Budapest's dining scene is every bit as eclectic and dazzling as the city's opulent architecture.
Not only are its restaurants some of the finest in Europe, the Hungarian capital also boasts fantastic street food, with local kitchens bursting with flavour.
From elegant fine-dining rooms to street-food perfection, here's our pick of the 10 best restaurants for when you travel to Budapest:
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Onyx
With innovative chef Adam Meszaros at the helm, it's easy to see why Onyx is the only place in Hungary to hold two Michelin stars.
Set right beside the famous Cafe Gerbeaud, Onyx serves wonderfully delicious dishes described as "Hungarian flavours with a progressive evolution".
Diners can choose between two six-course dinner menus called "within our borders" and "beyond our borders", the first focused on domestic produce and the second on innovative approaches to cooking.
Take note: booking at least two weeks ahead is recommended to be sure of a table.
Onyx, Vorosmarty ter 7, 1051 Budapest, Hungary; +36 30 508 0622
Costes Downtown
Holding one Michelin star, Costes Downtown is one of the leaders of high-end cuisine in Budapest.
As the more relaxed sibling of the Costes restaurant, it offers a refined bistro experience.
Celebrated chefs Miguel Vieira and Tiago Sabarigo plate up artful dishes made from the freshest ingredients in an open kitchen.
We recommend going for one of the tasting menus: the seared scallops with sweet potato and orange make a superb starter, while the aged sirloin steak is a wonderful main.
There's also an exceptional collection of Hungarian wines on offer, and the restaurant's experienced sommeliers are on hand to help you find the perfect pairing.
Costes Downtown, Vigyazo Ferenc u. 5, 1051 Budapest, Hungary; +36 1 920 1015
Borkonyha WineKitchen
This Michelin-starred spot is one of the capital's finest restaurants, thanks to its modern dishes crafted with real attention to detail and its collection of 200 Hungarian wines.
With the visionary Akos Sarkozi as head chef, Borkonyha brings a fascinating twist to traditional dishes, delivering first-class cooking in a laid-back setting.
Don't leave without trying their signature duck-liver terrine with vegetables and fruit.
Borkonyha WineKitchen, Sas u. 3, 1051 Budapest, Hungary; +36 1 266 0835
MAK Bistro
This high-end restaurant impresses with its award-winning approach to cooking.
An innovative master of his craft, MAK's acclaimed young chef Janos Mizsei creates culinary works that are edible pieces of art, blending local flavours with Scandinavian practices.
The result is a mix of original yet traditional tastes.
We recommend opting for the wine pairing, along with the Mangalica pork, one of MAK's signature dishes.
MAK Bistro, Vigyazo Ferenc u. 4, 1051 Budapest, Hungary; +36 30 723 9383
Caviar & Bull
Created by Maltese chef Marvin Gauci, this downtown restaurant is the height of sophistication.
Located in the Corinthia hotel, it offers an extensive menu made up of signature dishes and staples of Hungarian cuisine, such as Mangalica pork, foie gras, paprika and Tokaji wine.
Caviar lovers can choose from five different options, served with blinis and sour cream.
Thanks to its meticulous craft and modern touches, Caviar & Bull has become one of Budapest's best restaurants.
Caviar & Bull, Erzsebet krt. 43-49, 1073 Budapest, Hungary; +36 30 832 3232
Konyvbar & Restaurant
Delightfully surprising in its originality, Konyvbar's menu is unlike anything else in the Hungarian capital.
Inspired by books, the dishes here change every two weeks, with a beloved Harry Potter pumpkin soup and a Nutcracker-inspired Christmas pudding among past options.
The interior carries the bookish theme too, with shelves full of literary works lining the walls.
Konyvbar & Restaurant, Dob u. 45, 1074 Budapest, Hungary; +36 20 922 7027
Paprika
Though it's often packed with tourists and a little dated, Paprika holds its own firmly in the category of the best affordable Hungarian restaurants.
Its enormous portions of local favourites, such as goulash, beef tartare and roasted meats, have been delighting diners for years.
Cheap and cheerful, this legendary restaurant is a great introduction to Hungarian cuisine for anyone on a budget.
Just be careful when ordering: we're not joking about the portion sizes, and that's exactly what this place is known for.
Paprika, Dozsa Gyorgy ut 72, 1071 Budapest, Hungary; +36 20 294 7944
Torokmez
Torokmez is the place to head for a first-rate breakfast in Budapest. Run by travellers, this cosy cafe serves breakfast all day, with arabica coffee, omelettes, avocado toast and acai bowls among the menu options.
Tucked away at the foot of Buda Castle, well away from the crowds, it's a wonderful spot for brunch or an afternoon coffee.
Whatever your preferences, Torokmez will meet them in the best possible way.
Torokmez, Margit u. 27, 1023 Budapest, Hungary; +36 70 309 9031
Bors GasztroBar
Set right next to the iconic ruin pub Szimpla, Bors GasztroBar might just be one of the most original street-food options in Europe right now. Customers come here for two things: soups and baguettes.
Its ever-changing soup menu and striking flavour combinations will keep you coming back again and again.
Did we mention it's ridiculously cheap?
Bors GasztroBar, Kazinczy u. 10, 1075 Budapest, Hungary; +36 70 935 3263
Tokmag Vegan Street Food
A few minutes' walk from the Hungarian Parliament, Tokmag's tiny vegan kingdom is the place to head for anyone after delicious plant-based cooking.
Although it has just four seats, this is where you'll find some of the tastiest healthy food in the city.
The choice is generous, with mouth-watering soups, an array of sandwiches and a selection of vegan burgers.
We suggest the green pea burger as a main and the tapioca vanilla pudding with pineapple jam for dessert.
Tokmag Vegan Street Food, Hollan Erno u. 5, 1136 Budapest, Hungary; +36 70 908 9717
