Vie sociale à Budapest
CLUBS ET RESTAURANTS RECOMMENDES A BUDAPEST
Fat Mo’s Music Club
Address: Budapest, District V, Nyári Pál u. 11.
Landmarks: Károlyi Kert (Károlyi Garden) and Kálvin tér
Open: Sunday - Wednesday: 18:00 - 02:00, Thursday - Saturday: 18:00 - 04:00
Phone: +361 267 3199
Gödör Klub
Emblematic of the transformation of Budapest public space of recent years at its very best, the spacious, jazzy “Ditch Club” is right in the heart of downtown-on what used to be the drab parking lot of the city’s communist-era bus station and was later a hollowed out, sorry-looking abandoned construction site (for the National Theater, which ended up elsewhere) dubbed “the ditch.” On a fine summer evening it seems that all the under-and-around-30 faces for a mile around are here, sitting about with plastic cups of wine or beer on the broad flight of steps leading down into the “ditch” or dipping their feet in a big pool of water right above the club, that is, if they’re not actually inside listening to live music on the club’s stage.
Address: District V, Erzsébet tér, Budapest
Landmarks: Deák Tér, Bazilika
Open: Monday - Friday: 12:00 - 02:00, Saturday - Sunday: 12:00 - 04:00
Phone: +3620 201 3868
Romkert
Five minutes south of the more intellectual, conversation-oriented Érzsébet Híd Eszpresszo (via a stroll under the foot of the Elisabeth Bridge), this outdoor pub adjoining the Rudas baths specializes in cocktails. It’s usually packed with yuppies and young scantily clothed Hungarian women. Romkert is open daily and extremely crowded on weekends, when the crowd shakes a leg to the dance music.
Landmarks: Buda side of Erzsebet Bridge, next to Rudas Bath
Open: 18:00 - daybreak
Buddha Beach
The main attraction in one of Budapest’s newest outdoor nightspots is in fact not so much a beach as a cluster of thatched-roof bars with plenty of space to mill about, complemented by likewise thatched-roof but wall-less seating cubicles along the adjacent Danube river. With a focus on Latin, retro, and hip-hop, the Beach has live music some nights and DJs spinning the tunes most nights. This space is also the site of other clubs, including one titled retroBeach. Though hard to tell which club you’re in, the atmosphere and fine night time views of Buda are worth a visit. Located in the onetime home of the city’s largest food market, this club complex is accessible via a drab riverside path you enter by one of two gates between the Szabadság Bridge and the Petofi Bridge.
Address: Budapest, District IX, Közraktár u. 9-11.
Landmarks: The club is between the Szabadsag Bridge and Petofi Bridge on Pest side on the shore of river Danube.
Open: 17:00 - 05:00
Phone: +361 210 4872
Szimpla Kert
In most cities the modus operandi when searching for a raucous night out in the latest trendy bar is to hit the main strip and look for the brightest lights. Not so in Budapest. In Hungary’s capital city, the best places are secreted up side streets in rundown districts, thrown together in the courtyards of abandoned buildings or even slapped onto the roof of crumbling communist-era shopping centres. The Szimpla Kert forms part of Budapest’s ever-mutating kert (garden) bar scene, which survives the complaints of cantankerous old neighbours and the attentions of developers by throwing up new bars each spring to replace those that close down.
Go in any night of the week and the bar is busy with a largely young crowd jammed into the outdoor area, their noisy chatter - in many different languages - bouncing off the enclosed walls. Szimpla Kert itself was forced to close at midnight a few years ago, but this did not last long and the bar is once again open until the early hours of the morning.
Address: Budapest, District VII, Kazinczy u. 14.
Landmarks: The Synagouge between Astoria and Deák tér
Open: 12:00 - 03:00 (do not take the closing hour seriously)
Old Man’s Music Pub
One thing you can’t fault this dimly lit cellar pub for is consistency; it’s packed even on Monday night. Enjoy the live bluesy rock and jazz, as well as the friendly chaos behind the bar, while everyone squeezes onto the small dance floor.
Address: Budapest, District VII, Akácfa u. 13.
Landmarks: Academy of Music
Open: 15:00 - 04:00
Phone: +361 322 7645
Corvintető
Corvintető, which means the “Corvin roof,” sits on the top of the communist-era department store formerly called the “Corvin.” Note that there is a freight elevator that occasionally makes runs to the top manned by a lift operator who pours shots of Unicum, Hungary’s national bitters.
Address: Budapest, District VIII, Blaha Lujza tér 1-2.
Landmarks: Keleti railway station, Corvin store
Open: 22:00 - 05:00
Phone: +3620 77 22984
Barokko
The former Pesti Est café on bustling Liszt Ferenc tér still looks like just another swarming, stylish café in which to pass the night away, but Wednesday through Friday you get a broad mix of live music to boot, and if you look beyond the outside seating and the loungelike ground floor and head downstairs, you’ll discover a dance floor where DJs bring you retro disco, house, and funky disco. The real individuality of the place is that there are three levels inside, namely a restaurant, a cafe/bar and a music club level.
Address: Budapest, District VI, Liszt Ferenc tér 5.
Landmarks: Monument of Ferenc Liszt
Open: Thursday: 17:00 - 01:00, Friday - Saturday: 17:00 - 03:00, Sunday - Wednesday: closed
Phone: +361 322 0700
Piaf
Anyone with vaguely Bohemian leanings seems to wind up at Piaf, a stylish and sophisticated night-club, named of course, after the famous French Diva. Red velvet furnishings abound, while the music (which is often provided by a resident pianist) has a distinctly jazzy feel. This place is open late (until 7/8 am) and the locals are generally friendly - a good place to meet Hungarian ladies. It is well known as the perfect after party place.
Address: Budapest, District VI, Nagymező utca 25.
Landmarks: Opera and Octogon
Open: 22:00 - 06:00
Phone: +361 312 3823
West Balkan
West Balkan in Budapest is different. It is an inside place to sit and drink a beer with friends at the same time it is a beergarden to drink a beer as well or you just go down in the basement and dance. The open air part is very nice at West Balkan. Formerly it used to be a backyard of some house in Budapest. Now chairs and tables offer plenty of places to sit, talk, drink. The inside is still an apartement house but with open windows and in the rooms you find space for table soccer, sitting corners, bars and much more. You want to dance? No problem, just discover the dance floor and dance to a mix of electronic, alternative, ethno music. The name West Balkan already shows how oppositional the club is but nevertheless you will find the right spot in West Balkan Budapest.
Address: Budapest, District VIII, Nagy Templom u 32.
Landmarks: The club is behind the Corvin Cinema, next to Üllői út
Open: 18:00 - daybreak
Phone: +3620 95 89 979
Kaméleon Club
Looking a bit TOO much like Tony Montana’s boudoir, the Kaméleon Club is actually located on the 4th floor of the Mammut II shopping mall. Lots of Latin nights (making us even more certain he chose the furnishings) while there’s a pleasant enough restaurant and bar area. Proclaims itself a techno/trance free zone!
Address: Budapest, District II, Mammut II shopping mall
Landmarks: Moszkva tér, Széna tér (Buda side)
Open: Friday - Saturday: 22:00 - 04:00
Phone: +361 345 8547
A38 Ship
We’re fine with party boats just so long as they stayed moored all night (essential after a few shots of Unicum). Luckily, the A38 does just that, being an old stone-carrying ship in its previous incarnation. Having been dragged all the way from the Ukraine, its new owners set about giving it a full refit before opening for business in 2003. The A-38 attracts big name DJs from across Europe, with the fun and games spread over three floors (incorporating a restaurant, roof terrace, lounge and club). Those in the know rate it highly.
Address: Budapest, District XI, Petőfi Bridge, Buda Side
Landmarks: Petőfi Bridge
Open: 11:00 - 04:00 (Restaurant is open between Monday - Saturday 11:00 - 24:00)
Phone: Info: +361 464 3940, Restaurant: +361 464 3946
Cafe del Rio
Calling itself a “fancy club for fancy people,” one of Budapest’s largest and hottest dance clubs, home of two dance floors, a “VIP lounge,” and a restaurant, is near the Buda side of the Petofi Bridge, close to the popular outdoor drinking garden Zöld Pardon.
Landmarks: Buda side of Petofi Bridge, right at the shore of river Danube
Open: 18:00 - 05:00
Phone: +3630 297 2158 (available between 18:00 and 05:00)
Cha-Cha-Cha Terasz
Cha-Cha-Cha Terasz is a popular beach-style bar club with eclectic party music on the leafy Margit-sziget (Margit island). It is just as cool as its delightfully dingy underground sister pub, but with the same (generally) innovative DJing and mixed crowd. A breath of fresh air.
Address: Budapest, District XIII, Margit-sziget (Margit island)
Landmarks: Approach the island from the Margit bridge, follow the centre walkway of the island and find the club on the left side of the passage
Open: 18:00 - daybreak
1. BABEL DELICATE RESTAURANT
The restaurant is at the pedestrian area, at Vaci street (close to the Central Market Hall). Elegant fine dining with creative kitchen and a good wine sortiment. Choose between „international” or modern Hungarian tasting menu. The best ‘New Hungarian Kitchen’. Emblematic dishes: stuffed paprika, fish soup (modern version)
Babel Delicate Restaurant
Reservation is advised
5th district, Szarka u.1.
Tel: +361 338 2143
http://www.babeldelicate.hu
Closed on Sundays
2. CAFÉ KÖR
One of the most popular restarurants in Budapest. Close to the Bazilika, very good service, modern and also traditional dishes. Reservation is necessary. No credit cards, only cash.
Café Kör
5th district, Sas u. 17.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=budapest+sas+u.17&sll=47.515009,19.051577&sspn=0.010869,0.027809&g=budapest+t%C3%A1tra+u+18&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=addr
Tel: +361 311 0053
3. OLD AMSTERDAM
Located in the downtown, Old Amsterdam makes you feel in the hidden streets of Venice or Paris. Elegant surrounding, nice international kitchen.
Old Amsterdam Pub
5th district, Királyi Pál u. 14.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=budapest+kir%C3%A1lyi+p%C3%A1l+14&sll=47.503374,19.059842&sspn=0.010176,0.027809&g=budapest+mozs%C3%A1r+utca+12&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=addr
Tel: +361 266 3649
http://www.oldamsterdam.hu
4. LOU LOU
Lou Lou Restaurant in Budapest was number 86 out of the top 100 restaurants in the world made by Restaurant Magazine in 2007. Lou Lou serves French cuisine, as Frommer’s guide writes: “Fresh-fish dishes are the specialty of the house. Lou Lou features an extensive wine list. A house wine is available and is a good choice.” Lou Lou is relatively small (about eight tables). Antique wooden horse above the bar, chairs from the era of Louis XVI.
Lou Lou Restaurant
5th district, Vigyázó Ferenc u. 4
Tel: +361 312 4505
http://www.loulourestaurant.com/
5. TOM GEORGE
Tom George lies in Budapest’s financial district. For the last few years, it’s had the distinction of being Budapest’s hippest restaurant. The extensive menu offers everything from Hungarian dishes to Thai cuisine to some of the best sushi in town. Influences have been drawn from all over the world, and that applies to both the food and the interior. Simply designed chairs versus ethereal lamps.
Tom George Restaurant & Café
5th district, Október 6. u. 8
Tel: +361 266 3525
http://www.tomgeorge.hu/
6. TRATTORIA TOSCANA
Passionate Tuscan kitchen in a traditional restaurant, with fresh and genuine dishes including finocchiona, la pappa al pomodoro, cacciucco livornese etc. Candle light and a glass of classy wine, this is what you need!
Trattoria Toscana
5th district, Belgrád rakpart 13.
Tel: +361 327 0045
http://www.toscana.hu/
7. TRATTORIA POMO D’ORO
A friendly trattoria with traditionally high standards. Enjoy the taste of Italia, and try the finest wines, grapa or palinka in the heart of the city.
Trattoria Pomo D’oro
Tel: +361 302 6473
http://www.pomodorobudapest.com/
8. DIÓ RESTAURANT
The harmony of controversy dominates the place: Hungarian folk motives unite with modern design in perfect harmony. In this surrounding, you can enjoy the most famous Hungarian dishes prepared in a rich and revolutionary way.
Dió Restaurant
5th district, Sas u. 4.
Tel: +361 328 0360
http://www.diorestaurant.com/
9. CYRANO/COSMO
The Cyrano Restaurant was opened back in 1993 in its present location, Kristóf tér. 7-8 (District 5), near the main tourist area, where it’s since undergone a number of décor enhancing transformations. But it’s the dining experience that captivates the attention foremost. The creative kitchen sends out elegantly presented Hungarian and Continental dishes, from standards such as goose liver and duck breast to more adventurous monkfish and tuna, complementing it with a range of fine quality Hungarian, French and Italian wines. Cyrano is popular, so be sure to reserve. Payment can be made via credit card.
Cyrano Cosmo Restaurant
5th district, Kristóf Tér 7-8
Tel: +361 266 3096
10. SINATRA / KÉPÍRÓ RESTAURANT
This is a welcome addition to Budapest’s upmarket dining scene. An international group of owners serve only the very best cuisine with special weekends highlighting various dishes including French cheeses, snails, asparagus and trout. Situated in a crumbling back street, Kepiro whisks you away into another world with its elegant surroundings and discreet service under a giant Renoir copy mural. Kepiro can be expensive as everything is so tempting you will want to splash out. There are special business lunches every weekday from midday to 3p which offer speedy service and light meals, e.g. a Niçoise salad or grilled salmon for around HUF 1500. The goose liver, rabbit, steak and trout are also highly recommended.
5th district, Képíró utca 3.
Tel : +361 266 0430
11. FAUSTO’S
Taste, elegance, quality. These three words defined Fausto’s upon its establishment in 1994 when Fausto Di Vora opened one of the “most popular and well-known restaurants” in Budapest after the famous Velence, London and New York venues. Fausto’s offers Mediterranean and international specialties with a wide array of excellent domestic and Italian wines to those interested in the Italian cuisine.
Fausto’s
6th district, Székely Mihály utca 2.
Tel: +361 269 6806
http://www.fausto.hu/
12. KRIZIA
Krizia Restaurant is the result of 25 years of culinary experience and expertise on the part of owner-chef Graziano Cattaneo. It strives to show the genuine, natural, creative and traditional aspects of Italian cuisine based on the experience gathered in the world’s best hotels and restaurants as well as in the realm of flavors and aromas. Krizia Restaurant presents all of this within a rustic family atmosphere, and under the continuous guidance of the owner. Graziano’s imagination can truly soar when in order to satisfy the wishes of the guests improvised menu items are created.
Ristorante Krizia
6th district, Mozsár utca 12.
Tel: +361 331 8711
http://www.ristorantekrizia.hu/
13. GOA CAFÉ & RESTAURANT
Goa Cafe and Restaurant in Budapest is located at the beginning of Andrassy út in the heart of the city. The menu is very well with all types of food starting with wonderful salad creations, soups and special starters to self made pasta, steaks, a massive selection of good fish and of course tasty deserts you dream of the day after. In Goa Budapest the waiters and waitresses are very friendly and speak several languages. The ambience is wonderful designed and silent music is running in the background.
Goa Café & Restaurant
6th district, Andrássy út 8.
Tel: +361 302 2570
http://www.goaworld.hu/cafe2.htm
14. KLASSZ
Nomen est omen: a ‘klassz’ (very nice) bistro at Andrassy road, the most spectacular avenue of Budapest. Kitchen is great, amazing wine selection, the atmosphere is charming.
Klassz
6th district, Andrássy út 41.
http://www.klassz.eu/
15. BARAKA
Located inside the Andrássy Hotel, Baraka has a simple but elegant feeling with inspiring cuisine, rich is fresh fish, beef and lamb dishes, but caters to vegetarians as well. Along with fresh breads and desserts, Baraka is a true culinary adventure.
Baraka Restaurant
6th district, Andrássy út 111.
Tel: +361 483 1355
http://www.barakarestaurant.hu
16. KOGART
At Kogart, classic meets contemporary, traditional meets modern. Here the dishes provide for all tastes and needs and are prepared by a professional team - in the restaurant at winter-time and on the balcony in the summer - where musicians providing live music await the guests. The sommelier offers the best of more than a hundred different wines to go with your meal and of course “our own” KOGART label wines are also available.
Kogart Restaurant
6th district, Andrássy út 112.
Tel: +361 354 3830
http://www.kogart.hu/etterem/
17. OLIMPIA
The latest hit of gastronomic life in Budapest. It opened some months ago under the joint ownership of Chef Lajos Takács and sommelier Csaba Csongrádi. Surprise Menu from fresh quality products in accordance with the season. There is no written menu as such, you are only asked how many courses do you want to take. Specialised in meat. Reservation is necessary!
Olimpia Étterem
7th district, Alpár u. 5.
Tel: +361 321 2805
Closed on Sundays
18. BOCK BISTRO
Modernised traditional Hungarian kitchen, cool atmosphere. Great wines (serves as a reference restaurant for the famous winemaker József Bock). The best fish soup of the city. Chef: Lajos Bíró
Bock Bisztró
Erzsébet krt. 43-49.
Tel: +361 321 0340
www.bockbisztro.hu
Closed on Sundays
19. GUNDEL RESTAURANT
The city’s most famous restaurant of all. Located in the City Park, in the neighbourhood of Heroes’ Square, the hundred-year-old Gundel Restaurant is the epitome of distinguished dining. Guests may delight in traditional Hungarian dishes, the specialties of international cuisine and live gypsy music in the evening. Jacket and tie required, prices beyond the average.
Gundel
14th district, Állatkerti út 2.
Tel: +361 468 4040
http://www.gundel.hu
20. COSTES
This gourmet restaurant of high quality opened in summer 2008. International kitchen, haute cuisine at Michelin star niveau (and price). Portugal chef: Miguel Vieira, French Executive Chef: Francois Rodolphe. All products are delivered from Paris. Motto: „Top Gastronomy without compromises”
Costes
9th district, Ráday u.4.
Tel: +361 219 0696
www.costes.hu
closed on Sundays
21. MANNA LOUNGE
‘Euthentic’ dishes are made from the elements of the triumvirate of Hungarian, Italian and French cuisines. While tasting these revolutionary dishes, you can enjoy pieces of art from the field of music and movies as well.
Manna Euthentic Lounge
1st district, Palota út 17.
Tel: +3620 999 9188
http://www.mannalounge.com/
22. RIVALDA
Rivalda Café & Restaurant, located in the heart of the world-heritage Buda Castle district, has established itself as one of Budapest’s premier dining experiences since its opening in May 2000. It has come to represent an inviting atmosphere of casual sophistication, and the best in outdoor dining in the quiet calm of its 18th century courtyard. An inspired menu blends contemporary European cuisine with local ingredients, and an extensive, carefully conceived wine list highlights the best in Hungarian vintners and vintages.
Rivalda Café and Restuarant
1st district, Színház u. 5-9
Tel: +361 489 0236
http://www.rivalda.net/
23. CAFÉ DÉRYNÉ
Café Déryné is on the Buda side of Budapest, a few minutes from the Tunnel at the Chain Bridge. It is an ideal place to sit in after or before a walk up/down the Castle hill to the Royal Palace or if you decided to walk through the Tunnel on foot. Cafe Deryne has been very recently renovated and it looks trendy and eclectic. If you have older editions of travel guides (e.g. a Lonely Planet before 2008), you will get the description of a totally different cafe, which was a homey downtrodden traditional cafe and confectioner’s. The new Cafe Deryne is a cafe-bistro-wine-cellar etc. fashionable, anything-but-traditional place.
Café Déryné
1st district, Krisztina tér 3.
Tel: +361 2251407
http://www.cafederyne.hu/
24. CSALOGÁNY 26
The first real season and product orientated restaurant which was last years’ success. It opened just a year ago, but you can hardly find a place without reserving one. Popular especially at lunch times, for a good price-value menu (3 course menu for HUF 2500), Hungarian and international kitchen. Chef: Balázs Pethő. Reservation is necessary!
Csalogány 26
1st district, Csalogány u. 26.
Tel: +361 201 7892
http://www.csalogany26.hu/
closed on Sundays and Mondays
25. KIRÁLY
As one of the Castle District’s most established restaurants, the Király (‘the King’) serves mainly Hungarian fare in relaxed, elegant surroundings. Starters such as roast goose liver in Tokaji jelly and Hortobágy palacsinta (stuffed meat pancakes) are both nicely balanced, while steaks and game dishes are also well-prepared. Puddings are a strong point too, with a selection that includes plum pie with cinnamon almond sauce and Belgian chocolate mousse.
Király Restaurant
1st district, Táncsics Mihály u. 25.
Tel: +361 212 9891
http://www.kiralyrestaurant.hu/
26. FORTUNA RESTAURANT
The Fortuna Restaurant was awarded with the ‘Pro Vino Hungarico’ certificate of recognition by the Hungarian Wine Orders in 1999.The outstanding gastronomy and catering have kept the Fortuna Restaurant among the ‘Top 1o Restaurants of Hungary’ from year to year since 1992 including the year 2000, too. This title is awarded by the ‘Konyhaművészet - Art of Cuisine - Magazin’ upon repeated incognito tests and scoring based on an international system.
Fortuna Restaurant
1st district, Hess András tér 4.
Tel: +361 3756 857
http://www.fortuna-restaurant.hu/
27. CAFÉ PIERROT
In the heart of the Castle District, Café Pierrot offers modern European and Hungarian kitchen, fine selection of wines, romantic and modern surrounding, bar pianist - all in a building from the 13th century.
Café Pierrot
1st district, Fortuna u. 14.
Tel: +361 375 6971
http://www.pierrot.hu
28. VADRÓZSA
Set in an elegant baroque villa surrounded by a magnificent garden this pearl of the Rose Hill welcomes guests all the year round. Its airconditioned rooms original decor and their view of the spectacular flowerbeds outside assure the fuller enjoyment of the gourmet dishes.
Vadrózsa Restaurant
2nd district, Pentelei Molnár utca 15.
Tel: +361 326 5817
http://www.vadrozsa.hu
29. MALIGÁN WINE RESTAURANT
Zsolt Litauszki is a talented Chef, who worked 9 years in Austria at places Rusterhof, Bodega La Ina, Nyikospark. (He is one of the 50 best Chefs in Austria). He took over Maligan in May 2008. New Hungarian kitchen, very good selection of wine. (All wines can be tasted in small portions.)
Maligán
3rd district, Lajos utca 38.
Tel.: +361 240 9010
www.maligan.hu
Closed on Sundays and Mondays
30. FIRKÁSZ
Neighbourghood restaurant in the 13th district - public is local, favourite of intellectuals, writers, journalists. Lots of frequenters, traditional Hungarian dishes, old photos, objects on the wall. Fantastic pianist Otto Ökrös (winner of the Bar pianist competition) plays almost every evening.
Firkász
13th district, Tátra u. 18
Tel: +361 450 1119
www.firkaszetterem.hu
31. SYMBOL
The fusion restaurant, which is extensively furnished with wood, fretted walls, and transparent stone windbreak, recalls the authentic Italian style. Besides the Italian pizzas and pastas, here you can experience the perfect harmony of traditional Italian flavors and the latest trends of Mediterranean gastronomy.
Symbol
3rd district, Bécsi út 56.
+361 333 5656
http://www.symbolbudapest.hu/
32. ARCADE
Arcade Restaurant is a highly popular upscale French style restaurant in Budapest off the beaten tourist track. This restaurant is a modern, sophisticated bistro on a leafy intersection not far from Déli Pályaudvar (Train Station). The floor-to-ceiling waterfall smack in the middle of the dining room soothes as it keeps conversations discreet and complements the unfussy interior. The restaurant serves a unique palette of seafood and a selection of Hungarian and international cuisine. The place has a truly cozy and creative atmosphere.
Arcade Restaurant
12th district, Kiss János altábornagy utca 38
Tel: +361 225 1969
