Budapest is a city known for its thermal baths and the beauty of its architecture, which seems to be alive and changing at the pace of each neighbourhood and district you visit.
Its nightlife is dynamic and there are as many types of ruin bars and nightclubs as there are musical tastes. To this we can add its great gastronomic variety, which ranges from the most traditional to the most avant-garde, including kosher and Japanese specialities.
On this occasion we are going to take a tour of the most romantic restaurants in the city to enjoy an intimate and sometimes luxurious moment with that person with whom sharing a moment becomes something so special.
Bihari János u. 20, 1055, Budapest
Cozy and unique, with a presence that combines the homely with the contemporary. They seek to convey the spirit of sharing a meal with friends or loved ones. The pleasant feeling of being surrounded by the ones you love with exceptional food and a high level of service.
Zaida and Igor, the magicians who have created this very personal space, will give flavour and a great service to anyone who wants to let themselves be carried away by their “Wednesday night” spirit. Ask them to tell you the story because it is fantastic.
They have a great experience in England and Hungary where they have achieved huge recognition for their work and where they have acquired a little bit of each establishment they have been in.
Organic wines from small wineries and dishes with a classic spirit of Hungarian and Slavic cuisine sit at the Zincenco table. Their raw materials are of the highest quality and you can tell from the first bite. It is an adventure for the senses.
Csónak utca 1, 1015 Budapest
Presence, views and dishes are the three pillars on which this restaurant bases the secret of its great success. It also has a very interesting history and in its carefully prepared dishes we discover the care that each professional puts into their work.
The Golden Bastion was originally a Turkish fortification that suffered its first, and not last, destruction in 1686. After passing through many hands that tried to restore its splendour, it became a classical palace and suffered its last fatal moment in 1944 due to bombing.
Since then, it has housed one of the best views in the entire city. These can, and should, be accompanied by its unique culinary creations. Enjoying a quiet dinner here is utterly magical.
Chef Zsolt Papdi, who draws inspiration from both his international experiences and local ingredients, makes the perfect pair with pastry chef Péter László. Let your instinct guide you; taste and enjoy an experience like no other.
Erzsébet krt. 43-49, 1073, Budapest
Marvin Gauci, Chef Ambassador and award-winning restaurateur on countless occasions, is the creator behind the genuine idea of UNCENSORED Restaurant. This is a place where your senses are put to the test, taking you on a gastronomic journey like few others in the world.
The chef invites us to travel through several continents. Every 20 minutes the dishes and the atmosphere around you will change and transport you to a place in Hungary, Russia, Asia or South America.
There are only 10 tables and while you enjoy new flavours, nuances and spices, 360-degree audio-visual content of the place that gives rise to the dish you are tasting will be projected around you.
Much more than just a dinner, it is a truly unique experience in the industry.
Sas utca 18, 1051 Budapest
Class. That may be the word that best defines what you will find as soon as you set foot in Prime Steak & Wine.
It’s true that steakhouses don’t abound on the streets of Budapest, but this one stands out so much that it is one of the best restaurants in the city without a doubt.
The prestige that accompanies its meats is not unfounded, and you can see it from the very first moment; Australian Wagyu, the best South American beef or a good top quality Tomahawk beef chop.
It is also worth mentioning that the service, with incredible care and professionalism, is on a par with the great meats on offer.
Teréz krt. 43-49, 1073 Budapest
Sophistication all around you and on the table. That’s what you’ll find in this place that always stands out in the top ranks of the city’s best restaurants. And much of the blame lies with its chef György Tivadar and manager Tamás Hegedűs.
It doesn’t take much searching to discover that their speciality is caviar and meat. You won’t go wrong with your choice, whatever it is; tasting menu, lobster popcorn or the Tokaji Mangalica pork.
All cosmopolitan on the menu is sometimes accompanied by the perfect pairing thanks to the recommendations of their great service. This is, of course, another aspect to highlight; its great staff and attention to the public.
Királyi Pál utca 4, 1053 Budapest
This temple to the palate is a must for lovers of good food. With its open kitchen and bar, you can see how they create the wonderful Michelin-starred dishes.
Szilárd Tóth is a culinary genius whose creations will stay with you for the rest of your life. Based on Hungarian cuisine with traditional touches from the Szatmár region. Let the herbal touches and homely atmosphere embrace you with unique dishes.
Marczibányi tér 7, 1022 Budapest
The standard of the presentation of its dishes and the taste of the most contemporary traditional Hungarian cuisine is what we could highlight most about this place, if it were not for its imposing presence.
Located in Haris Park, this former neo-Renaissance building of the Member’s Gun Club in Budapest will leave you open-mouthed. Its exterior is hypnotic, both the gardens and the building itself.
So much so that it is a common but exclusive wedding venue. Its elegance is transferred to the interior with perfectly decorated rooms that have, despite their size, an intimate and special touch.
Elegance, luxury and high quality food. The flavours match the place. As soon as you enter the garden, you will understand in a moment how good your lunch or dinner will be.
45 Dob utca, 1074 Budapest
This is undoubtedly one of the most original and innovative restaurants in Budapest, and that’s saying a lot. If you love reading and could spend hours lost among books, don’t hesitate, this is the place for you.
The atmosphere is cosy and homely. It seems to be designed like the living room of someone with very good taste. At first glance you don’t know if it’s a restaurant in the middle of a bookshop or vice versa.
Even if you are not an inveterate reader, it is worth visiting this restaurant where the dishes are thematically based, of course, on famous books. In addition to their menu, they prepare a tribute to a great book every week. The presentation of the dishes is incredibly original and the taste is delicious.
14 Fortuna utca, 1014 Budapest
Halfway between romantic and cosy. The picturesque and the intimate. Pierrot offers a romantic and intimate experience even before you set foot inside.
The environment surrounding the restaurant makes you feel like you are on your way to a special place. Cobblestone streets lead you through a beautiful neighbourhood to this old building that now houses such a high standard restaurant.
Its garden is the highlight, with walls full of ivy and flowers. Gastronomically, any choice will be the right one; risotto, scallops, venison goulash, duck or rabbit. Everything will be a success because you are in the right place.
Attila út 10, 1013 Budapest
Stand25 Bisztró was opened in 2017 by chefs Szabina Szulló and Tamás Széll. This may be the least romantic place on the list, but you’ll certainly fall head over heels for its delicious cuisine.
With a Michelin star, these wizards of flavour continue pushing themselves and offering their best in every dish. They feature Hungarian and international classics and are known for their interpretation of excellent bistro cuisine.
Their menu changes every few weeks, always seeking to surprise the customer’s palate with new creations based on well known and traditional dishes. Although it is not something that is often mentioned, on this occasion it is worth mentioning the fair price of their dishes. An unbeatable value for money.
Krisztina tér 3, 1013 Budapest
It is a place with soul, with a great history of its own that is conveyed in every detail. It is the first coffee and confectionery shop opened in Buda in 1914, run by the Auguszt family, who were famous for their coffee and cakes.
Owner Kristóf Kovács is always on the lookout for the avant-garde, and in his efforts to always offer something different, he undertook a thorough renovation that was completed at the end of 2020.
Its great presence and decoration is only surpassed by the great service. They are very attentive, and are always ready to offer their best advice to anyone who needs some guidance among their great dining options.
Fő u. 20, 1011
Let’s take a trip to the heart of Paris, but without leaving Buda. This jewel is hidden between stone walls and creepers. It awaits with a great reward for those who discover it.
It has a cosy and warm interior, perfect for the cold Hungarian winter nights, which is dressed up as a bistro with friendly and professional service.
But what is truly magical is the garden with its garlands of lights that illuminate a romantic atmosphere with French music playing in the background. It’s like living a romantic story in first person.
Sicilian chef Tommaso Iacono is at the helm of the creation and preparation of the works of art served here. In his long career, he has collaborated with great international chefs such as spanish Martin Barasategui in Lasarte, as well as being a kitchen consultant for the MOMA group in Paris in 2018.
Now at Pavillon de Paris he is taking on the challenge of reinventing classic French cuisine in a modern and cosmopolitan perspective. Enjoy his creations with his seven-course tasting menu and let yourself be carried away by a myriad of flavours and nuances.
Warmth, charm and luxury in the most Parisian Buda.
Ferenciek tere 10, 1053 Budapest
We have left for dessert the place with the most spectacular interior. Being inside it is like living in a film, in a fairy tale, in a time when beauty reigned supreme. It is a truly unique place.
Like every great place, it has a great history. Already a meeting place at the beginning of the 20th century, a department store opened in the Párisi courtyard. Today it houses the five-star Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest. Its incredible ground floor passageway is where this restaurant is located.
Chef Lajos Lutz uses domestic ingredients to create unique dishes with a soul of their own. And you will find it impossible to leave the place without having one of the many cakes and pastries you will find here.
They have a clear vision, the enjoyment of the senses of everyone who sits at their table. They use high quality ingredients from the region using the latest technology in the kitchen for their preparation. All this paired with the most complete drinks and champagne selection.