Food & Drink

Where to eat hungarian food in Budapest: top places to try local dishes

Pörkölt, traditional hungarian food, is a meat stew.

Wondering where to eat Hungarian food in Budapest? From hearty goulash to crispy schnitzels and paprika-spiced stews, the capital is full of places where you can try authentic local dishes. The city’s food scene mixes traditional eateries, cozy canteens, and elegant restaurants — so whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly spot or a classic fine-dining experience, there’s something for every taste.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best restaurants in Budapest to enjoy real Hungarian flavors, from iconic institutions to hidden local favorites.

Gettó Gulyás

Located in the heart of Budapest’s trendy Jewish Quarter, Gettó Gulyás is a cozy spot serving some of the most authentic Hungarian comfort food in town. The short but carefully curated menu highlights paprika-rich classics like goulash soup, Hortobágyi palacsinta (stuffed savory crêpes), paprikash made with chicken, veal, catfish, or mushrooms, and hearty pörkölt stews. Pickled vegetables (savanyúság) are the perfect side dish here.

The name “Gettó” refers to the Jewish ghetto established in this neighborhood during the winter of 1944, and the menu also nods to Jewish-Hungarian traditions.

Reservations are essential — it’s nearly impossible to get a same-day table.

  • Address: Wesselényi utca 18, 1077 Budapest
  • Open daily from 12:00 to 23:00
  • Google Maps | Instagram

Menza

One of the most famous and sought-after restaurants in Budapest, Menza has been a local favorite for more than two decades. Located on lively Liszt Ferenc tér in District VI, it’s known for delivering consistently excellent Hungarian classics in a buzzing, stylish atmosphere. As the night goes on, the lights dim, the music picks up, and the vibe turns effortlessly cool.

As with other popular spots in Budapest, reservations are highly recommended if you want to secure a table.

Gundel

Few restaurants in Hungary carry as much history and prestige as Gundel. Founded in 1910 by the legendary restaurateur Károly Gundel — once profiled in The New Yorker as Central Europe’s leading restaurant owner — it quickly became synonymous with Hungarian fine dining.

After decades of decline under Communist rule, the restaurant was spectacularly revived in the 1990s with a $22 million restoration, welcoming back dignitaries and even Queen Elizabeth.

Its location in City Park (Városliget) makes it a perfect choice for lunch or dinner on the day you plan to explore the park’s highlights, like Heroes’ Square, Vajdahunyad Castle, or the Széchenyi Baths.

 

Nagy Fa-Tál Konyhája (Hungarian Hell’s Kitchen)

Affectionately known as Hungarian Hell’s Kitchen, Nagy Fa-Tál Konyhája is one of the most popular spots in central Budapest for hearty, traditional dishes. The menu is extensive, featuring classics like rich goulash, comforting stews, and even chimney cakes — all prepared with ingredients sourced from Hungarian farmers.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with décor that feels both rustic and lively. It’s a place where families, friends, and solo travelers all feel at home. In the evenings, live Gypsy music adds to the ambience, turning dinner into a festive experience.

The staff is famously friendly and happy to help guide you through the menu, ensuring you find the perfect dish. Pair your meal with a glass of Hungarian wine or save room for dessert to round out your visit.

Kisharang Étkezde

Tucked away in the city center, Kisharang Étkezde is a cozy canteen-style restaurant beloved for its authentic flavors, fair prices, and no-frills local atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for travelers who want to taste home-style Hungarian cooking without spending much. Everything on the menu is delicious, and you can even order half portions — great if you want to try different dishes.

The place is small and fills up quickly, so be sure to arrive early if you want to secure a table. The menu covers all the Hungarian classics, from soups and stews to schnitzels and dumplings, all made with fresh, local ingredients. Portions are generous, service is friendly, and the vibe is lively with both locals and tourists.

Its central location also makes it convenient to stop here while exploring nearby attractions. With its affordable prices and memorable dishes, Kisharang truly captures the essence of everyday Hungarian dining.

Goulahs Soup, traditional hungarian food, at Kisharang Étkezde, Budapest

  • Address: Október 6. u. 17, 1051 Budapest
  • Open daily from 11:30 to 22:00
  • Google Maps | Website

Pipa Étterem

Just steps from Budapest’s Great Market Hall, Pipa Étterem is a traditional restaurant where you can dive deep into Hungarian flavors. The menu highlights all the classics — rich goulash, hearty goulash soup, and crispy roast duck — alongside comforting desserts like cheesecakes, pancakes, and sponge cakes. Pair your meal with a glass of house wine, local beer, or simply enjoy a coffee after lunch.

The location is super convenient, especially if you’re exploring the Market Hall or the riverside area. Inside, the décor evokes old Hungarian traditions: painted plates, embroidered linens, rustic pottery, and objects from folk crafts that give the place a nostalgic charm. With 120 seats, it’s a cozy spot for both groups and solo travelers.

Guests often praise the welcoming service, fair prices, and homestyle cooking. Thanks to its proximity to the market, the kitchen sources fresh ingredients daily, ensuring authentic flavors in every dish. Whether for lunch or dinner, Pipa Étterem is a great stop to experience real Hungarian hospitality in a warm and relaxed setting.

Frici Papa Kifőzdéje

Right in the bustle of Király utca, Frici Papa Kifőzdéje has been serving homestyle Hungarian cooking since 1997. The restaurant is known for its hearty, grandma-style flavors — think fresh roasts, stews, vegetable purées (főzelékek), and homemade desserts — all at very affordable prices.

The menu changes daily, blending traditional Hungarian comfort food with some modern touches.

The vibe is casual and welcoming, making it feel more like a beloved canteen than a formal restaurant. It’s a favorite among both locals and tourists looking for an authentic, budget-friendly meal in the city center.

Frici Papa is extremely popular, so you’ll often find a line at the door. To avoid the wait, it’s best to come early or book a table in advance.

  • Address: Király u. 55, 1077 Budapest
  • Open Monday–Saturday, 11:00–23:00 (closed on Sundays)
  • Google Maps | Website

Belvárosi Lugas

Right across from St. Stephen’s Basilica, Belvárosi Lugas is a cozy, centrally located restaurant that combines traditional Hungarian cooking with a few international favorites. The atmosphere is rustic and intimate, with exposed brick walls and warm lighting that make it feel welcoming for both tourists and locals.

The menu features all the Hungarian classics, including rich goulash soup, chicken paprikash, and hearty stews, alongside vegetarian and gluten-free options. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the staff is known for being friendly and attentive.

A great insider tip is to order the tourist menu, which offers excellent value: goulash soup to start (one of the best in the city), chicken paprikash as the main dish, and somlói galuska for dessert. It’s a perfect introduction to Hungarian cuisine in one sitting.

@budapestfortourists They have both the 3-course Tourist Menu and plenty of à la carte options. Perfect if you want to try different Hungarian dishes 🇭🇺 📍 Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 15 #budapestfood #hungarianfood #budapestrestaurants #budapest #creatorsearchinsights ♬ Days Of Wine And Roses - Frank Sinatra

  • Address: Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 15, 1065 Budapest
  • Open daily from 12:00 to 23:00
  • Google Maps | Instagram

Drum Café

For nearly a decade, Drum Café has been a reliable favorite in Budapest, blending traditional Hungarian meals with modern international touches. Inspired by the atmosphere of small Hungarian inns, the restaurant aims to help visitors rediscover the rich, mellow flavors of local cuisine in a cozy, casual setting.

The menu covers all the Hungarian staples at fair prices, making it a great choice for travelers on a budget who still want authenticity.

In addition to hearty mains, Drum Café is also known for its wide selection of drinks — especially the award-winning draft beers from Rizmajer Brewery, available in unique flavors like ginger, blueberry, elderberry, or even strawberry. A solid wine list complements the offerings for those who prefer something more classic.

With a central location in Dob utca and long opening hours, it’s an easy stop for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night bite. Friendly service and a lively atmosphere make it popular with both locals and visitors alike.

Lecsó

A bit off the main tourist trail but well worth the visit, Lecsó offers tasty Hungarian food at very fair prices. Just a short walk from Nyugati Railway Station, near Margaret Bridge and the Parliament, it’s a convenient stop if you’re exploring the area around Jászai Mari Square.

What makes Lecsó unique is its “2 in 1” concept. At lunchtime, it runs as a self-service buffet with over 50 options, mostly Hungarian specialties and lighter dishes — perfect for a quick, hearty meal. In the evening, the restaurant switches to à la carte dining with table service, generous portions, and even candlelight for a more relaxed atmosphere.

On the menu you’ll find all the Hungarian favorites: gulyásleves (goulash soup), marhapörkölt (beef stew), paprikás csirke (chicken paprikash), lecsó in several styles, töltött káposzta (stuffed cabbage), and töltött paprika (stuffed peppers). Whichever time of day you visit, you’ll get a real taste of Hungary served with warmth and tradition.

  • Address: Szent István krt. 10, 1137 Budapest
  • Open daily from 11:00 to 23:00
  • Google Maps | Website

Bonus tip: Öcsi Étkezde

For a truly local experience, head to Öcsi Étkezde, a tiny lunch-only eatery in District VIII that’s been around since 1981. Run by Erzsi and her husband Feri, this mom-and-pop spot feels like stepping into a slice of everyday Budapest. Erzsi works the kitchen solo — often appearing in the dining room with flour on her hands — while Feri takes orders, serves food, and keeps up friendly chatter with regulars, many of whom he knows by name.

The menu changes daily and is handwritten, featuring affordable Hungarian classics like schnitzels (frissensültek), meatballs, and comforting vegetable stews (főzelék).

The clientele is just as authentic as the dishes: longtime neighborhood regulars, Roma locals, trendy Millennials, office workers, and the occasional adventurous tourist all share the tables here.

  • Address: Bérkocsis u. 41, 1084 Budapest
  • Monday–Thursday, 11:30–14:30
  • Google Maps

Budapest is full of places where you can taste real Hungarian flavors — from iconic fine-dining institutions like Gundel to tiny family-run eateries like Öcsi Étkezde. Whether you’re after goulash, chicken paprikash, schnitzel, or a comforting bowl of főzelék, the city has something to satisfy every craving and every budget.

Now that you know where to eat Hungarian food in Budapest, the next step is to learn more about the dishes themselves. Don’t miss our guide to traditional Hungarian foods, where we explain the country’s most famous recipes and what makes each of them special!