Experience Budapest’s Restaurant Revolution
Dining in Hungary’s capital can be an amazing experience. Hungary is well known for its wine and cuisine and the restaurant scene in Budapest is getting more and more sophisticated. The growth in gourmet restaurants led to prestigious international recognitions, such as Michelin stars and Bib Gourmand qualifications.
Michelin’s ‘Main Cities of Europe 2011’ guide awarded two restaurants with one star and four restaurants were given the Bib Gourmand label for “good food at moderate price”.
Foodies will appreciate the restaurant scene in Budapest. Here are some of the city’s top restaurants that have received various recognitions.
21 Restaurant
(Bib Gourmand qualification in 2010 and 2011)
This Castle Hill restaurant serves traditional Hungarian gastronomy updated to the 21st century and infused with flavors from the countryside. The food is accompanied by a good selection of Hungarian wine and the indoor window overlooking the kitchen adds to the gourmet experience. At 21 Restaurant you will be dining amongst locals. Fairly priced main courses range between HUF 3,490 and HUF 4,490.
Arcade Bistro
(Bib Gourmand qualification in 2010 and 2011)
Arcade Bistro, a small, modern restaurant hidden away in a residential neighborhood in Buda (close to Mom Park), offers an internationally inspired menu that changes daily. Portion-wise, the dishes are hearty and filling and go well with the good selection of mostly Hungarian wines. Meat dishes, like duck and lamb dominate the daily specials. Main courses range between HUF 3,350 and HUF 5,000.
Bock Bistro
(Bib Gourmand qualification in 2010 and 2011)
A creation of award winning chef Lajos Bíro and celebrated vintner József Bock, Bock Bistro is a Budapest restaurant where you must try a glass of wine to accompany your meal. Classic Hungarian dishes with traditional flavor are on the menu. The wine list boasts more than two-dozen Bock wines and other vintages. Main courses range between HUF 3,400 and HUF 6,700.
Costes Restaurant
(one Michelin star, awarded in 2010 and 2011)
Hungary’s first Michelin star restaurant offers a fusion cuisine of modern international and Hungarian dishes. The creations prepared by Portuguese head chef, Miguel Rocha Vieira, are unique and delicious. This is a restaurant to be invited to or for those on an expense account, as prices are just like its rating, sky-high. But, according the most, the culinary experience may be well worth the investment at this elegant restaurant. Main courses are between HUF 6,500 and HUF 8,500. Tasting menus range from HUF 15,000 to HUF 36,000. As a more affordable option you may try their special 2- or 3-course lunch menus, offered daily from noon to 3:30 pm for HUF 5,400 and HUF 6,400, accordingly.
Csalogány 26
(Bib Gourmand qualification in 2010 and 2011)
This small gourmet restaurant is known for its good selection of tasty lunches that won’t break the bank. Csalogány 26 serves classic Hungarian cuisine and is also a good choice for dinner. The daily specials, written on a board, are updated frequently. Main courses range between HUF 2,000 and HUF 5,000. A 4-course tasting menu is HUF 8,000 and an 8-course tasting menu is HUF 12,000.
Onyx Restaurant
(one Michelin star, awarded in 2011)
Hungary’s second and newest Michelin star restaurant serves traditional Hungarian fare with a twist. Small portions of rich dishes are carefully prepared under the supervision of executive chef, Szabina Szullo, the first Hungarian chef to receive a Michelin star. Although pricey, it’s worth the splurge, as this restaurant is not only led by a Hungarian chef but it also sources its main ingredients locally. Main courses range between HUF 6,500 and HUF 7,900, with one exception priced at HUF 19,500. Tasting menus are between HUF 14,500 and HUF 17,500. More affordable menus are available for lunch, offered between noon and 2:30 pm, when a 2-course menu is HUF 3,490 and a 3-course menu is HUF 3,990.
For more restaurants in Budapest see our Restaurant Guide.
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