I visited the gorgeous European city of Budapest on a very hot weekend in June. I absolutely fell in love with the capital of Hungry. Budapest surprised me in so many ways: its beauty, its weather and its food.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect when it came to food in Budapest. I very naively had in my head that we would be eating heavy stews etc. I was clearly very ignorant in my thought process because Budapest is such a cosmopolitan city offering great cuisine from all over the world. And great coffee I might add, there is a massive coffee culture here. I would definitely like to return in the cooler months to work my way around the more local restaurants to try the more substantial food offerings like the incredible looking goulash and stews and the beautiful looking cakes.
I was actually in Budapest for a hen party where we rented a lovely apartment right by the cathedral. We took a great bike tour around the city one day, spent another afternoon at the thermal baths, took a sunset cruise along the river and the rest of the time we ate and drank!
If you are looking for alternative restaurants in Budapest for your trip then make sure you add these three to your list! I think you’ll find some of the best food in Budapest below.
My top 3 alternative restaurants in Budapest
Israeli inspired menu at Mazel Tov
Mazel Tov lies in the heart of the Jewish Quarter of Budapest. This is the perfect place for dinner before dancing the night away at one of the many ruin bars or clubs near by. It’s almost fairytale-like here. Greenery flows down the walls and festoon lighting runs above you. It is super cute and cosy with a buzzy atmosphere.
Mazel Tov serves Israeli inspired food and it is delicious! I particularly loved the falafel. There is a great selection of vegetarian food here. The merguez sausage was also great with its hint of spice. The staff were really lovely and great considering we were such a large group. Definitely book as it’s always busy.
This was my top restaurant in Budapest. I have since recommended Mazel Tov to a number of people who have recently been, all have loved it!
Budapest, Akácfa u. 47, 1072 Hungary
Japanese fusion at Tokio
Tokio is in a really lovely part of town – most of the streets around this part of Budapest are pedestrianised and full of restaurants and bars. This was a bustling area that definitely had a more up-market feel to that of the Jewish Quarter. Again there are lots of bars to head to after dinner.
The food here is incredibly good value. We were a large party so had to dine from a set menu. But we got edamame, tempura vegetables and prawns, chicken gyoza, calamari and platters and platers of incredible sushi rolls for just £19 a head. The sushi was beautifully presented and the rolls were very generously sized. The crispy chicken with avocado and spicy salmon rolls were the biggest hits. The house wine was very good too.
Budapest, Széchenyi István tér 7-8, 1051 Hungary
Riverside dining at Kiosk
Kiosk is right on the banks of the Danube River. We were here in the summer and took full advantage of the beautiful terrace. However, if you are visiting Budapest in the winter this is still a great option as it is huge inside too – there is a huge tree behind the bar! The menu here is large with lots of Hungarian dishes but also lots of other European dishes too. There is something for everyone at Kiosk. I think it gets quite lively in the evenings here. We came for lunch and spent quite a few hours working our way through the impressive cocktail list.
The wiener schnitzel was delicious and came with buttery mashed potato. We also loved the beef tagliatelle. If you are going to the Rudas thermal baths you can walk across the bridge, like we did, to Kiosk. It takes about 20 minutes.
Budapest, Március 15. tér 4, 1056 Hungary
Have you been to Budapest? Are there other restaurants you would add to my list?
You might also enjoy:
Where To Eat In Seville, Spain
Top 5: Where To Eat In Marrakech
36 Hours In Paris: Where To Eat
Follow me on Bloglovin, Instagram and Twitter for all things food and travel!
Pin for later
Ooh Mazel Tov is on my list for when we go!
When do you go Angie? I absolutely loved Budapest!! This is such a lovely spot for lunch or dinner x
I really fancy Budapest but, like you, I imagined it to be really meat-heavy. I’m pleased to see that my picky pescatarianism will be easily catered for if we ever take a trip x
Oh definitely! There is an amazing range of restaurants in Budapest. So much great food! x
The food in Mazel Tov looks AMAZING! I’m really craving those falafels now…
The decor in Kiosk is just so pretty, too! I love those exposed brick walls. <3 xx
Laura // Middle of Adventure
Mazel Tov was my favourite place from the weekend. And it was just so pretty too! And Same for Kiosk, a really cool building! xx
Masel Tov looks amazing – wish I’d know about this place when I visited. Definitely will go back to this city though, loved it. #citytripping
It was beautiful and served delicious food, win win!! Me too, isn’t it such an interesting city!
The food looks delicious! I went to Budapest many years ago and it wasn’t nearly as international. We did end up eating lots of stews! Need to return one day! Thanks for linking #citytripping
I loved Budapest so much. I went in the summer but would love to return in the winter, I imagine it’s quite magical!
Budapest is one of my favorite places! I always seem to gravitate to the same restaurants when I’m there though! These look like great options! Thanks for sharing some new ideas! #citytripping
I’m glad I’ve given you some new places to try! I love the city. Would love to go back in the winter to see it looking all magical!
These restaurants seem so charming and worth visiting, Vicky. Plus, the dishes seem finger-licking. I’ll have to go back to Budapest soon .;)
They really are so charming! There is such a great variety of food on offer in Budapest, I truly fell in love with the city!
this restarunts looking beautiful., I loved Budapest so much. I went in the summer but would love to return in the winte
It’s such a beautiful city isn’t it! I also went in the hot summer but would love to return in the colder months as I imagine it’s quite magical.