1. Dobrumba
Address: 1074 Budapest, Dob u. 5.

If you’d like to impress visitors that Budapest has restaurants as cool as those in London, Paris or NY, you could take them out here. Be aware though, reservations are an absolute must.

Dobrumba brings the vibrant flavors of the Middle East to Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, attracting a chic, cosmopolitan crowd. The oversized windows create a lively connection to the street in this popular area, which helps bring the venue to life - especially when paired with the restaurant’s electronic soundtrack.

From experience, the food can sometimes fall short, but a standout dish here is the tender chicken tagine, and the hot mezzes are all pretty good. The basbousa, a semolina cake topped with tangy yogurt, is a good choice for an indulgent and pleasing finish. With a well curated drinks list, this spot is as much about its atmosphere as its offerings. Mains hover around HUF 4,500–6,500.

2. Opium Restaurant & Bar
Address: 1051 Budapest, Arany János u. 13.

Opium offers a sophisticated take on pan-Asian dining, wrapped in lush plants and sleek wooden accents. The menu is an eclectic mix, drawing inspiration from Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and China, though the Vietnamese dishes shine the brightest given most of the kitchen staff is Vietnamese.

This place is part of a successful Budapest restaurant group in charge of several pan-Asian establishments, such as Sáo, Khan, and Quí. The owners are originally from Vietnam, and some have a background in fashion, hence their ability to creating cool, trendy, and fashionable spaces.

The pho soups and bun cha reveal the kitchen’s skill, rooted in authentic techniques and ingredients bought fresh from the Chinese market. Though some dishes feel less adventurous, the drinks list elevates the experience with creative cocktails that deliver.

This stylish venue is ideal for those seeking an ambiance-driven evening. Accordingly it’s more expensive than your average Asian eatery in Budapest, with mains ranging from HUF 6,200 to 8,300.

3. Tereza Mexican Restaurant
Address: 1065 Budapest, Nagymező u. 3.

Mexican cuisine might not be the first thing that comes to mind when dining out in Budapest, but Tereza has managed to carve out a hot niche. Its welcoming interior, rich in warm tones, creates a buzzing venue that’s perfect for winter evenings.

Run by the owners of Mazel Tov, another pretty hip establishment a few streets away, Tereza really shines in the outdoor season when its openair courtyard comes complete with cool lanterns and a lively grill station.

Keep in mind that Mexico - and its culinary heartlands - are far away, so tempering your expectations is advised. The menu has hits and misses, with the fajitas, made with pork instead of the traditional beef, still offer a satisfying savory option.

While the tacos and quesadilla are underwhelming, the drinks menu offers an excellent selection of margaritas, tequila, and mezcal-based cocktails. Mains are priced between HUF 5,000 and 6,500.

4. Fleischer Restobar
Address: 1065 Budapest, Nagymező u. 7.

Inside this buzzing eatery in the 6^th district, the sleek design of subway tiles and snug seating sets the tone for a vibrant dining experience. One complaint to be aware of up front is that the portion sizes are rater modest to put it politely, so you might want to order a starters here.

The menu offers a mix of Hungarian and international options. The catfish paprikash stands out with its creamy, smoky notes, while the pork belly balances richness with depth of flavor. For dessert, nudli, small dumplings paired with fruit preserves and poppy seeds, adds a delightful conclusion to the meal.

By the way, the same team behind trendy eatery Két Szerecsen across the street runs this place, and another fun fact is that Fleischer retains the name of the tailor’s shop that once occupied this space. More important info is that here mains range between HUF 4,500 and 6,000.

5. Virtu

Address: 1117 Budapest, Dombóvári út 28.

Located on the rooftop of the Norman Foster-designed MOL Tower, this casual fine dining restaurant pairs unparalleled panoramic views with a carefully curated menu. Chef Lendvai serves up outstanding fish dishes, with highlights including the sturgeon variations and trout crudo, both showcasing refined presentation.

The foie gras-rhubarb creation also deserves a mention, as does the Palóc soup which offers a contemporary twist on a Hungarian classic. Generous portions ensure a filling meal, with mains priced between HUF 7,000 and 14,500. Plus restaurant guests receive free access to the observation deck atop MOL Tower.

6. Macesz Bistro
Address: 1072 Budapest, Dob u. 26.

Nestled in the historic Jewish Quarter, Macesz is an elegantly hip restaurant that bridges past and present with a menu inspired by Jewish culinary traditions. Of note, the building across the street is still home to the Hungarian Autonomous Orthodox Jewish Community.

Not cheap, but the Cholent, a slow-cooked stew of beans, and ludaskása, a risotto-style dish usually sprinkled with duck gizzards but here also topped with roast goose leg and foie gras, are standout options.

For dessert, flódni, the Hungarian-Jewish layered pastry, is always a good option. Here they have mastered the creation of its intricate layers of poppy seed, walnut, apple, and plum jam.

The sleek interior design enhances the dining experience, but keep in mind it’s a popular destination for tourists. As a guide to pricing here, mains are around HUF 6,200–8,300.

7. Gettó Gulyás

Address: 1077 Budapest, Wesselényi u. 18.

Before your meal here in Budapest's party district, also known as the old Jewish Quarter, you could grab a drink or two at any of the many bars in the area. By the way, "Gettó" refers to the Jewish ghetto, what this neighborhood became during the winter of 1944.

Must know info is that reservations are a must here, and forget about getting a same-day booking. Also worth noting is that the absence of Hungarian patrons here can seem strange given this is Budapest.

So this cosy place specializes in classic Hungarian dishes, served in an unpretentious way. The menu keeps it simple, featuring traditional favorites like goulash, veal paprikash, and seasonal local vegetable dishes called főzelék, but all are prepared with love and authenticity.

Desserts shine here, with the Gundel Pancake and cottage cheese dumplings delivering a sweet end to the meal. While its popularity with tourists has grown, the quality remains consistently high. Mains come in between HUF 4,500 and 6,200.