Fine Restaurants 2025

Editor Bence Gaál Editorial Staff Annamária Bálint Graphic Design Attila Dubniczki Photo László Balkányi, Antonio Fekete, Dávid Horpáczi, György Pécsi, Árpád Pintér, Milán Radisics, András Zombori, Gábor Seregélyes, BBJ archive Publisher Thomas Botka, Published by

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HU ISSN 2060-940X

Cover photo: Costes Restaurant, Jenő Rácz Chef Patron, photo by Gábor Seregélyes

Time Out Market Budapest Brings the Best of Hungary Under One Roof

A new chapter in Budapest’s culinary and cultural life began this September as Time Out Market Budapest officially opened its doors to the public. Located in the beautifully restored Corvin Palace at Blaha Lujza Square, the venue unites the best of Hungary’s gastronomy and cultural scene under one roof — offering a new destination for locals and visitors alike.

The concept, a curated mix of food, drinks, and culture, has already made its mark in cities such as Lisbon, New York, and Dubai. The Budapest edition is the first in Central and Eastern Europe, featuring 11 culinary concepts, three bars, five event spaces, and seating for more than 500 guests.

The market welcomes guests daily from 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., inviting them to experience an ever-changing showcase of the country’s finest chefs, beloved local eateries, and rising culinary stars.

The concept, a curated mix of food, drinks, and culture, has already made its mark in cities such as Lisbon, New York, and Dubai. The Budapest edition is the first in Central and Eastern Europe, featuring 11 culinary concepts, three bars, five event spaces, and seating for more than 500 guests.

“Time Out Market Budapest brings a new culinary and cultural experience

to Hungary and we are excited to welcome our guests to this unique space! We spent months developing and curating Time Out Market Budapest – we tested and tasted a lot of food in our city and country to uncover the best homegrown talents. Then we invited the very best to join us to represent Budapest and Hungary as the worldclass culinary destination it is. We couldn’t be more proud that such outstanding chefs and restaurateurs accepted our invitation, and to now open our doors to this unforgettable experience,” said Gergely Borsos, general manager.

“We created a space that celebrates local top talent and offers our guests a true taste of the city. We are open every day from 11.30 a.m. to 11.30 p.m., so you can come for lunch, dinner, to enjoy our cultural events or just for a drink –it's a vibrant, fun and welcoming space, and there is something for everyone. Our mission is to make the diversity of Hungarian gastronomy accessible and affordable – with a curated selection of food, drinks and exciting programmes throughout the year.”

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Top Rated

Hungary’s fine-dining landscape is broader and more confident than ever. This selection brings together the venues consistently recognised by the most influential ratings bodies — Michelin, Gault & Millau and Dining Guide — and showcases the breadth of the country’s top-end cooking both in Budapest and far beyond it

The picture that emerges is not a single style but a spectrum: kitchens that remix paprika and pickles with modern technique; Mediterranean-leaning menus that favour oil over butter and grill over glaze; urban dining rooms that hum a few doors from the tramline; and destination restaurants where the reward for an hour on the motorway is a table near Tata’s Old Lake or the historic downtown of Esztergom. The intent here is simple: to map the pinnacle, places that repeatedly earn the trust of multiple guides and deliver, service after service, on the promise of great hospitality.

Michelin’s role in this story is both historic and current. Hungary’s breakthrough came in 2010, when Costes in Budapest earned the country’s first Michelin star, a watershed moment that signalled local kitchens could stand with Europe’s best. In 2022, Michelin shifted from a Budapest-only lens to a fully national selection, a formal recognition that excellence had spread well beyond the capital.

In the latest guide, the inspectors recommend 78 restaurants across the country, split between 36 in Budapest and 42 elsewhere, with two holding Two Michelin Stars and eight holding One Star. The list also names 13 Bib Gour-

In the latest guide, the inspectors recommend 78 restaurants across the country, split between 36 in Budapest and 42 elsewhere, with two holding Two Michelin Stars and eight holding One Star. The list also names 13 Bib Gourmand addresses for great value and highlights six members of the Green Star community for sustainability.

mand addresses for great value and highlights six members of the Green Star community for sustainability. Platán Gourmet in Tata and Stand in Budapest once again anchor the very top with Two Stars, underscoring a genuine dual centre of gravity between city and countryside. Understanding how Michelin measures quality helps explain why certain names recur. Stars are awarded for outstanding cooking, judged on five universal criteria: quality of ingredients; harmony of flavours; mastery of techniques; the chef’s personality as expressed on the plate; and consistency across the menu and over time.

The Bib Gourmand commends particularly good value, while the Green Star recognises leadership in sustainable practice. The process is anonymous, the visits multiple, and the

Memorable Dining Destinations

Budapest has become a city where dining transcends food, blending craft, atmosphere, and storytelling into a single experience. This selection celebrates some of the capital’s most exceptional restaurants, places where culinary artistry meets genuine hospitality and every dish reflects Hungary’s evolving gastronomic identity.

Across the city, chefs honour traditional flavours while reinventing them with modern finesse. Classic Hungarian ingredients meet contemporary technique, while Italian, French, and global influences add depth and diversity. The result is a culinary scene as confident and cosmopolitan as any major European capital, yet unmistakably rooted in local character.

From elegant fine-dining rooms to more intimate culinary spaces, Budapest’s best restaurants cater to every occasion. Some invite quiet reflection; others buzz with urban energy. Whether it’s a multi-course tasting menu celebrating seasonal produce or the comfort of perfectly executed pasta, each meal feels deliberate, expressive, and uniquely Budapestian. Whether a first-time visitor exploring Hungary’s culinary treasures or a local foodie seeking new inspiration, diners will find in

From elegant fine-dining rooms to more intimate culinary spaces, Budapest’s best restaurants cater to every occasion. Some invite quiet reflection; others buzz with urban energy.

Budapest a world of flavour and creativity. The capital’s top tables prove that Hungary’s gastronomic ambition now reaches far beyond its borders. Budapest doesn’t simply follow Europe’s fine-dining trends — it shapes them, offering experiences that linger long after the final course.

Where Comfort Meets Culinary Craft

Budapest’s dining culture thrives not only in white tablecloth formality but also in the growing world of elevated yet relaxed restaurants, places where you can unwind, enjoy refined cooking, and feel perfectly at ease. These venues bridge the gap between bistro comfort and fine-dining precision, creating spaces where exceptional food meets an unpretentious atmosphere.

Across the city, chefs are embracing a new definition of quality dining: thoughtful sourcing, modern plating, and attentive service without stiffness. Menus focus on honest ingredients and balanced flavours — whether that’s duck confit with a local twist, handmade pasta with market-fresh vegetables, or a perfectly grilled steak paired with a glass of Hungarian red. The

tone is welcoming, the pace unhurried, and the emphasis always on pleasure.

Many of these restaurants are neighbourhood favourites: effortlessly stylish spots in Buda’s leafy districts, creative kitchens hidden in Pest’s courtyards, and riverside terraces where the city feels just far enough away. They offer the comfort of casual dining elevated by serious skill and intention.

It’s this blend of sophistication and ease that defines Budapest’s new culinary confidence. Guests can linger over a late lunch, share plates with friends, or simply stop by for a relaxed dinner that still feels special. The service is polished yet friendly, the ambience warm but contemporary. In a city increasingly known for its Michelin stars, these places remind us that

It’s this blend of sophistication and ease that defines Budapest’s new culinary confidence. Guests can linger over a late lunch, share plates with friends, or simply stop by for a relaxed dinner that still feels special.

everyday excellence, done with heart, is just as memorable. Whether you’re meeting friends, entertaining visitors, or treating yourself after work, Budapest’s elevated casual restaurants deliver the rare combination of comfort, creativity, and genuine hospitality that defines a truly modern dining experience.

In Conversation With Hungary’s Culinary Visionaries

In the ever-evolving world of gastronomy, true success demands far more than talent alone. It calls for passion, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to excellence. After last year’s positive feedback and the success of our previous edition, we decided to embark on a new journey — one that looks beyond the plate to uncover what truly lies behind the culinary arts. Through interviews with some of the most respected professionals in the industry, we sought to understand the inspirations, challenges, and philosophies that shape Hungary’s finest kitchens.

In Conversation With Hungary’s Culinary Visionaries offers an inside look at the minds driving this renaissance. Through candid discussions, the country’s leading chefs and hospitality figures share the principles that guide their work, from preserving heritage recipes and regional ingredients to embracing new techniques and global influences. They reflect on the obstacles they’ve faced, the milestones they’ve reached, and the values that keep them grounded: authenticity, sustainability, and a passion for creating memorable dining experiences.

Each of these figures tells a distinct story, shaped by different paths yet united by a shared ambition, to express Hungary’s culinary identity in fresh, meaningful ways. Their journeys reveal how creativity and local pride coexist, how resilience transforms challenge into opportunity, and how gastronomy continues to evolve while remaining deeply human. Together, their voices paint a portrait of a vibrant and confident culinary culture, one that honours its roots while boldly shaping the future.

Each of these figures tells a distinct story, shaped by different paths yet united by a shared ambition, to express Hungary’s culinary identity in fresh, meaningful ways.

The Spirit of Budapest

Budapest’s cocktail culture has grown into a defining part of the city’s nightlife: a blend of creativity, atmosphere, and craftsmanship that rivals any European capital. Across the city, mixology has become a language of its own, spoken fluently everywhere from elegant rooftop lounges to moody underground bars and effortlessly stylish downtown bistros.

The drinks themselves tell the story. Classic cocktails like the Negroni or Manhattan are reimagined with local flair, perhaps a splash of herbal liqueur, a hint of smoked paprika syrup, or a few drops of Hungarian honey. Summer menus bring light, citrus-forward spritzes and floral gin tonics, while the colder months favour barrel-aged creations, spiced rum infusions, and whisky sours laced with bitters that evoke the scent of forest herbs. Each glass offers balance and imagination, showing how Budapest’s bartenders merge international technique with regional character.

Hungarian ingredients increasingly take centre stage. Pálinka, the country’s iconic fruit spirit, finds its way into modern blends; Tokaji wine reductions lend sweetness and depth; and locally grown herbs and berries provide colour and freshness. What was once a straightforward night out has become something more deliberate — an exploration of taste and identity.

Equally diverse are the venues themselves. Rooftop bars draw crowds with breathtaking views and refined elegance, while hidden speakeasies invite quieter conversation among candlelit interiors and jazz playlists. Meanwhile, the city’s new

generation of casual bars proves that excellent drinks needn’t come with formality: relaxed service, playful experimentation, and a genuine sense of fun define their appeal. What unites them all is an attention to craft. From perfectly clear ice cubes to house-made syrups and precisely balanced garnishes, Budapest’s bartenders treat each drink as a miniature work of art. Whether you’re after a quiet cocktail with a view, an intimate night out, or a lively evening of discovery, the city offers a mixology scene that celebrates both innovation and authenticity.

Hungarian ingredients increasingly take centre stage. Pálinka, the country’s iconic fruit spirit, finds its way into modern blends; Tokaji wine reductions lend sweetness and depth; and locally grown herbs and berries provide colour and freshness.

Sunday Brunch Delights

Budapest has perfected the art of the Sunday brunch— that golden hour between breakfast and lunch where time slows, conversation flows, and indulgence feels entirely justified. This selection of the city’s finest brunch destinations captures that spirit, blending generous plates, relaxed elegance, and a touch of celebration into one irresistible ritual.

The capital’s brunch culture has evolved far beyond the simple morning meal. Here, eggs benedict arrives on freshly baked sourdough, pancakes come stacked high with fruit compotes and whipped cream, and seasonal bowls showcase local produce at its best. Whether you prefer a classic spread or something more adventurous, think shakshuka with Hungarian paprika, salmon tartine with dill, or artisan pastries paired with a glass of bubbly, Budapest’s brunch spots cater to every taste. Many of these venues take pride in sourcing ingredients from local farms and markets, crafting menus that highlight freshness and authenticity. It’s where familiar comforts meet creative twists: Mangalica bacon beside avocado toast, or homemade jams served with still-warm croissants. For those seeking a touch of luxury,

For those seeking a touch of luxury, champagne brunches and creative cocktails such as Bellinis and Mimosas turn a slow Sunday into something memorable.

champagne brunches and creative cocktails such as Bellinis and Mimosas turn a slow Sunday into something memorable.

The settings are as inviting as the food. Sunlit cafés spill onto leafy terraces in summer, while elegant hotel lounges and modern interiors offer warmth and refinement through the colder months. The mood is always unhurried — a space to reconnect with friends, enjoy family time, or simply let the morning unfold at its own rhythm.

What makes Budapest’s brunch scene special is its sense of generosity, not only in the food but in the feeling it creates. Whether you’re sharing laughter over coffee or savouring a quiet moment with a pastry and a newspaper, these brunch destinations prove that the city knows how to make even a Sunday morning feel extraordinary.

A Turkey Feast to Remember

Budapest’s festive season has embraced a beloved international tradition - the grand turkey feast - and given it a refined local twist. Once the centrepiece of North American and British holiday tables, the roasted turkey has found a new home in Hungary, where some of the city’s finest restaurants now bring this comforting classic to diners through their Turkey to Go offerings. It’s the perfect marriage of convenience and culinary excellence — all the flavour, none of the fuss.

The beauty of Budapest’s Turkey to Go services lies in their simplicity. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying a quiet, elegant evening at home, these ready-toserve meals take the stress out of holiday cooking while keeping all the joy.

Prepared by expert chefs, these golden, slow-roasted turkeys arrive perfectly seasoned, tender, and ready to carve. Each one reflects a careful balance of heritage and innovation, capturing the warmth of tradition while adding a gourmet edge. The accompaniments are equally impressive: silky mashed potatoes, honey-glazed root vegetables, aromatic stuffing, and tangy cranberry sauce, all prepared with the precision and care that mark the city’s top kitchens. And no festive meal would be complete without a sweet ending. From spiced pumpkin tarts and chocolate-dipped pastries to modern reinterpretations of classic Hungarian desserts, these feasts often include indulgent finales that turn a family dinner into a full celebration.

The beauty of Budapest’s Turkey to Go services lies in their simplicity. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying a quiet, elegant evening at home, these ready-to-serve meals take the stress out of holiday cooking while keeping all the joy. The result is a dining experience that feels both luxurious and effortless — a seasonal tradition reimagined for modern life. All that’s left to do is set the table, light the candles, and pour the wine. With the city’s finest chefs doing the hard work behind the scenes, your festive feast becomes what it was always meant to be: a moment of togetherness, comfort, and celebration.

A Taste of the Hungarian Countryside

Beyond the capital’s bright lights lies a culinary world shaped by landscape, tradition, and quiet innovation. Hungary’s countryside has become a destination in its own right for those seeking fine dining with a deeper sense of place, where local ingredients meet modern creativity, and every meal feels connected to the land around it.

In recent years, rural gastronomy has undergone a transformation that has not gone unnoticed. The Michelin Guide now highlights more countryside restaurants than ever before, recognising a new generation of chefs who draw inspiration from regional produce, heritage recipes, and the rhythm of rural life. These venues blend sophistication with sincerity, offering dishes that are both grounded and imaginative — proof that great cuisine need not be confined to the city.

Each region offers its own character. Along the shores of Lake Balaton, menus celebrate the lake’s bounty: freshwater fish grilled to perfection, summer vegetables from nearby farms, and creamy local cheeses paired with crisp, mineral-rich wines. In the southern vineyards of Villány and Szekszárd, robust red wines inspire hearty fare, slow-braised meats, wild herbs, and sauces infused with depth and warmth. The country’s northeast paints a wilder picture,

where chefs turn forest mushrooms, game, and foraged herbs into elegant, earthy creations that reflect the untamed beauty of their surroundings.

The settings are as memorable as the food. Some restaurants occupy centuries-old estates or family-run guesthouses; others stand as sleek, contemporary spaces framed by vineyards or mountain vistas. Wherever you go, the experience is marked by authenticity,

These venues blend sophistication with sincerity, offering dishes that are both grounded and imaginative — proof that great cuisine need not be confined to the city.

generosity, and the sense that the journey is as rewarding as the destination.

Whether for a weekend escape, a special occasion, or simply a change of scenery, Hungary’s countryside dining scene offers a rare combination of refinement and warmth. Here, fine dining feels personal, an invitation to slow down, taste the region, and discover how Hungary’s culinary excellence extends far beyond Budapest.

Fine Restaurants

2025’s Top 100 Recommendations

As it has become our tradition over the years, Fine Restaurants offers a carefully selected list of the 100 most excellent restaurants across the country, in alphabetical order. Please feel free to take a look at our selection, where we provide you with all the necessary information, such as the address, contact details, and price range for making a choice and booking a table.