valentine's Day.

Photo: Kőrösi Tamás - We Love Budapest

Photo: Hartyányi Norbert - We Love Budapest
Cintányéros
1/10
It's cosy, old-style, and loved by all ages. Opened in 2016, Cintányéros is frequented by locals and regulars, so you will not enter a touristy spot. It is a place with good wines, beers, grilled sandwiches, and sausages, not to mention the over 100-year-old pianino plays from time to time. It's worth booking for your date night to make sure you don't miss out. Downstairs, you'll be close to the bar and the streetlights, and upstairs in the gallery you'll find a more intimate atmosphere.

Photo: Csudai Sándor - We Love Budapest
Al Dente
2/10
If you both love Italian cuisine (who doesn't?), the orderly chaos, and the bohemian atmosphere, Al Dente is a great choice. There are no checkered tablecloths and Amalfi Coast street scenes on the walls, only authentic and affordable Italian food, friendly and easy-going staff, and a pleasant buzz. The space is tiny, and the tables are close together, but the background noise guarantees that your words will only reach the right person.

Photo: Kőrösi Tamás - We Love Budapest
Doblo Bor & Bár
3/10
There are plenty of wine bars in the city, but the Dobló is a classic, and thanks to its romantic design, it's an ideal place for a date. It's dimly lit, there are a few extra date tables, and candles are always burning in the Dob Street wine bar. Every day from 8:30 pm, we can toast to live music, which is always a plus. Don't be afraid to ask questions and explore, because they know their stuff and always have a surprise in store.

Photo: Major Kata - We Love Budapest
Freyja
4/10
A visit to Freyja can even be a surprise for your special one. If they love buttery, artisan pastries, it's worth taking them to this croissant heaven in Pest or Buda. These artistic pastries are on a whole new level, they can brighten up the day or kick-start an afternoon/evening. The delicious croissants, cruffins, roulés, and giant cookies are enough to start a first or second date or surprise a breakfast-lover partner. If you are into gluten, lactose, and sugar, you simply can't go wrong.

Photo: Kőrösi Tamás - We Love Budapest
Jedermann Café
5/10
Jazz club at its best, with great jamming sessions, famous artists and lasting musical memories. Stepping into Jedermann brings to life a favourite scene from a romantic film, where the couple makes their way out of the hustle and bustle of the city to a similar boho place, leaving behind the problems, the noise, the stress, and it's just them, the music, and the spirit of the place. Many people come for coffee, wine, beer, and rum, maybe not even realizing that the club has become a living legend in the past 12 years on Ráday Street.

Photo: Csudai Sándor - We Love Budapest
La Nube
6/10
La Nube is a nice addition to the repertoire on Bartók Béla Boulevard, offering delicious tapas and a selection of fine wines to make your visit unforgettable. We like it because it's small and cosy, with the atmosphere of a Madrid tapas bar. By sharing our plates, tasting, and philosophising a lot, we made the conclusion that the Spanish sharing style loved by so many catalyses the joy of eating together.

Photo: Fellini Római Kultúrbisztró - Facebook
Fellini Római Kultúrbisztró
7/10
One of the most popular summer rendezvous spots on the Római-part ('Roman Embankment') has been winter-proofed, meaning we don't have to live without Fellini during the colder months. It is not a typical dating spot, and you also have to travel a bit from the city centre, but trust us, it will be worth it. The proximity to the Danube, the lovely circus motifs, the stripes, and the warm, cosy guest space with plants ensure a memorable date. At weekends, they also serve breakfast, more of the home-style, traditional variety, and in the evening, you can pop in for a hot drink or a craft beer with your special one.

Photo: Hartyányi Norbert - We Love Budapest
M. Restaurant
8/10
M. Restaurant is an enchanted little brasserie on Kertész Street, which has somehow always stood out among Budapest restaurants with its spontaneous, lively vibes and policy of keeping rules in a closed cupboard. It's a charming, inviting place with great cuisine (the current menu changes every day) and lots of drawings and stories. A perfect dating spot, especially for established couples who want to do something different, unusual, special; something to the heart (and stomach) in the evening.
If you are looking to have Valentine's Day dinner here, you need to prolongate the celebrations as the restaurant is only open between Thursdays and Sundays.

Photo: Rockstar Photographers - We Love Budapest
Prime Steak & Wine
9/10
Follow in the footsteps of Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, Ronaldinho, Melissa McCarthy, Tom Hanks and Jason Momoa, and dine at the elegant Prime Steak & Wine, but make it Valentine's Day! You can trust the top quality of the meat, the friendly service, and the glamorous atmosphere in the vicinity of the Basilica to level up your dining experience. For February 14th, the team even dreamed up a special menu, meaning you can eat your way through a four or five-course meal. Dinner will be complemented by romantic live music and – upon request – a bottle of champagne or flowers too.
More info here.

Photo: Balkányi László - We Love Budapest
Aria Hotel Budapest
10/10
Staying in the vicinity of the Basilica, the Aria Hotel and its restaurant Café Liszt is another prime dating spot. The hotel takes its inspiration from music, which explains the giant piano keyboard on the floor in the lobby, setting the scene for a romantic evening. On Valentine's Day, a special treat awaits: you can not only enjoy a three-course dinner but watch 'A Star Is Born' (starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper) in the cinema room beforehand.
More info here.