Restaurants in Budapest

This has long been regarded as one of the city's best restaurants, and it is certainly one of its most famous. Gundel has been serving traditional dishes since 1894, and some of them have become city institutions, including the Gundel pancake and their goose liver speciality. The wine list is extensive and the art nouveau interior is a feast for the eyes too.

Dine in the opulent, Italian Renaissance setting of this Fin de Siècle building. The café was originally part of the New York Life Assurance Company (hence the name) and a favourite with the Budapest literati. It fell into disrepair in the 1940s but reopened as a café in the Soviet era. It was only after the building was converted into a luxury hotel that it was restored to its former glory. Its infamous desserts make up for the good, but unadventurous, main courses of pasta and goulash.

Nestled on an island in the middle of Városligeti Lake, Robinson Restaurant is a spot where diners can enjoy a romantic candlelit meal overlooking the waters and greenery of Budapest City Park. Food is on the fine side with Argentinean steaks, salmon ravioli and luxurious puddings on offer. Booking is advised.

This landmark Budapest café is one of the finest coffee shops in Europe. The interior is gorgeous, done up in Austro-Hungarian opulence, and completed with rich plaster work, magnificent chandeliers, marble tables, lavish fine wood panelling and brocade wall coverings. Among other decorative items is the piano that was intended for use on board the Titanic.

Tucked away behind the Vaci Útca shopping district, this charming café has bags of character and is often given the accolade of ‘best cafe in Budapest’. On warmer days, the garden, with its fairy lights, is teeming with guests, while the grand Hungarian décor inside offers its own stylish lure. As well as being home to several parrots, second hand English books are sold on the terrace. The Hungarian menu and delicious desserts do not disappoint.

One of several Indian restaurants in Budapest, Salaam Bombay has a good selection of meat and vegetarian dishes and its location next to the Chain Bridge makes it an excellent central choice. It is brightly decorated in a modern style and offers a good value option.

Hummus Bar first opened in an attempt to bring Middle Eastern food to Hungarians. Several years and seven Hummus Bars later, the mission has been accomplished. Aside from every combination of hummus you can possibly think of, there are couscous dishes, salads, soups, breads and desserts. While this branch has meat dishes, some are strictly vegetarian. Service here is fast, the food filling and the prices affordable. Booking not required.

Half health-food store, half café, 'Sunny Side' is a spot to find scrummy food that is both easy on the waist and wallet. Spelt-based pastries, vegetarian salads and a daily lunch menu are made fresh on the premises Monday to Saturday and are available to eat in or take away. Napos Oldal also runs an organic produce store across the road.

Budapest’s first wok bar is proving to be popular. Customers choose what bases, toppings and sauces they fancy, and watch as chefs prepare each order from scratch over a roaring flame. The restaurant’s healthy approach to fast food means only fresh, local produce is used, while its spacious modern setting and central location makes it ideal for grub on the go.