Before I moved to Europe, Budapest was my very first solo trip. I spent five glorious days eating my way through the city, doing the ‘touristy’ sightseeing things, relaxing at Szechenyi, getting Thai massages, and hanging at Gozsdu Udvar.
During my next visit, I was transiting between Rome and Sibiu and stayed a few days to break up the multiple days of train travel for my poor canine companion.
Now, I’ve found myself living in Cluj-Napoca for the past two years, just a stone’s throw away from lovely Budapest. It’s only about a 5 ½ hour drive! Thankfully, my Hungarian husband loves to go there to visit and speak his native language, and Budapest has become one of my favorite European cities.
With many trips to the city comes ample time to explore the best breakfast places in Budapest. If you know me, you know I love to eat. Eating out may be my favorite thing to do while traveling, because of all the new and delicious foods you get to experience!
One day, while Googling ‘best breakfast spots in Budapest’, I realized just how much this city has to offer in terms of breakfast and brunch offerings. And so, I decided to make it a point when traveling to Budapest to explore the best of what the city has to offer to share it with you folks!
Table of Contents
20 Best Breakfast Spots in Budapest
1. Stika
I stumbled upon Stika one day after I’d tried going to Cirkusz, but saw the queue that almost wrapped around the block! If you know me, you know I am prone to hanger (you know, when hunger and anger combine to form one mean monster). Clearly, waiting in such a long line was not in the cards. I was with my mother that day, and she mentioned she saw a place that looked good while we were walking to Cirkusz. I ended up eating at Stika every morning for the rest of our trip!
The menu has plenty of variations of Eggs Benedict, traditional Hungarian breakfast, English breakfast, avocado toast, vegan options, and build-your-own plates available.
They don’t take reservations, so be sure to get there before the queue builds. In the spring and summer months they also have a patio available for seating, though the restaurant itself isn’t too big.
In short: Stika is hands-down my favorite breakfast spot in Budapest.
Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily
Reservations: No
Veg Friendly: Vegan / Vegetarian
2. Cirkusz
Eventually, I finally caved and made reservations to Cirkusz on my next trip to Budapest (I live within driving distance, so we go fairly often). It’s worth the hype, that’s for sure. For actually being a coffee house, it’s pretty large inside, with two huge rooms filled with tables.
You can come here for one of the best brunch places in Budapest, as they serve brunch all day long. So if you’ve spent too long at the Ruin Bars the night before and don’t get up until noon, this is the place for you. They even have an aptly named ‘Recovery Breakfast’ if that’s what you need.
The menu has a variety of breakfast offerings, perfect to fuel up before your day of exploring Budapest. Everything from typical egg dishes such as Benedict and Florentine, sweet offerings (including American pancakes), and more unusual plates such as Turkish Eggs and Beetroot Hummus toast.
Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Veg Friendly: Vegan / Vegetarian
3. New York Cafe
No Budapest itinerary would be complete without making a stop at the city’s most iconic cafe: New York Cafe. This lavish, extravagant cafe is located in the New York Hotel. The first time I went here was during my first solo trip ever, and I was seriously budgeting, so I didn’t order much to eat (the prices here are on the high side – you can expect to pay around $30 USD for one person for breakfast). But, considering it’s consistently ranked among the best breakfast places in Budapest, I had to give it a shot.
I lucked out in that I was traveling solo and they had a table for me. But, I’d seriously recommend making reservations if you don’t want to wait in the queue. This is the cafe that is probably on every tourist’s radar, so you can expect a long wait.
The menu isn’t very big, but it’s worth a visit for the experience alone.
Hours: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
Reservations: Highly Recommended
Veg Friendly: No
4. Vintage Garden
One thing that all of the best breakfast places in Budapest have in common is this: they are a veritable Instagrammer’s paradise! And Vintage Garden may be the forerunner in that category. With decor that changes seasonally, you’ll never shoot the same photo twice. And the best part? Their food is just as good as their overall ambiance.
While the menu is a bit small in comparison to some of the other breakfast spots in Budapest, what they do offer is simply delicious. Try their Hungarian French Toast for a real treat!
Hours: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM Tuesday-Thursday, Sunday; 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM Friday-Saturday, Monday
Reservations: Yes
Veg Friendly: Vegetarian
5. Cosy Cafe
A lovely spot serving all-day breakfast and brunch in Budapest is Cosy Cafe. Another hidden gem I stumbled upon when searching for something open early, I was lucky to get a table without a reservation, as the place quickly filled up.
There are two floors at Cosy Cafe. I sat upstairs, and, being a bit hungover, struggled with the stairs and the overwhelming feeling of vertigo. Don’t look down!
The restaurant itself is very charming. I was pleased to see that they color-coded the books on the bookshelf – something I do at home!
The food is delicious and the menu is pretty extensive. Don’t be fooled by the small facade, there are plenty of seats in here to enjoy a relaxing breakfast in Budapest.
Menu offerings include fare such as a multitude of egg dishes, traditional Hungarian brunch, and breakfast sandwiches.
Hours: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily
Reservations: No
Veg Friendly: Vegan / Vegetarian
6. Budapest Baristas
A specialty coffee shop with breakfast that is to-die-for, Budapest Baristas is a great breakfast or brunch spot in Budapest. Though not quite as charming as some of the other places on our list, this breakfast joint makes some really delicious and hearty breakfast food.
My personal favorite is the avocado bagel or American pancakes with fruit puree. Their egg dishes are served alongside a fresh salad, which is a great alternative to the usual potatoes or toast, in my opinion.
Hours: 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM Weekdays; 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Weekends
Reservations: No
Veg Friendly: Vegan / Vegetarian
7. Szimply
Following a write-up in the prestigious New York Times, getting a table at Szimply takes a bit of work! But, the review was well-deserved, earning Szimply a spot on our list of the best breakfast places in Budapest!
For some of the most instagram-worthy breakfast dishes, you’ve got to try Szimply. Their Avocado Mousse bowls look like something out of Food & Wine magazine. And taste even better! They have healthy offerings on their menu, such as chia puddings, acai bowls, and the enigmatic black waffle. They’ve also taken on the Danish trend of Smørrebrød, an open-faced sandwich. They do theirs with toasted sourdough rye bread, tahini beet hummus, and sauteed mushrooms. Delish!
Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Closed on Sundays
Reservations: Recommended
Veg Friendly: Vegan / Vegetarian
8. À la Maison Grand
I should have mentioned earlier that this list of best breakfast places in Budapest is not listed in any particular order (even though Stika is my favorite). À la Maison Grand is consistently touted as one of the best brunch spots in Budapest, and with good reason.
Classy and cosy fuse here, to offer the ultimate trendy comfort spot. They have locations on both the Buda and the Pest sides of the river, so regardless of where you’re staying, you’ll be able to easily visit and try their fare.
The menu at À la Maison Grand is pretty extensive. They have a huge selection of Bennys, a build-your-own egg plate (with a huge number of add-ons!), traditional Hungarian offerings, and a few unique plates including the Los Angeles and New York breakfasts.
The Los Angeles breakfast is my favorite! It comes with American pancakes, spicy mini sausages, hash browns, sauteed mushrooms, bacon, maple syrup, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit.
Hours: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday; 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Sunday and Monday
Reservations: Strongly Recommended
Veg Friendly: Vegetarian
9. Flat White Kitchen
Flat White Kitchen is an awesome brunch spot in Budapest that changes its menu frequently. This is particularly great if you’re staying in the city for an extended stay and want to switch up your mornings with different offerings!
They tend to ‘recycle’ beloved patron favorites, so it’s likely that you’ll see some dishes popping up over and over again on their rotating menu.
Flat White Kitchen has some of the fluffiest, cloud-like poached eggs I’ve ever seen in my life! It’s unreal. Needless to say, their Eggs Benedict variations are top-notch. Especially with their creamy, pale yellow hollandaise and the complementary acidity from their signature pickled red onions.
In addition to some seriously delicious breakfast food, the ambiance of Flat White is pretty chill as well. The artificial grass carpet, coupled with a few wooden swings and benches, make you feel as though you’re dining in someone’s backyard.
Hours: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Weekdays
Reservations: No
Veg Friendly: Vegan / Vegetarian
10. Fågel by Artizán
If you’re looking for something unique for breakfast in Budapest, look no further than Fågel by Artizán. I’d never heard of a porridge bar before! But that’s exactly what you’ll find here.
You’ll be pleased to learn that they offer savory options as well as sweet. Some personal favorites include a porridge bowl with strawberry, vanilla coconut cream, fresh-picked basil, toasted almonds, and almond butter. For a savory dish, I love the porridge with salted oatmeal, fried asparagus, muhammara, and toasted seeds.
Everything is super healthy, innovative, as well as
vegetarian and vegan friendly. It can get a bit crowded since it’s just a stone’s throw away from popular tourist attraction St. Stephen’s Basilica, but if you can’t find a table at Fågel, you can sit at their parent bakery, Artizán, just next door.
Hours: 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM Monday through Friday; 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM Saturday; Sunday closed
Reservations: No
Veg Friendly: Vegan / Vegetarian
11. London Coffee Society
London Coffee Society is a favorite among locals and tourists alike for the best breakfast places in Budapest. People love it here, no doubt for their unique and colorful smoothie bowls. If you’re into food photography (that also tastes delicious!) you’ll love it here.
Another highlight of London Coffee Society is the quality of their coffee, which should be no surprise considering the name of the restaurant! Get yourself a cup o’ joe and take advantage of the fun ambiance, which may have carried over from the previous night’s festivities.
If you’re feeling indecisive in terms of what to order, try the avocado toast or English Breakfast. So yummy!
Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Wednesday-Monday; Closed Tuesday
Reservations: No
Veg Friendly: Vegan / Vegetarian
12. A table!
This interesting fusion of French and Hungarian breakfast cuisine was created when two bakers, one Hungarian and one French, decided to join forces to create one of the most popular breakfast spots in Budapest. It’s turned into a chain at this point, due largely in part to its popularity with the first location. There are now 14 locations throughout Budapest, meaning you can get all-day breakfast virtually anywhere in the city!
They mainly focus on boulangerie / patisserie-type items, so you can expect a lot of freshly baked goods, croissants and such. The restaurant uses imported Italian meats to make some delicious sandwiches if you’re in the mood for something savory. They don’t do full breakfast dishes, such as eggs benedict, but if you’re in the mood for something delicious in a pinch, it’s a great option!
Hours: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM Weekdays; 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Weekends
Reservations: No
Veg Friendly: No
13. Két Szerecsen
Két Szerecsen Bisztró is a quaint, modern eatery that also draws on Parisian influence. In the style of a traditional French bistro, Két Szerecsen hits the mark when it comes to a delicious brunch spot in Budapest.
They have a wide variety of breakfast menu items, including crispy Viennese sausages with horseradish cream (yum!) and traditional Hungarian omelets. There are also a vast selection of French-style pastries to indulge your sweet tooth.
If you are enticed by the concept of traditional and modern, French and Hungarian, you should check out Két Szerecsen. They’re also open for lunch and dinner in case you sleep in for breakfast!
Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM Weekdays; 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM Weekends
Reservations: Optional
Veg Friendly: Vegetarian
14. Cinnamon
I haven’t included too many breakfast places in Budapest that are on the Buda side of the river because, quite frankly, I’m usually in Pest. Cinnamon is an absolute treat, however, and worth taking the trip across the river. Its adorable and charming decor make it even more homey and inviting, a perfect place for brunch in Budapest.
Their avocado toast is seriously impressive, and provided a nice break from the heavy breakfasts I usually like to have in Budapest. But of course, considering the fact that it’s an all-day breakfast joint, they have all the standard offerings as well, including a plethora of egg dishes, breakfast sandwiches, build-your-own plates, pastries, and sweet breakfasts such as French Toast or American pancakes.
Definitely make a reservation here, as it’s one of the most popular breakfast places in Buda.
If you’re visiting in the winter, pop in for a specialty hot chocolate.
Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily
Reservations: Strongly suggested
Veg Friendly: Vegan / Vegetarian
15. Zoska
Zoska is a really adorable place to get breakfast or brunch in Budapest. I adore the cozy, welcoming feel that I get each time I visit. Though their menu is on the smaller side, they have a little of something for everyone. They have a few different salads, scrambled eggs, sandwiches, American pancakes, oatmeal, and even a frankfurter menu.
They serve breakfast all day, so in case you have a late night or simply have a late start in the morning, you can still get a delicious bite to eat to start your day the right way.
As a bonus, they have a decent beer and wine selection, in case boozy brunches are your thing!
Hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Saturday; Closed Sundays
Reservations: No
Veg Friendly: Vegan / Vegetarian
16. Anyám szerint
Anyu means ‘mom’ in Hungarian, and Anyám szerint translates to ‘according to my mom’. The owner’s mom actually makes some of the dishes herself!
The place itself is super charming, and will brighten up your day (or Insta feed) at first glance. The menu is pretty extensive considering the small size of the restaurant. In addition to typical breakfast fare such as egg dishes, pancakes, French Toast, and pastries, they also have a wide variety of smoothies and smoothie bowls – seriously, they have a smoothie bowl in every color of the rainbow.
For something lighter, they have a few different yogurt and granola options as well. Recently, they expanded their vegan and vegetarian offerings, so dietary restrictions are easily accommodated here.
Hours: 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM Weekdays; 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM Weekends
Reservations: Recommended
Veg Friendly: Vegan / Vegetarian
17. Törökméz
Do fluffy clouds of poached eggs delicately perched atop a warm brioche bun and smothered in rich hollandaise with a side of spring greens sound delicious to you? Yeah, me too. At Törökméz I think I had the best eggs benedict of my life! And I’m a big brunch person, so that’s saying a lot. Their avocado toast with salmon is also mouthwateringly delicious.
The menu at Törökméz isn’t huge. In fact, it’s just about one page. But what I love about small menus at good restaurants is that it means the kitchen knows how to execute these few dishes really, really well.
Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Weekdays; 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Weekends
Reservations: No
Veg Friendly: Vegan / Vegetarian
18. Émile Étterem
Breakfast at Émile Étterem is an experience you won’t soon forget. A little off the beaten path in Buda, you’ll find one of the most lovely breakfast places in Budapest. In the shaded green of this residential area, you’ll be able to relax under a cabana in the warm weather. During the winter months, curl up in a cozy armchair with a bowl of something hot. They serve breakfast all day, so no matter what time you wake up, they’ll be waiting for you with coffee.
Émile Étterem has a pretty extensive menu, with a wide variety of egg dishes (florentine, royale, benedict, scrambled, omelets, you name it) and sweet breakfast options such as pastries, yogurt bowls, and pancakes. They have a few interesting options as well, like the breakfast sweet potato or the turmeric cauliflower buckwheat bowl.
Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday; Closed on Mondays
Reservations: Yes
Veg Friendly: Vegan / Vegetarian
19. Home of Franziska
Also on the Buda side of the river is Home of Franziska. Well, technically there is one on both sides, but I have only ever visited the Buda location. It’s a pretty perfect place to grab brunch in Budapest, as they have many offerings that could be on the fence in terms of breakfast or lunch.
Healthy eating reigns supreme here, and you can be sure that your dietary restrictions (whatever they may be) are able to be accommodated.
I know I will love a place when I see ‘pickled red onions’ on the menu. Those places are my jam, and Home of Franziska’s pickled red onions are the perfect combination of tangy and crunchy, a nice complement to the soft, delicate flavor of their avocado toast.
Its location adjacent to Fisherman’s Bastion means that it can get a bit crowded as tourists start to discover it, which means you should definitely book a table in advance if possible. It’s relatively lesser-known to the tourist crowd, but locals love it here.
Hours: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM Weekdays; 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Weekends
Reservations:
Veg Friendly: Vegan / Vegetarian
20. Villa Bagatelle Bistro
As the name suggests, Villa Bagatelle Bistro will have you feasting on your breakfast on the grounds of a villa, whether you opt for inside or outside seating. The menu frequently changes according to seasonality and availability of ingredients, but you can be sure the food you order will be up to the same standard.
The bistro at Villa Bagatelle has been open for a while, serving both locals and tourists breakfast for over a decade. They have an on-site bakery and patisserie, where they produce all of the breads and pastries on the breakfast menu.
The menu is only a little bit pricier than other options on this list, but not by much. Don’t let the special villa experience fool you into thinking it’s an extravagant place.
Hours: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Weekdays; 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Weekends
Reservations: Strongly suggested
Veg Friendly: Vegan / Vegetarian
Where to Stay in Budapest
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