What’s my favorite thing about Budapest? Having lived here my whole life, I get that question a lot. Walking around the city, there are so many things to enjoy – its majestic buildings, famous spas, it’s truly like taking a stroll through history. But my favorite? The food scene!
There is one thing to know about Hungarians: we like our stomachs full. My most fond memories from my childhood are related to food and cooking, and I’m sure this is the case for most of us growing up in Hungary.
On a Sunday, my family would gather around 8 AM in the morning, my mum and grandma would start preparing the ingredients for lunch, while my dad would be outside trying to light the fire pit in the garden.
For me, as a kid, these were the perfect Sundays. Playing in the garden while waiting for the food to be done, all the grown-ups outside cooking together, my mum listening to music, and my dad enjoying a cold beer with grandpa.
No wonder why now, being an adult myself, enjoying a nice meal with my loved ones is what warms my heart.
In the following paragraphs, I would like to invite you to spend a relaxing Sunday with me, eating through Budapest like a local.
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A Sunday in Budapest For Foodies
Breakfast, Brunch, or Coffee
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially when you live in a city with so many amazing cafés and restaurants.
It’s hard to choose only a few, but let me show you some of my favorite places where I like to enjoy a Sunday brunch or just a coffee while catching up with my friends.
Sarki Fűszeres
Pozsonyi Street is a hidden gem in Budapest. With its charming cafés and one-of-a-kind restaurants, it’s the best place to start the day. Sarki Fuszeres is located on this beautiful street, around a 10-minute walk from Jaszai Mari Square.
One thing I love about this place is that it can really take me back to those happy childhood days with its simple, but very homely breakfasts.
If you ever wondered what the Hungarian favorites for breakfast are, you should try Bundaskenyer, the Hungarian version of French toast, but savory, Fuszeres Reggeli, with eggs and sausages, or a spread called Korozott.
After breakfast, you can take a stroll along the Danube or soak up the sun at Szent Istvan Park.
Website: https://www.sarkifuszeres.hu/
Address: Budapest, Pozsonyi út 53-55, 1137
Goosebumps Coffee Lab
If you feel like having a lighter breakfast, another great option off the beaten path is Goosebumps. At first, this café might give off industrial vibes. However, once you enter, you can feel its warm, cozy atmosphere.
Serving their own coffee and vegan cakes, this place is truly one of my favourites. I spend several Sunday mornings here sipping my oat milk cappuccino while enjoying a good read.
Website: https://goosebumps.hu/
Address: Budapest, Margit Palace, Fekete Sas u. 3/b, 1027
What About Lunch?
If you ask a Hungarian what they’re having for lunch on a casual Sunday afternoon, there is only one possible answer: the famous Rantott Hus, a.k.a. schnitzel. Due to our long history with Austria, the dish Wiener Schnitzel also became very popular in Hungary.
In fact, if you ask my friends what they would want to eat after spending some time abroad, it’s going to be schnitzel. So, let me take you to my favorite place to enjoy a good slice of Rantott Hus or fried cheese if you’re craving a vegetarian meal.
Buja Disznó(k)
For a couple of years, I lived next to the City Park, only a few minutes from Buja Diszno(k) Liget. During the warmer months, this was my favorite place for lunch, with its very casual, outdoorsy vibes and amazing food.
Besides the famous schnitzel, their fried cheese called Lallipop, and their potato salad are must-tries. However, beware; portions are huge.
Thanks to its popularity amongst the locals, Buja Disznó(k) can now be found in multiple locations, with Buja Diszno(k) Gozsdu being the most central one.
That said, if the weather is nice, my suggestion is Buja Diszno(k) Liget – the location is perfect for a sunny day, and it’s also less touristy.
Website: https://bujadisznok.hu/
Address (Buja Disznó(k) Gozsdu): Budapest, Király u. 13, 1075
Address (Buja Disznó(k) Liget): Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9, 1146
Craving an Afternoon Snack?
After all, it’s a relaxing Sunday. An afternoon snack is a must!
Cookie Beacon
Entering Cookie Beacon, you will probably wonder why I suggested it in the first place. It’s crowded, noisy, and definitely not a hidden gem.
However, whenever I feel like a snack, Cookie Beacon’s chunky cookies always help me out. It is worth stopping by just to pick up one and enjoy it on the go.
Website: https://www.cookiebeacon.com/
Address: Budapest, Hercegprímás u. 15, 1051
Arán Bakery
Not only are the different types of sourdough bread fantastic at Aran Bakery, but the pastries there are also to die for. The brownies are for sure our favorites.
If you feel like a coffee as well, don’t hesitate. Due to their collaboration with One Eleven Roastery, Aran Bakery now serves its own coffee, and it’s amazing.
Website: https://aranbakery.hu/
Address: Budapest, Wesselényi utca 23, 1077
Kő fagyi? a Bartókon
Another lesser-known place among tourists is Bartok Bela Ut. If I had to choose my favorite spot in the city, I think it would be our own Bartok Bela Boulevard.
It’s full of cosy cafés, restaurants, and the whole street has a vibrant atmosphere with its art galleries and friendly locals. During the summer, several ice cream shops are open, but my favorite is Ko Fagyi? with its unusual flavors.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057623042487#
Address: Budapest, Bartók Béla út 35, 1114
What’s For Dinner?
As I previously mentioned, Bartοk Bela Boulevard is one of our local gems, still untouched by tourists. I go there quite often with my friends and family to enjoy a glass of wine or a casual dinner together.
Even though we have so many options here, from cosy pizzerias to lively tapas places, I chose to show you my favorite Hungarian restaurant in the area.
Café Hadik
Café Hadik is always bustling with locals, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, so don’t forget to make a reservation in advance should you come by during this time.
It has a very interesting history in the eyes of Hungarians, as many of our famous writers and journalists from the 20th century came here on a regular basis. The restaurant was established in 1911. Nowadays, it’s a very popular spot amongst locals.
If you want to indulge in Hungarian flavors, my recommendation is to try their Goulash soup and a main course called Sztrapacska, which is the Hungarian version of gnocchi with cottage cheese and bacon chips. It’s truly amazing.
Website: https://www.hadik.hu/home
Address: Budapest, Bartók Béla út 36, 1111
Up For a Nightcap?
Budapest is famous for its vibrant nightlife, especially its ruin pubs, like Szimpla Kert. However, this time I will introduce you to my favorite cocktail bar in the city, a quiet place where you can enjoy a high-quality drink and end your day on a good note.
Hotsy Totsy Cocktail Bar
Hotsy Totsy is an award-winning speakeasy bar in the 7th district of Budapest. The atmosphere really brings us back to the 1920s Prohibition Era with its dimly lit interior and minimalist exterior.
Professional bartenders, high-quality cocktails, what else to ask for? If you are a gin lover, don’t forget to try one of their own making, called Duster’s Punch.
Website: https://hotsytotsy.hu/
Address: Budapest, Síp u. 24, 1075
Explore The Local Gems of Budapest With JayWay
Budapest is a large city with tons of local places to explore. We cannot wait to show you more of our beautiful city, from restaurants serving hearty Hungarian dishes to bustling beer gardens. Budapest truly has something for everyone.
Simply give us a call or send an email, and our trip planners will handle all the rest.
Central & Eastern Europe Destination Expert & Budapest City Host