Restaurants and bistros
Last year saw a couple of interesting openings near Rákóczi tér. Oliviks Kitchen offers up Nigerian specialities like fufu and jollof. Also, Green Gourmet, an Italian breakfast spot, kicked off, serving brunch with good tunes until 4 pm.
Speaking of Italy, Fausto's, one of Budapest's most reliable Italian restaurants, has moved to a new spot this January. For something spicier, Maia Mexican Fusion launched in February with Mexican-inspired global dishes and ace cocktails. If you're a Harry Potter fan or just love a bit of magic, Magic Budapest is worth a look; expect smoking cocktails and an enchanting vibe. Or, for chilled Mediterranean feels, try BOHO.
For something a bit different, 886 Dim Sum takes you on a culinary trip to Taiwan. Meanwhile, on busy Ráday utca, Nipe Pasta is serving up authentic Italian, all with homemade pasta. And it's not all about the capital! O'Mami and Rozmaring opened earlier this year in the picturesque Danube Bend, offering classic bistro fare.
Some places have been quick off the mark. Indigo Express, known for its affordable and authentic Indian grub, has opened two new branches: a restaurant at Kopaszi Dam (a chilled spot in Buda) and also a cloud kitchen.
Spring brought three excellent new spots following the small-plate, natural wine trend. Pebbles focuses on modern Turkish cuisine, while Yüme is a unique tapas ramenotheque. And for excitingly topped Neapolitan pizzas and complementary small plates, check out Flat Bread Circo.
Street food: Grab a bite or sit down
Kicking off the year near Kálvin tér, Leopard opened its doors. They're serving up both Neapolitan and Roman pizzas, but with more unusual and refined toppings than you might expect.
Not far away, and also new this year, is the Budapest outpost of the well-known Balaton spot, Random Bagel – perfect for soft, juicy bagels. For a different kind of pizza, Pizza Művek on bustling Bartók Béla út offers thick-crusted, signature pizzas piled high with local ingredients and loads of gooey cheese.
But it's not all about pizza! The newest branch of 101 Művek in the Karaván courtyard is dishing out heavenly baos for foodies on the go. Cheeky's Deli brings a slice of New York to the Margit Quarter with their juicy sandwiches and excellent meat. And speaking of sandwiches, don't miss the reopened Eggdrop Project in the city centre, where Korean egg sandwiches are the star. If you're after the city's coolest hot sandwiches, make a beeline for Teufel in the central 8th district
Amidst all these international tastes, an authentically Hungarian place called Dödölléző has opened on the Buda side. For those who love hardcore international cuisine, check out Master Wang's all-in Chinese buffet at Chinatown Budapest. If you're after cheap, homely, and quick lunch menus, Mama's Café & Canteen is your spot. Good grub in this category has popped up outside the city limits too. In rural Pilisvörösvár, Csirkéződ will sort you out with crispy-skinned, juicy grilled chicken. On artsy Bartók Béla út, The Tap Burger&Beer has opened, offering reasonably priced classic burgers and craft beers.
Bakeries, patisseries, and cafés
One of our favourite lunch bistros has got a little sibling! You can now pick up allergen-free products at FeteKert Kávézó és reggeliző atFény Street Market. Similarly, next to the market, Gyógyító kenyerek (Healing Breads) offers equally beneficial, allergen-free baked goods.
On a less 'free-from' note, but hugely popular, is the temple of kaiserschmarrn, Császármorzsa, which opened its second shop on the Danube bank, in Fő utca, this January. Speaking of Hungarian oldies, though it opened late last year, we can now finally rave about Vivi's marvelous homemade cakes at the market in the central 8th district (see mouthwatering photos here). At the complete opposite end of the spectrum is the sleek, refined %Arabica on central tourist spot Király utca, where you can arguably get the city's best speciality coffee.
Pampushka opened stylishly during carnival season near Oktogon, serving up wonderfully creamy yet minimalist doughnuts. If coffee isn't your bag but you still need a pick-me-up, try the Vietnamese Cécha matcha bar. And if you're not counting calories, feel free to dive into the fluffy, sugary cloud at Cinnahaven. For the creamiest cheesecakes, you'll want to head to Cheesecake by Cookie Beacon.
Finally, more on the coffee front: Flatty has opened a new branch near the Basilica. And for fans of old favourites, Pipacs Bakery has opened on Kálvin tér – meaning since KisPipacs launched, you no longer have to trek all the way to Óbuda for their wonderful sweet curd buns.
(Cover photo: Zsuzsi Forgács - We Love Budapest)
