We, as locals are eager to help our fellow new residents of Budapest to get through the maze of good restaurants, fun places and interesting occupations. This time we brainstormed and agreed in 6 of the numerous Budapest eateries that no expat or visitor of our lovely town should miss.
Jamie’s Italian $$
Buda, Castle
Reservation is recommended.
After a long week of working Jamie's appear as an oasis on the top of Budapest. The name Jamie Oliver should mean something in gastronomy, so expectations were high when we first tried it. Ordered iced olives, croquettes and crostini for starters. And local beer. Starters were decent, croquettes were great. And the beer – tasty as always. Main courses the risotto and a pizza. High expectations were verified. The risotto was absolutely spot on, nice texture and rich taste. The pizza pasta was also al dente, and the toppings including Crushed tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, roast chicken and courgette were just like we imagine a pizza in Milan or Rome. Desert was good, chocolate brownie. Rich taste. So, an above average experience without the above average price that expats might be accustomed to abroad. The Jamie Oliver name is, as always synonymous with specialty and also great atmosphere.
Onyx Restaurant $$$$
Downtown
Got a Michelin Star in 2011
Reservation is highly recommended.
Onyx earned Hungary’s second Michelin star after Costes’ success in 2010. It is a fancy place with rich interior decoration, prime food and expert service. The kitchen is headed by an outstanding chef pair Széll Tamás – who has won the Bocuse d'or in 2016, and Szabina Szulló.
Their wine offering encompasses the best of the best domestic wines, and a nice selection of high-priced foreign wines and Champagnes.
You can choose from the two tasting menus consisting of six courses (Hungarian Evolution Menu for 17 500 HUF, Onyx Prestige Menu for 17 500 HUF) or eat a la carte.
The lunch menu is available from Tuesday till Thursday between 12.00 and 13.30: the base price is 9 900 HUF to which a 15 % service fee is added and the drinks you’ve had.
Borkonyha (WineKitchen) $$$
Downtown
Rewarded with Michelin Star in March 2014.
Reservation is highly recommended.
Borkonyha opened only a couple of years ago yet the stable quality in food and service has already earned them a Michelin star early 2014.
It is one our favorite places for dinner in downtown Budapest because a combination of several things: the laid-back bistro feeling, the attentive (but not overbearing) service the short,ingenious menu that doesn’t take long minutes to peruse and choose from delicious food from the freshest ingredients. We are delighted that the talented chef, Ákos Sárközy’s efforts were rewarded with a star by the French restaurant guide.
The daily menu is written on a chalk board and includes treats like Spicy ribeye salad (2850 HUF), or Balaton pike perch with zucchini tagliatelle (4150 HUF).
Not to mention the wide selection of Hungarian wines, many of which are served by the glass (cheapest offer is two roses: 670 HUF/dl, the most expensive is a prime red Konyári Alfa Omega from a winery in Balatonlelle, costs 4600 HUF/dl).
There’s a nice terrace on the street where you can enjoy your food in good weather while people-watching. Borkonyha is one of the few places you cannot go wrong with!
Nobu Restaurant $$$
Downtown
Reservation is recommended
Budapest’s and Central Europe’s first Nobu outlet opened in 2010 inside the Kempinski Corvinus Hotel. The famous Japanese restaurant offers first-class food made from fresh ingredients. Being a high-end restaurant in the heart of Budapest prices are on the high side.
Costes $$$
Downtown
Hungary’s 1st Michelin Star Restaurant
Reservation is highly recommended.
As one of our colleagues who have lived in France recently, Costes truly represents Parisian bistro atmosphere as of its dishes and service as well. It was the first Hungarian restaurant that received a Michelin star (in 2010) and now we know why.
If you want to splurge on eating out and enjoy gourmet food in Budapest then Costes is a good choice.
You can choose from three tasting menus (a 5-course Discovery Menu for 18 000 HUF without wine, an 8-course Grand Menu: 26 000 HUF without wine, and a 5-course Vegetarian Menu: 15 000 HUF without wine) or eat á la carte.
Capri
Buda, Rosehill
Reservation is not necessary.
Due to home searches we frequent this area for many years, but now we happened to visit it in the occasion of our Company’s Anniversary.
As getting hungry after go-karting our staff’s choice was random and intentional in choosing Capri to take a break and have an abundant lunch for 12. About this Italian restaurant we have to tell: haven’t been eating this delicious food in an inn-like place for a long time if ever. Service and atmosphere is great, the servers are nice and flexible and the dishes could not taste even better. I think I have never had a Focaccia this good before. A real Italian masterpiece along with the dips. Fresh ingredients, brilliant Italian recipes, cozy terrace and for all of this, at a friendly price indeed. We heartly recommend it for you.