Not every meal in Budapest is worth the price of admission. In fact; most aren’t. Avoid the slop and follow this guide, you won’t go wrong.

CHEAP

Menza

While ‘cheap’ might be a slightly misleading way to describe restaurant Menza, the food here fits no other category. While definitely not a cheap and nasty eatery, Menza serves up the best traditional Hungarian food anywhere near the centre of town on the Pest side of the river. Mains will set you back $10 - $15 USD, and a bottle of wine will start from $20 USD. I would thoroughly recommend going for a goulash, breaded chicken risotto, mangalica pork loin and some bread dumplings. The food is hearty and extremely filling, and seemingly highly popular with locals. Fully expect every table to be booked out here - the place is an absolute hot spot. However, the staff are excellent and will happily post you up at the bar while a table is prepared. Also, definitely get a bottle of their house rosé, it’s the goods.

Address: Liszt Ferenc tér 2, 1061, Budapest

Hours: Monday - Sunday: 11 am - 12:00 am

Website: https://www.menzaetterem.hu/

moderate

Portobello

Portobello was easily my favourite feed in Budapest. Though technically a café, Portobello rises above the humble affair served up at any mere brunch spot. Here, the food is crafted with love, cunning and a thorough dedication to doing better. The Reuben sandwich was heavenly, the Turkish eggs were out of this world, and the flat white that I sampled was sensational. To make matters even better, Portobello is probably one of the few places in Budapest that shows a commitment to natural wines. We had a pinot noir and a refosk - both were superbly balanced and very fresh - a perfect accompaniment to the meal. The price for a meal at portobello is considerably less than at high dining establishments but equally good. Pull up a seat by the window, have a wine and a chat with the owner; he’s really knowledgeable and always happy to chat natural and living wine.

Address: Veres Pálné u. 16, 1053, Budapest

Hours: Monday - Sunday: 9 am - 3 pm.

Website: https://portobello-coffee-wine.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral

FANCY

Borbíróság

Maybe calling Borbíróság ‘fancy’ will be a little misleading. Borbíróság is certainly no fussy, white linen ordeal. No, the food here is meat heavy, unpretentious, and done in a way that is both reminiscent of down-home cooking and modern cuisine. Everything on offer at Borbíróság is a take on down home classics, made to taste good and uncomplicated. Think delectable Hungarian pork, strudel that would make a German weep, duck breast so tender or Argentinian steak that tastes like Patagonia. The wine list is extensive and thoroughly local. We did a tasting here before kicking off dinner which was an excellent move; some of the Hungarian whites on offer were surprisingly good, especially the Tokaj Chardonnay - buttery and delicious. Borbíróság is very much part of the new wave of Hungarian dining - the prices are low, the service very good and the wine list refreshingly modern. Book yourself a table; try and get one in the wine cellars downstairs. You’ll spend way less than $100 a head and will leave full to bursting. I actually spent my birthday here and left feeling pretty loved; was an excellent vibe.

Address: Csarnok tér 5, 1093, Budapest.

Hours: Monday - Saturday: 12 pm - 11:30 pm. Sunday: Closed.

Website: http://en.borbirosag.com/

And that’s our pick for food in Budapest? Have any suggestions or comments? Let us know in the comments section below! Like what you’ve read? Hit subscribe below!