Food and Restaurants Budapest

Budapest is famous for baths and ruin bars, but did you realize it has amazing romantic restaurants? All those gardens, all the great wine and eclectic cuisine make it a special starry-eyed hotspot, be it by the royal Danube or a hidden café courtyard far from the attractions and usual activities.

Think soothing live music at a charming bistro, fusion food followed by the buzzing nightlife and there you have your perfect date planned out! Our guide takes you to the best Budapest romantic restaurants – intimate bars and eateries to celebrate an anniversary or just share a few amazing hours with your loved one.

As you know by now, the downtown itself can be bustling with visitors and locals, so some of the places are a bit further out (still not too far from the center). So this just means that you get to explore more of Hungary and the city than the ordinary visitor. 

Our Favorite Romantic Restaurants in Budapest

Fine dining guaranteed in the city. But where do you find the most intimate ambience?

Zany and adorable: M

Laid-back, quirky and delicious, with an ever-changing local menu – M is right next to the party district, by Király street, also close to the Liszt Academy of Music and the hurly-burly of the boulevard. Stop by if you are looking to spend a romantic dinner in Budapest but you want an affordable but really good served meal by a friendly staff in a really peculiar but loveable setting (and especially loveable drawings on the walls!).

The owner is a mathematician who opened a restaurant in his own apartment 10 years ago – it’s grown into M (named for a poem by a renowned poet friend). When I go there, I feel like I’m in a French brasserie for not just the art, but also whole atmosphere – so I highly recommend stopping by in the evening even for just a coffee.

Address: 48 Kertész utca, Budapest 1073

Credit: Facebook @MRestaurant

For culture and art lovers: cooking the books at Könyvbár (Book bar) in the Jewish quarter

Definitely one of the best romantic restaurants in Budapest is Könyvbár (Book bar). Last week when I last visited this place, their weekly book menu was Game of Thrones! Besides their regular a la carte, they prepare a food homage to a great book every week.

The whole book menu with starters, entrée and desserts can cost almost 70 euros, but you have the option to pick and choose from the components, or you can go for the regular menu. It’s really close to the heart of party district, so booking is highly recommended in rush hour. The ambience is cozy, obviously lined with books but not overbearing. Also in the Jewish quarter you can find some of the best Kosher Restaurants in Budapest. 

Address: 45 Dob utca, Budapest 1074

Credit: Facebook @konyvbar

Italian by the Danube: Trattoria Toscana

Craving Italian wines list, wood-fired oven pizzas and genuine pasta as you’re wondering on the embankment by the river? Search no more: Trattoria Toscana will transport you to Italy in a moment.

It’s on the more expensive side, but good seafood and well-made original Italian specialties are hard to find. Sit outside if you can (reservations highly recommended!). Our recommendation: duck breast with foie gras with pear sauce and spinach on the side. 

Address: Belgrád rakpart 13-15, Budapest 1056 

Credit: Instagram @toscana.hu

Perfect breakfast/brunch place in Buda: Déryné

Looking for a spot for a romantic Sunday brunch, with great service and a really stylish but hip and cozy ambience? I recommend Déryné (which scored several Bib Gourmand recommendations over the years) so you can discover a bit of the Buda side, still very close to the river and the Castle district.

They often have live music or even DJ’s (Sundays after 2), which make a simple meal into an occasion to celebrate. It’s a full-fledged classy restaurant, a bit on the costlier side – so feel free to stop by later in the day too. Make sure you try the terrace if the weather is good!

Especially recommended: chicken paprikash with home-made noodles, Wagyu beef, shakshuka, túrógombóc (traditional Hungarian cottage cheese dumplings), and since they have started playing around more with home-made vegan and vegetarian options, ask for vegetarian recommendations with rare confidence in this meat-loving city.

Address: 3 Krisztina tér, Budapest 1013

Credit: Instagram @lKristofKovacs

Safe travels! ;)

Recommended accommodation: Maverick Hostel & Ensuites in downtown Budapest. Feel free to ask our staff for more information on restaurants, events and stuff to do in the city during your stay!