Previously eclipsed by more gastronomic capital cities, Budapest is now emerging as a fine dining destination. With four Michelin-starred restaurants, Hungary’s first city has become a top place in Central Europe for great food and fantastic service. Here’s a selection of the best restaurants that we tried:
1. Onyx Restaurant
The second restaurant in Budapest to gain a Michelin star, Onyx Restaurant really is a jewel in the crown of the Budapest fine dining scene. Not only does the restaurant serve fantastic Modern Hungarian food with an exceptional tasting menu and excellent local wines, but the decor is also utterly beautiful. 
The restaurant was easily the best that we tried during our time in the city and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the first in Budapest to receive two Michelin stars. Read my full review of Onyx Restaurant to find out more.
2. Borkonyha Winekitchen
Borkonyha Winekitchen was the other Michelin-starred restaurant that we tried in Budapest. The atmosphere is totally different as it’s a much more casual and cosy place that’s a great choice for fine dining at lunch time, especially if you’re looking for somewhere family friendly. 
Borkonyha Winekitchen also serves modernised Hungarian dishes with the choice of a tasting or a la carte menu. There’s also a very extensive wine list of local wines with the option of plenty of wines by the glass. Read my full review of Borkonyha Winekitchen to find out more.
3. Nobu Budapest
Regular readers will know that I’m a huge fan of Nobu – a Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant brand co-owned by Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa and Robert DeNiro. Nobu Budapest, located at Corvinus Kempinski Hotel is the only Nobu restaurant in Central Europe and I was keen to see how it compared to it’s London counterparts. 
Whilst I try not to visit restaurants that I could go to at home whilst on holiday, Mr S and I always make an exception for Nobu. Not only do we love the food but each restaurant showcases local flavours rather than offering the same menu. For example there’s venison, smoky eggplant with Foie Gras tempura on the menu. Nobu is a great choice if you’re looking for a buzzy, fun environment and we had a fantastic night there.
4. KOLLÁZS Brasserie & Bar
With a name meaning ‘collage’, KOLLÁZS Brasserie & Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest serves a menu of both Hungarian and International food. The beautiful interiors are inspired by the 1920’s and the food is both hearty and beautifully prepared. We loved the breakfast, the delicious fish soup and the local wine served at the restaurant which has a friendly and casual cafe feel to it. 
5. Babel
Babel was another restaurant in Budapest that we loved but unfortunately my photographs didn’t come out well enough and my memory doesn’t serve for a full review. However, I’m still keen to recommend the restaurant that is inspired both by the cuisine of Hungary and Transylvania. The presentation of the food also showcases young chef Istvan Veres personal childhood memories growing up in Transylvania with a reverence for nature.
The majority of the ingredients are sourced from local farmers and there are more than 200 wines available. Mr S and I loved the delicious food, delicate portions and exceptional service here and we both agreed it could be Budapest’s next Michelin star. It’s the perfect choice for a more intimate romantic option so don’t expect the louder buzz of somewhere like Nobu.
Have you been to Budapest? Do you have any fine dining suggestions?
PIN FOR LATER:
