Budapest is a trendy city in full expansion. The Hungarian capital is a place where past and future merge with cultures from all over the world. 

A modern city that, despite its growth, has not forgotten its roots. This can be seen in its museums, in the respect for its historical buildings and monuments and, of course, in its cuisine.

Although the cuisine evolves, Hungarian cuisine merges and grows, but it does not forget its roots, and we find local ingredients and recipes wherever we go; be it in small bars or in haute cuisine restaurants. 

And that’s exactly what we’re talking about today, where you can go to enjoy the most authentic taste. Here we bring you a list of the best restaurants with a taste of Hungarian cuisine. The restaurants are so good that any Hungarian grandmother would give them a thumbs up.

The best Hungarian taste in Budapest’s restaurants 2024

Régi-Jó Kifőzde

26 József körút

We set foot for the first time in a bistro, where everything you see is not only local, but of fantastic quality. The best way to find out before you even sit down at the table? Look around, the place will be full of locals. If the locals eat here, you know how good the food is. 

Authentic, home-cooked food, no frills on the table or in the décor. But you won’t miss it at any time, because you’ll be so engrossed in enjoying your plate that you won’t care what’s around you. 

A real lesson in local cuisine at very affordable prices.

Langos Burger

Kazinczy u. 18, 1075 Budapest

As soon as you’ve set foot in Budapest you’ve learned the basics; what is Pálinka, Unicum and Lángos. The first two are the quintessential national drinks, which you should try the first chance you get. 

Lángos is a well-known local fried dough, the local fast food. This bread is the base, usually with garlic, sour cream and grated cheese on top. That’s the classic, although over the years toppings have been added, making ordering a lángos like ordering a pizza because of all the options available.

One of the best known places to enjoy this very local product, although it is also known in places like Austria or Serbia, is the Langos Burger. They have a stall in Karavan, a street food paradise. 

Karavan has all kinds of food, in a fantastic atmosphere that mixes locals and tourists. It is also right next to the most famous dive bar in the country; Szimpla Kert.

Bors GasztroBar

Kazinczy u. 10, 1075 Budapest

Speaking of fast food and places to go at night, Bors GasztroBar is a must. It has it all; a spectacular atmosphere, typical fast food, hot dishes, and all with a streetwise twist. 

A street bistro offering everything from grilled baguettes to freshly made hot stews. It’s the perfect complement to a night out or just something different while strolling through the city.

It’s in the Jewish quarter, known as the party quarter, a short walk from the Szimpla and Karavan, so you can imagine the fantastic atmosphere; lots of young people, both locals and tourists, looking for a good time. 

The staff is friendly, quick and always ready to help you with anything you need.

Menza Restaurant and Café

2 Liszt Ferenc tér 

We passed by another well-known landmark of the city, in fact, it is its backbone; Andrássy Avenue. In the square that crosses it, Liszt Ferenc tér, we found our next destination. 

We have moved from the best of nightlife and partying to the place where you will find the most expensive and exclusive shops in all of Budapest. Here Menza Restaurant and Café offers us a coffee, something light or an elaborate dinner. 

The décor is neat, elegant but not overdone. You can close your eyes and point to something on the menu without fear of not liking it. Everything is made with traditional local and national products, and the result couldn’t be better.

Nagyi kifőzdéje 

36 Frankel Leó utca

We cross the Margaret Bridge to get to the Buda side and sit at one of the most traditional tables in the city. Leaving the bridge behind and after a short walk, we arrived at our delightful destination; Nagyi kifőzdéje. 

Imagine you are going to visit a friend of yours from Hungary. And for lunch, he takes you to his grandmother’s house. Even if you’ve never been there, I think you can get an idea of what you’ll find, because that’s what you’ll see here.

And if that wasn’t enough, the kitchen works exactly as if your friend’s grandmother was cooking. Very tasty traditional cuisine, with generous portions and everything you need to understand local gastronomy. 

A cosy atmosphere and first class food. Forget luxury, you came here to eat and enjoy, not to have your picture taken, so enjoy their chicken with paprika. 

By the way, the Lukács Spa is less than a minute’s walk away, so you can organise a fantastic afternoon visit before or after a typical Hungarian lunch.