1. Aranybástya Restaurant - pictured above

Address: 1015 Budapest, Csónak utca 1.

In the last quarter of 2021, the Aranybástya Restaurant set up in the capital, at the Lónyay-Hatvany villa, which hadn’t been open to the public for 20 years. The former Turkish fortification, which was replaced by an impressive building designed by Miklós Ybl of Opera House fame, has a rich history.

The view and the surroundings are high-class indeed and, for a rendezvous or a birthday dinner, you couldn’t find a more appealing place interwoven with history.

They run a straightforward bistro kitchen, using excellent ingredients and the latest technology. They strive for high quality in harmony with modern and traditional elements.

2. Arz Lebanese Restaurant
Address: 1052 Budapest, Apáczai Csere János utca 12-14.

The restaurants on the Danube Promenade offer more than just goulash, chicken paprikash and classic Hungarian desserts.

ARZ Lebanese Restaurant Budapest' Levantine flavours appeared as part of the portfolio of the InterContinental Budapest Hotel. It's so refreshing to find a Middle-Eastern restaurant with a dazzling panorama of the Danube in the background.

You can splurge on meze, select from the grilled meats and, due to the laid-back nature of the genre, you can push the plates to the centre of the table and sample the richly seasoned, fresh Lebanese specialities together. It's also worth coming here at sunset to take in shaded contours of Buda Castle.

3. Bestia
Address: 1051 Budapest, Szent István tér 9-11.

Bestia is not featured here because of its classic lofty panorama, but because of its view amid the hustle and bustle of the city centre and the magnificent Basilica.

In winter, you can look out onto icy Budapest as hot, spicy dishes come steaming from the kitchen, but as the terrace season arrives, you can really take in the air together with the most impressive square in downtown District V.

Then, it almost becomes a piazza, as people pass by with their dogs, scooters and skateboards. Bestia’s clear gastronomic focus – the creativity of chef Norbert Krizmanics, and the vision, influential direction and hedonistic approach of co-founder Rozina Wossala – move things along nicely.

4. DNB Budapest
Address: 1052 Budapest, Duna korzó

DNB Budapest, located at the Budapest Marriott, welcomes with its guests in stylish fashion, responding to contemporary interior design trends. It delivers modern Hungarian cuisine, the wine bar given an equally important role.

They offer formidable breakfasts and brunches, when you even in bright sunshine you can enjoy the view of the Danube, her most beautiful bridges, Buda Castle and the rush of riverside tram 2. One of the city’s World Heritage Sites is wonderful even if you come in the evening, as dinner at DNB embraces romance and intimacy.

As soon as the good weather arrives, the terrace fills and the restaurant brings a different atmosphere inside and out. A great place to hang out! 

5. Halászbástya

Address: 1014 Budapest, Halászbástya

For the perfect venue to celebrate a birthday, hold a wedding or even pop the question, Halászbástya in the namesake panoramic landmark of the Fishermen's Bastion is the immediate choice.

It’s an amazing feeling to have dinner right in the middle of a World Heritage Site, accompanied by a view that you won’t easily forget.

The historic surroundings feel exclusive yet touching and, under the direction of chef Barna Szabó, the gastronomic experience is not to be missed either. Seasonality and Hungarian tradition are paramount, given the location.

6. Kiosk Budapest

Address: 1056 Budapest, Március 15. tér 4​​​​​​​.

KIOSK, an important meeting point in the city centre, marks its tenth anniversary in 2023. The bistro, reconstructed from the former sports hall of the Piarist High School, has a great location with an evergreen panorama during all four seasons.

Although sitting on the terrace is best when the weather is right, you can also see Gellért Hill and Elizabeth Bridge through the huge windows from inside in winter, too, showcasing the capital at its finest.

The huge building and the urban interior always put you in the right mood, and the food is also decent.

7. Monkey Bistro

Address: 1013 Budapest, Ybl Miklós tér 4.

It is difficult to beat the 360-degree panorama at the relaxed Monkey Bistro. This meeting place at the Várkert Bazár opened in 2021, but its solid circle of customers came together pretty quickly.

After all, the view really is unparalleled, especially on spring and summer evenings, when the lights of the capital bob on the gentle waves of the Danube.

It’s great to come here for light snacks and drinks at night, with background sounds, G&Ts and wild cocktails all taken care of.

8. Robinson Restaurant
Address: 1146 Budapest, Városligeti-tó

Robinson Restaurant in City Park has been in business since 1989. In that time, it's come through many a triumph and tragedy, but luckily owner Árpád László refreshes it from time to time, just enough as is necessary.

The regular, revered items remain, they just appear in a modern rendition. The boat-like building stands out like a gemstone by the lake day and night, and the view from the restaurant speaks for itself. Who couldn’t love admiring the park, the calm waters and Vajdahunyad Castle over dinner?

Their cuisine includes Hungarian classics as well as international dishes, of reliable quality, making Robinson a fine choice for any occasion.

9. Terra Restaurant
Address: 1016 Budapest, Naphegy utca 67.

The Terra Restaurant is located in the former Tabán park in Buda’s District I, where the surroundings gain their finest appearance when the huge trees all turn green. Close to Buda Castle and Gellért Hill, it’s an elegant event venue, but people also come here for romantic dinners.

Under the guidance of Italian chef, Gianni Annoni and Hungarian, Zsolt Haraszti, the menu is very diverse: you can find Hungarian favourites and various pizzas, and the products of their own confectionery also play a leading role.

The clean, natural space contrasts with the modern buildings nearby, and is more suited to the peaceful area of Tabán itself.

Source: Welovebudapest.com

 Photos: courtesy of the venues