Last updated on December 21st, 2024

New York Cafe, is the most beautiful cafe in the world and also the most beloved coffee house in Budapest. At the same time, it is also listed the top 10 things to do in the Budapest itinerary for many travelers.

Budapest is a wonderful and charming city. It has not only the most beautiful McDonald’s and bookstore in the world, but also the world’s most beautiful cafe – New York Cafe. I am not too fancy about this kind of most beautiful cafe in the world.

However, enjoying a cup of nice coffee in the beautiful elegant palace after a long day’s walk seems like not a bad idea. This was the perfect way to spend our evening in Budapest. One of the best things to do in Budapest.

Read more about our top 10 things to do in Budapest for some inspiration on your coming trip to Budapest.

Getting to New York Cafe

We spend our morning exploring around the Buda side and mesmerized by the top city’s sight, Buda Castle. We were exhausted and decided to proceed for a café break as per the plan. New York Café, Budapest’s best cafe is selected as our next destination for a wonderful three days itinerary in Budapest.

It is pretty easy to access New York Café with many tram stop around. The closest subway is Blaha Lujza station, which is a few minutes to get there.

Address: Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 9-11, 1073 Hungary

New York Cafe

New York Café (New York Kávéház) is located in a 120 years old building, which is now the house of New York Palace, formerly known as Boscolo Hotel Budapest.

No surprise if there’s a long queue just to sit in New York Café. Luckily we also understand the huge crowd and did make the reservation before our visit. Always busy, make your reservation at least 24 hours ahead if you don’t wish to queue especially during popular afternoon tea hour. (New York Cafe Reservation)

New York cafe opening hours: 08:00~24:00 daily

In its beginnings, the historical building was used as a branch office of New York Life Insurance Company in Hungary which opened in 1894. However, similar to many of Budapest’s elegant historic buildings, this palace was severely damaged during World War II. Thanks to the investor, the building was restored to its former splendor in opulence Italian Renaissance-style and successfully reopened in 2006.

As a result, it is now reborn and served as a five-star hotel, New York Palace Hotel with New York Café attached. For the true feelings of the Austro-Hungarian empire, you can also choose a luxury stay in New York Palace Hotel Budapest. (Click for Best Rate From New York Hotel)

Elegant Palace Design

People called it “the most beautiful cafe in the world” for a reason! Once we reached New York Cafe, its exterior gives a taste of the elegance that awaits inside.

Walking in, we felt like we were transported back in time and reveling in an old-world glamour with its grandeur architecture and decor. The high majestic ceiling is stunning. It was hard to believe such a magnificent place was a coffee shop. People have to be convinced that the New York Cafe, is the most beautiful cafe in the world.

There are two floors of the dining area in New York Cafe. We were greeted by the lovely staff and seated on the upper floor of the dining hall after double confirm on our reservation.

Meanwhile, the live orchestra consists of a classic band of piano, violin, bass, and clarinet player. They were playing on the upper floor, adding to the romantic and amazing ambiance in New York Cafe.

Wide Selection of New York Cafe Menu

Buffet breakfast is served from 8 a.m to 11 a.m in New York Cafe at €29 per person. Else, choose from any a la carte breakfast like french toast, pancake, Hungarian, or Vienna sausage to start your day.

While, New York Cafe also served a complete meal including starter, soup, pasta, main course, and up to dessert. Classic Hungarian dishes like goulash, Paprikash-style main course, and grilled foie gras can be ordered as your lunch and dinner here.

For coffee and sweet lover, there is a wide selection of drinks and desserts with different combinations to choose from. A cup of coffee cost about €6 – €9 and cakes, and ice creams are about €9. You can order the afternoon tea for two people at €60. Alternatively, you can order the chocolate, cheesecake, and apple pie in a set that comes with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for €19.

Considering the consumption level in Budapest, it is more expensive. But it would not be more than what you would usually expect at a 5-star hotel. With pilgrimage to the world’s most beautiful cafes, is worth the price tag.

We ordered two dessert sets which come with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. Added, we also order the special Hungarian cafe and ice cream to enjoy our afternoon tea in Budapest.

Hungarian Coffee With Paprika and Chili

One of the unique coffee in New York Cafe is Hungarian Coffee. The coffee comes with black sour cherry paprika, chili, brown sugar, coffee, and cream. The taste left us feeling sufficiently sick, but satisfied. Something special to try in Budapest.

Something to note, all the New York Cafe coffees come with a piece of gold-printed chocolate and a glass of soda water. The soda water served as a palate cleanser. So that one can thoroughly enjoy every sip of their coffee.

While for the cake, our New York chocolate cake and cheesecake with homemade apricot jam were superbly presented. As a chocolate lover, I prefer the New York Chocolate cake. Both were great but not very outstanding.

Worth Visit The World Most Beautiful Café?

During our Central Europe trip, we also visited Café Central in Vienna when we traveled around in Austria. Both Cafe Central and New York Cafe are lovely and different, but personally, New York Cafe is more opulence and grandeur than Cafe Central. But the coffee and dessert are best in Café Central. Anyway, I still love them both.

The beauty of the New York Cafe was a feast for the eyes. We enjoy looking around at the beautiful decor and live musicians performing. Although the desserts were not as good as expected we were not disappointed here. It is a special date in New York Cafe, the most beautiful cafe in the world. In short, one of the best things and must do in Budapest.

Looking For Other Food Options in Budapest?

To sum up, we spend a wonderful time wandering around during our three days in Budapest. We ate a lot of local street food at the market and food hunting in the Central market. Not to forget the fine dining in a Michelin star restaurant and taste the best Hungarian cuisine in a restaurant highly recommended by locals.

If you are interested, check out our Budapest itinerary and another food review in Budapest:

• A Guide for Three Days Budapest Itinerary
• Michelin Star Restaurant, Costes Downtown
• Best Hungarian Cuisine in Budapest, Kiskakukk étterem
• STIKA, First Hipster Cafe Served The Best Breakfast in Budapest

For an itinerary that covers the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and other interesting cities, feel free to check out this Central Europe Itinerary in more detail.

Complete Central Europe Itinerary: Top 3 Must Visit Country

Read more on our Central Europe Travel Stories here:

• [Czech Republic] Three Perfect Days in Prague
• [Czech Republic] Day Trip to Cesky Krumlov
• [Austria] Salzburg, City of Mozart and Sound Of Music
• [Austria] Hallstatt, World Most Beautiful Town
• [Austria] Vienna, City Full of Art, History and Fairy Tales
• [Germany] Berchtesgaden, The Hidden Natural Gem
• [Slovakia] Bratislava: A Charming Unpolished Old Town in Slovakia
• [Hungary] How To Spend Three Full Day in Budapest

Last updated on November 11th, 2024

If you are looking for the best breakfast and great coffee in Budapest, STIKA shouldn’t be missed. It is a lovely place for breakfast and brunch in the heart of the town of Budapest.

Many places served breakfast in Budapest, but STIKA is the first and best hipster restaurant served delicious all-day breakfast. It is a great stop before your wonderful trip in Budapest.

During our last day in Budapest, we went for the famous STIKA for our brunch. This pocket-sized hipster trendy vibe cafe is very famous for visitors as well as locals. 

STIKA Budapest

Located in the old Jewish Quarter, STIKA is superb busy in the mornings, especially on weekends. So you will most likely have to queue and wait in line for a table.

We waited for almost 15 mins even in the weekday morning. However, the weather that day was pleasant and we were happy to wait for it.

In the end, we were seated outside the covered terrace as the inside is actually with limited space. Waiters are very friendly and speak good English.

The menu was full of choices and the ability to add or substitute extras. Moreover, STIKA also provide delicious gluten-free option. There is a good range of Eggs Benedict or full breakfasts at reasonable prices. We ordered the STIKA breakfast set, served with orange juice and coffee.

Great Place For Coffee Lover

For coffee lovers, don’t miss to try the best coffee in Budapest. There is a wide range of drinks coffees, hot chocolates, fresh juices, pressed juices and more. Coffee can be ordered in a variety of milk alternatives like soy or almond milk at no extra cost!

The drinks came first before our food. I enjoy my cappuccino on a pleasant morning.

All Day Breakfast Set

Next, our food was served. The breakfast set was served in two egg selection, bacon rashers, sausage, and refreshing salad. And you won’t be disappointed by the tasty sunny side up eggs.

The salad was simply baby lettuce and other greens, tomato cuts in light dressing. It was so refreshing and fresh. Besides, we also add on ordered fluffy pancakes doused in maple syrup for extra.

Poaches To Perfection Egg Benedict

If you are looking for the perfect eggs benedict, STIKA is the place. You can choose the classic or crispy benny; benny with avocado, salmon, or beef. My friend choose the smoked salmon benny and it is the highlight of our breakfast.

The eggs were in dark orange, poached to perfection and it was exceptionally good!

Best Breakfast Restaurant In Budapest

STIKA is the best place for breakfast in Budapest at a great price for the quality of food. If you are rushing for time, skip the STIKA as the waiting time is long. That is to say, STIKA is the slow comfort ambiance of the cafe and make it special for breakfast.

In short, would recommend visiting here for lovely food and service.

Looking For Others Food Option?

To sum up, don’t miss out on the chance to try on the foods in Budapest, especially in the relatively low-priced Eastern Europe. During our three day itinerary in Budapest, we enjoy our time visiting famous attractions and try on many local street food and tasty Hungarian cuisine in a classy restaurant.

Check out our travel blog and other food review in Budapest:

• A Guide for Three Days Budapest Itinerary
• New York Cafe Budapest, World Most Beautiful Cafe
• Michelin Star Restaurant, Costes Downtown
• Best Hungarian Cuisine in Budapest, Kiskakukk étterem
• STIKA, First Hipster Cafe Served The Best Breakfast in Budapest

Last updated on November 11th, 2024

Kiskakukk Etterem is one of the best restaurants in Budapest served excellent local Hungarian cuisine. Although it does not have the Michelin Star ranking, but it is highly recommended by locals especially for their famous foie gras dishes.

There are so many great restaurants in Budapest that served wonderful cuisine from Western, Chinese and traditional Hungarian cuisine. However, if you only have limited time to visit Budapest and looking to try for local Hungarian food, be sure to include Kiskakukk étterem into your Budapest food bucket list. Most importantly, the price is very affordable, especially for the quality and quantity of food presented. A true hidden gem in Budapest!

If you prefer to dine in Michelin Star Restaurant, check out our dining experience in Costes Downtown.

Getting To Kiskakukk étterem 1913

Kiskakukk étterem was founded in 1913 with more than 100 years of history. It located in the old building of Pozsonyi út and slightly away from the famous tourist area.

However, it is pretty easy to get there with public transport. Take the Tram 2, 4, 6 to the closest Jászai Mari tér station and walk for another 5 minutes will lead you to Kiskakukk étterem.

Address: Budapest, Pozsonyi út 12, 1137 Hungary

European Classic Restaurant

We have make the dinner reservation a few days before during our three days in Budapest. Once we entered Kiskakukk Etterem, we soon admiring to the retro classic style of the restaurant.

Lovely woodblock floor and furniture, yellow dimmed light and red curtain, accompanied with green embellishment. Pleasant interior with adequate space between tables. 

Warm-welcome from the professional waiter and we were seated at the wooden table. I personally like the European classic restaurant very much. Nothing is better than dining in such a pleasant environment.

Extensive Food Menu

The Kiskakukk Étterem menu is in multiple languages and offering extensive food choices. Wide selection of dishes to choose; from the dazzling hot and cold dishes, pork, fish, lamb, game, vegetarian and up to desserts.

Looking at the price listed, all the meals are not expensive and very affordable. But the food that you can enjoy is a very good value. The staff was very friendly with good English and helped us made some local selections. We ordered the famous foie gras as a starter, a few main dishes, and desserts for the great night.

Check the complete set of food menu here.

Grilled Goose Liver Hot Appetizer

There is probably no place to eat foie gras as crazy as in Budapest! The grilled goose liver with baked apple rounds in Tokai sauce is one of the highly recommended starter at Kiskakukk Étterem.

This hot appetizer is served in whole pieces of fat foie gras with just right perfectly grilled, match with the local Hungarian Tokaji wine sauce for sweet and sour taste. It also served with the baked apple and mashed potatoes. 

We actually not very fancy about the foie gras and only want to try it in Hungarian cuisine. Surprisingly it taste refreshing without a strong smell on the liver. A must-try dishes in Kiskakukk Etterem. Great taste with generous portion of foie gras in 3290 Ft.

Main Dishes

Few different main dishes were ordered as per recommended by the polite waiters. While we have too much beer and wine these few days, so we decided only to have juices for dinner.

Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce

After the appetizer, the main course is served next without long waiting time.

First of all, the tenderloin is cooked to perfection with stuffed forest mushroom sauce, grilled vegetables, and Mediterranean potatoes. A greater surprise of this dish is served with a piece of fat foie gras!

Crispy Goose Leg

Next, a crispy gooese leg with crushed onion-potatoes and stewed cabbage is also highly recommended. The outer skin is slightly crispy while the meat inside is so tender and flavorful. It is a perfect match with the pickled beets with gravy.

Another must try in Kiskakukk Étterem.

Big Portion Pan-Fried Duck

One of the unexpected dishes in Kiskakukk Etterem is the pan-fried duck with crushed onion-potatoes and stewed cabbage. We all get shocked by the big portion as the whole plate is fully covered by half of a duck when it served.

In short, the pan-fried duck is only recommended if you have a big appetite. Although the duck is tasted good, but my friend end up cannot finish half of it.

Pork Strides

Last but not least is the pork strips seasoned with garlic and onions, served with potatoes. The meat is slightly too dry and nothing extraordinary. That is to say, we were a bit disappointed about this choice.

After tried on a few items of their menu, we all agreed that the tenderloin and goose leg is the best among all the food that we had.

Desserts

In addition, we all know that the restaurant’s food is delicious, but we didn’t expect the dessert to be so delicious. We would like to try more on the desserts, but too bad the food portion is so big that we did not have any more room for our little belly. So we end up ordered two desserts for sharing.

The chocolate soufflé with orange sauce and vanilla ice is so nice.

Not to forget the Poppyseed parfé with fruits of the forest sauce, something special to try at European country.

Must Try Restaurant in Budapest

All in all, our meal in Kiskakukk Étterem is less than €25 per person. The dining experience in Kiskakukk Etterem can be said to be impeccable. We love the dining environment, local taste of Hungarian Cuisine in great value. In conclusion, we would recommended Kiskakukk Etterem for a wonderful meal in Budapest. 

While the restaurant is so popular among tourists and locals especially dinner time. Be sure to make your reservation online here.

Read More On Our Central Europe Trip Itinerary

For an itinerary that covers the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and other interesting cities between, feel free to check out this Central Europe Itinerary in more detail.

• [Czech Republic] Three Perfect Days in Prague
• [Czech Republic] Day Trip to Cesky Krumlov
• [Austria] Salzburg, City of Mozart and Sound Of Music
• [Austria] Hallstatt, World Most Beautiful Town
• [Austria] Vienna, City Full of Art, History and Fairy Tales
• [Germany] Berchtesgaden, The Hidden Natural Gem
• [Slovakia] Bratislava: A Charming Unpolished Old Town in Slovakia
• [Budapest] Best Things to Do For Three Day in Budapest

Last updated on December 21st, 2024

Budapest is a food paradise and there are so many must-eat restaurants in our Budapest bucket list. Our Costes Downtown food review is main for a Michelin star experience and is probably the best meal we had in Budapest.

During our three days in Budapest, we went to Michelin-starred restaurant Costes Downtown for the excellent dining experience. As the sister restaurant of the famous Costes, the Costes downtown was bound to be great and it was. It was awarded with Michelin Star in 2016 March, shortly after opening.

Costes Downtown would be on my list of Budapest’s best restaurant, served the nice modern cuisine. From the moment we reserved a table prior to coming to Budapest, we are looking forward to dining in Costes Downtown.

Continue read on our Costes Downtown food review, one Michelin Star Restaurant in Budapest. And most important, reserve your table in Costes Downtown to taste it on your own.

Michelin Star Restaurant Costes Downtown

The Costes Downtown is located in the elegant Prestige Hotel and easy access from Budapest downtown. It is only a few minute’s walk from our hotel stayed in Budapest, D8 Hotel.

When we first arrived at the restaurant, we were greeted by heart-warming welcome from the waiters. After we entered and seated, we were so admiring the foliage and interior decoration. The restaurant, being virtually brand new, is beautifully minimalist decorated and intimate with a great ambiance.

Open Kitchen Concept

The bistro-like environment with a relaxed atmosphere is very cozy and relaxing. I personally like the open kitchen concept with soft background music at Costes Downtown.

You will have the chance to watch Chef Tiago Sabarigo and his team perform culinary in a sparking kitchen if seated at the chef table.

Costes Downtown Business Lunch Menu

In regards to the menu, Costes Downtown had several options to choose from. From a la carte, three-course, and up to seven-course meal. It served the five or seven-course tasting menu for dinner.

While for the lunch, one of the biggest surprises for us is the business lunch menu, starting with a 3-course meal at 6900 HUF, 4 course at 10,900 and up to 5 course at 14,500 HUF. We really can’t imaging the Michelin star fine dining at such affordable prices.

We opted for the three-course business lunch. Choose one from the three options from the starter, main course, and dessert. Consequently, the menu will keep changing every month to continue enlightened the customer.

Hungarian Self-produced Tokaji Wine

Meanwhile, we had some lovely wines with the dishes, a bottle of Hungarian self-produced Tokaji wine, highly recommended from the waiter. 

If you are not having wine, there is also a wind variety of drinks too, with cocktails served in beautiful glasses.

Complimentary Amuse Bouche

Firstly, we were given the complimentary amuse-bouche with crispy sea bream with dip. It was a bit greasy with different spicy taste of sweet pepper powder. A very good start for lunch.

Freshly Made Bread

Next, the freshly made bread is served with flavored goat cheese and garlic butter. It was very caramelized with delicious scent. I like the garlic butter with the warm bread.

Starter

All foods were prepared with creativity, from excellent ingredients and very well cooked. For instance, our Starters of cured salmon trout is served with well-decorated cucumber and horseradish.

Main Course

Next coming to the mains, braised beef cheek with wild garlic and potato. It was so good and well cooked. The kitchen use great ingredient, no doubt. The chef made every dish to order and it was delicious, fun and in a beautiful setting.

Dessert

Lastly, for dessert, we choose almond cake with olive oil ganache and orange. Very refreshing. You can’t really disappointed with anything they served.

Petite Four

However, that’s not all. It come with these dainty petite four sweet treats of chocolates and mini-macarons! It was exceptional and unforgettable.

A perfect ending for our dining in Costes Downtown.

Fantastic Staff And Super Attentive

The staff were fantastic and super attentive. They do not only served the food, they present each course with an explanation on the food preparation and serving. It was useful to know what we are eating. The food is artistically plated and a pleasing experience in taste and flavors.

Costes Downtown Food Review

In summary, a very nice and memorable dining experience in Costes Downtown with a Michelin star touch. Our Costes Downtown food review conclude that it was one of the best meals we’d ever eaten in Budapest. And the given prices are quite a bit lower than that sister restaurant. Most surprisingly is the pricing. An experience worth much more than the actual cost. Excellent value for what is.

Above all, I highly recommended dining in Michelin Starred Costes Downtown as part of the must do in beautiful Budapest trip. If I was traveling back to Budapest, I would come back again for lunch or dinner in Costes Downtown. Come take down a gastronomical experience like no other in Costes Downtown!

Read More On Our Central Europe Trip

For an itinerary that covers the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and other interesting cities between, feel free to check out this Central Europe Itinerary in more detail.

• [Czech Republic] Three Perfect Days in Prague
• [Czech Republic] Day Trip to Cesky Krumlov
• [Austria] Salzburg, City of Mozart and Sound Of Music
• [Austria] Hallstatt, World Most Beautiful Town
• [Austria] Vienna, City Full of Art, History and Fairy Tales
• [Germany] Berchtesgaden, The Hidden Natural Gem
• [Slovakia] Bratislava: A Charming Unpolished Old Town in Slovakia
• [Hungary] Things to Do For Three Day in Budapest