When sightseeing in Hungary’s capital, it can be difficult to tell which restaurants are actually worth visiting and which are just typical tourist traps. We present a few genuinely delightful destinations that are all just steps away from many of the city’s postcard superstars, each providing appropriately priced fine food to fuel your tasteful touring.
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Basilica
As Hungary’s most prominent church, St. Stephen’s Basilica is a must-see sight for any Budapest visit – and being located in the heart of downtown Pest, there are many delicious dining options nearby. Just around the corner from the Basilica’s picture-perfect plaza, Café Kör serves high-quality breakfasts, lunches, and dinners amid a homey ambience. The Basilica makes a majestic backdrop for terrace diners at TG Italiano, while even more fine Italian cuisine is found just a short stroll further away at Trattoria Pomo D’oro. Not far in the other direction, the divine Hungarian wines and modern cuisine of Borkonyha recently earned the country’s newest Michelin star, while excellent cheap meals will satisfy vegetarians and carnivores alike at the city’s biggest Hummus Bar location.
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Castle District
A multitude of monuments stand atop the Castle District hilltop, from the Buda Castle to Matthias Church to Fishermen’s Bastion, and while many overpriced eateries are scattered amid them, a few top-notch restaurants call this district home. Alabárdos is one of Hungary’s best places to enjoy traditional regional cuisine within a stately interior, or in the courtyard surrounded by centuries-old stone walls. Both Pest-Buda and 21 offer excellent Magyar specialties along with high-caliber regional wines amid relaxed environments. Overlooking central Szentháromság Square, the contemporary Gótika café offers low-priced lunch specials and light cuisine like sandwiches, bagels, and salads, while the nearby Ruszwurm patisserie continually serves spectacular sweets since 1827.
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Chain Bridge
As the first permanent span to cross the Danube River, the Chain Bridge continues to link Buda and Pest with majestic beauty. Guests at Buda’s hip hotspot ZONA can enjoy panoramic bridge views along with contemporary fusion delicacies and spectacular wines, while the trendy MÁK Bistro serves innovative international dishes just a few steps away from the Pest bridgehead. Also on the Pest side, the Gresham restaurant is sited within one of the world’s most beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, while the nearby Paris Budapest eatery serves French-influenced meals amid a chic ambience, and the riverfront Corso welcomes everyone to enjoy “Lazy Sunday Brunches” with incredible views. Meanwhile, sports fans can enjoy great pub grub while watching live matches at John Bull.
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Dohány Street Synagogue
Europe’s biggest Jewish temple is a palatial house of worship designed with intricate style, and several significant eateries surround the historic . World-class Italian cuisine is always offered just a few meters away at and its neighboring sister restaurant , while great street food is prepared with gusto at Attaboy just around the block. Walk a short distance down nearby Dob Street to find – a perfect place for good breakfasts, lively lunches, and Friday-night klezmer concerts with dinner. Just another block beyond at the corner of Dob and , discover savory Jewish cuisine prepared with modern flair at Macesz Huszar, or stop into across the road for tasty sandwiches and tapas along with quality craft beers.
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Great Market Hall
As Budapest’s biggest bazaar of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and much more, the is a living landmark for fine food – and several nearby restaurants also offer excellent eats. Upstairs within the hall itself, Fakanál is a recently renovated family-friendly eatery decorated with Hungarian icons, while the square just behind the market is home to , a more upscale eatery for fine Magyar-made wine and delicious dishes to accompany it. Just a couple blocks away on Ráday Street, serves exquisite international meals that earned Hungary’s first-ever Michelin star, while the riverfront offers some of Hungary’s most authentic Tuscan specialties. Just a short walk towards the , is perfect for a quick soup and sandwich to go.
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Heroes’ Square
The towering statues of tell the entire tale of Hungarian history, and serve as the entryway to , where several notable eateries are found nearby. is one of Budapest’s most historic gastronomical institutions (with paintings by Magyar masters adorning the walls), while the Bagolyvár restaurant next door is another notable destination for classic local cuisine. Within a charming duck pond, the more modern Robinson provides tempting fusion feasts and juicy steaks prepared in a Josper grill, and the nearby is a recently opened destination for appetizing meals and lovely views over . Across the road from the park, Paprika is a popular home-style Hungarian restaurant decorated like a countryside cottage.
