Best Brunch in Budapest: 18 Greatest Places

Best breakfast in Budapest

food & drinks
January 30, 2024

If you’re wondering whether brunch is “a thing” in Budapest, the answer is a big fat “yes”. Although it’s not original from Hungary, having brunch in the city can be a delightful experience. There’s a plethora of brunch options in the city, from traditional Hungarian breakfasts to international favorite.

So all you gotta do is to read this guide, and discover our selection of the best brunch and breakfast places in Budapest.

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The 18 best brunch and breakfast places in Budapest:

1. Grumpy (4,8 ⭐)
2. Lion’s Locker & Breakfast (4,7 ⭐)
3. Franziska (4,6 ⭐)
4. Kaptafa (4,6 ⭐)
5. Portobello (4,6 ⭐)
6. GreenHabit (4,5 ⭐)
7. Flow Cafe (4,5 ⭐)
8. Horizont (4,5 ⭐)
9. Szimply (4,5 ⭐)
10. DNB Budapest (4,4 ⭐)
11. Kuglóf (4,4 ⭐)
12. Stika (4,4 ⭐)
13. Lumen Café (4,4 ⭐)
14. SOLID (4,3 ⭐)
15. Á La Maison Grande Budapest (4,3 ⭐)
16. Cirkusz (4,2 ⭐)
17. Villa Bagatelle (4,2 ⭐)
18. New York Café (3,8 ⭐)

The 18 best brunch and breakfast places in Budapest in 2024:

1. Grumpy

Located in Budapest’s vibrant seventh district, Grumpy Food Bar Coffee is a unique culinary haven also dedicated to the art of brunch, bringing people together over a diverse menu that takes your taste buds on a global adventure.

Infused with the charm of French elegance and the relaxed vibes of Berlin, it offers a great brunch experience. Their menu is a delightful fusion of Hungarian and international flavors, perfect for those leisurely gatherings. From the locally beloved mangalitsa sausage to classic croque-monsieurs and inventive buddha bowls, the options are as diverse as they are delicious. You can savor French croissants, pancakes, or luscious parfait. Oh, and whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a coffee aficionado, worry not – you won’t be forgotten.

For vegans, Grumpy thoughtfully provides a variety of plant-based dishes, including tabbouleh, tortilla, green salad, hummus, and irresistible apple pie. They also offer a selection of plant-based milk options to enhance your brunch experience.

Key links:
• Brunch menu
• Reservation
• Google Maps (Pest, 7th District)

Open:
• Sun-Thu, 8:30AM-5PM
• Fri-Sat, 8:30AM-7PM

2. Lion's Locker & Breakfast

Lion’s Locker is one of our favorite places, and with no doubt it should be in any list for the best brunch in Budapest. This place is quite different, because it started as a luggage store service, but don’t get fooled by that – they’re breakfast is quite amazing. With an international breakfast menu available until the afternoon, here you’ll find a great English breakfast, smoked salmon Eggs Benedict, alongside other options such as the goat’s cheese bagel, delightful French toast, scrambled tofu, and much much more.

The best part of their menu, in our opinion, is really the balance they have between hearty options and vegan ones – and both delicious. For example, you can taste a great English breakfast with everything it should have; or you can go for the vegan version of it. Besides all this, you can count on excellent coffee…and heartfelt hospitality.

The cherry on top is their prices – they actually offer a pretty cheap brunch in Budapest, considering the other options. And the best extra is that you use their luggage storage service for a reasonable fee – €5 a day per suitcase, with a discount on your brunch.

Key links:
• Brunch menu
• Reservation
• Google Maps (Pest, 6th District)

Open (kitchen):
• Mon-Fri, 8AM-3PM

3. Franziska

Franziska, with locations in both Buda and Pest, offers an all-day and quite brunch menu that caters to conscious hedonists seeking a delightful and healthy start to their day.

With a charming atmosphere adorned in pastel colors, this eatery is ideal for those looking to enjoy a good treat. Their menu features a range of options, from savory breakfast items with egg-based dishes, vegan, and vegetarian choices to sweet breakfast delights like waffles, toasts, granola bowls, and apple-caramel oatmeal. Franziska also boasts a fantastic selection of smoothie bowls and smoothies.

While it’s not just a “free place,” their cuisine shines with premium ingredients sourced from local producers and small businesses. From essential sourdough bread to homemade granolas and seed creams, they prioritize quality. Plus, they proudly offer Zha Zhou teas and have recently opened their pastry workshop, specializing in healthy cakes.

Key links:
• Brunch menu
• Reservation in Pest
• Reservation in Buda
• Google maps (Pest, 7th District)
• Google Maps (Buda, 1st District)

Open:
• Mon-Sun, 8AM – 4PM

4. Kaptafa

Kaptafa, situated in Budapest’s lively party district, is one of the best brunch places in Budapest, with a distinct identity. This charming eatery, born from the creativity of a young couple, breathed new life into a former shoe accessory shop. In fact, the name “Kaptafa” pays homage to the shop’s history as a shoe-making workshop.

Their brunch menu, not expensive at all, is a delightful departure from the ordinary, featuring standout dishes like CPR, a bacon and cheese-filled French toast, and Cloud 9, a creamy poached egg delight. Don’t miss the surprisingly delicious Fried Freakin’ Pickles, perfect with champagne. Other brunch specials include Mr. and Mrs. Molnar, which are eggs served in a sweet bun with varying toppings. And for those looking for simplicity, there’s the classic avocado toast, crispy croissants with Belgian jam, or a wholesome serving of granola with yogurt and fruits.

But Kaptafa is not just a breakfast spot; it’s a place for lunch, dinner, and craft beers with great music. Their inventive dishes, like the Avokádótoast zadá, offer a unique twist.

Key links:
• Brunch menu (pdf)
• Reservation
• Google maps (Pest, 7th District)

Open:
• Sun-Thur, 9 AM–3:30 PM
• Fri-Sat, 9 AM–3:30 PM, 7 PM–2 AM

5. Portobello [Coffee & Wine]

Portobello is, without any doubt, one of the best fancy brunch places in Budapest, seamlessly combining the roles of a specialty coffee shop, a chic wine bar, and a trendy breakfast eatery. This cozy establishment is situated on a charming cobblestoned downtown side street, boasting high ceilings, sleek décor, oversized windows, and a communal table that takes center stage.

Coffee drinkers will revel in Portobello’s commitment to quality, with beans sourced from a renowned Berlin-based roastery; their breakfast menu, available all day, is also tempting. Highlights include the granola bowl, sourdough bread heaped with scrambled eggs, kale and raclette, the tantalizing “Turkish Breakfast, or their baked beets, Tomme de Savoie, mustard mayo and sauerkraut ‘Beet Reuben’ sandwich; and lastly, their selection of local natural wines is also you can try, should you be a wine drinker.

Portobello’s culinary philosophy revolves around simplicity, quality, seasonality, and sustainability. It’s a great place to go with your friends, but do note – if you’re planning to have brunch and stay at the laptop or tablet, or just to bring your dog, they’ll let you know that that’s not possible.

Key links:
• Brunch menu
• Reservation
• Google maps (Pest, 5th District)

Open:
• Mon: 9AM – 5pM
• Tue-Wed: closed
• Thu-Sat: 9AM – 5PM
• Sun: 9:30AM – 3PM

6. GreenHabit

GreenHabit, a somewhat recent addition to the city, is a another great brunch spot in Budapest, and a quite healthy and cheap one.

If you’re looking for a healthy and protein-rich meal, this might be your spot – their menu offers plates, salads, bowls, and gluten-free flatbreads. “Guilt-free hedonism”, as they call it.

Notable dishes include pumpkin cream soup, sweet potato fries, a variety of hearty curry bowls (veggie, eggie, chicken, and prawn), flavorful quinoa and rice bowls, protein plates with choices like tofu, chicken, and goat cheese, gluten-free flatbreads and very interesting dessert options (for example, a blueberry tapioca and the dark chocolate cream with Sichuan pepper).

While prices are friendly, with most meals under HUF 3,000 and only a few reaching the HUF 4,000 threshold, GreenHabit emphasizes locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is also great, witha proliferation of green plants creating a welcoming environment.

Key links:
• Brunch menu
• Google maps (Buda, 11th District)

Open:
• Mon-Fri 8:30 AM–10 PM
• Sat: 9 AM–10 PM
• Sun: 9 AM–9 PM

7. Flow Cafe

Looking for a vegan breakfast with no risk to be disappointed on their varitety? Look no further. Flow Cafe, situated on Budapest’s prestigious Andrássy Avenue, is a chic establishment that blends specialty coffee with plant-based cuisine, crafting diverse, complete, and nutritious meals that are healthy and brimming with flavor.

Drawing inspiration from global cuisines, the menu prioritizes fresh, seasonal, and high-quality ingredients. Flow Cafe offers a diverse menu featuring a range of delights, including a chickpea and linseed-based omelet, granola, overnight cold oatmeal, vegan pastries, cakes, fruit juices, and their specialty coffee.

In fact, coffee also plays a big role here. They source their beans from roasters who emphasize the coffee’s unique fruity characteristics and, using state-of-the-art equipment and their own water design, create a consistently complex coffee experience.

Key links:
• Menu
• Reservation
• Google maps (Pest, 6th District)

Open:
• Mon-Sun, 8 AM–7 PM

8. Horizont

Horizont Café, situated in the former Horizont Cinema forecourt (right across from the legendary New York Café), has become a captivating café setting the trends with vibrant décor and an impressive menu. Following a comprehensive renovation, the circular layout boasts mid-century modern and Art Deco furnishings, complemented by hanging globe lamps, bold colors, and brass accents.

The menu at Horizont Café is ever-changing, offering both classic and modern brunch dishes, alongside a great selection of coffee and breakfast drinks. It includes scrambled eggs with chives, crispy bacon, and marinated shallots, as well as French toast with fresh seasonal fruits. While the prices may lean towards the higher end, the café attracts people.

Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the new-wave coffee selection, including espresso, double shots, and lattes, all crafted with a focus on the beans’ flavors. Additionally, Horizont offers tea-based mocktails, a unique feature in Budapest.

Key links:
• Menu
• Google maps (Buda, 7th District)

Open:
• Mon-Sat, 9AM-4PM
• Closed on Sundays

9. Szimply

Szimply, located in a charming cobble-stoned courtyard within a historic downtown building in Budapest, is a renowned breakfast-all-day restaurant. Despite its small size, it’s a highly sought-after spot. The menu offers international breakfast staples, with a seasonal emphasis on vegan and gluten-free options. Notably, Szimply does not serve alcohol, focusing on health-conscious offerings. Instead, have a go with their kombucha.

Their coffee, sourced from the neighboring Kontakt (another specialty coffee shop under the same ownership), is exceptional. The breakfast menu, though concise, boasts expertly crafted dishes. Highlights include the avo bagel with marinated egg, avocado cream, and curry-mango aioli, as well as the meticulously presented scrambled eggs with potato rosti, kale, and aioli. The black waffle, combining waffle, nuts, and fruit, is a delightful treat.

Key links:
• Brunch menu
• Reservation
• Google maps (Pest, 5th District)

Open:
• Mon-Sat, 9AM-4PM
• Closed on Sundays

10. DNB Budapest

For those seeking a fancy bottomless brunch experience in Budapest, DNB Budapest, nestled by the riverside within the upscale Marriott Hotel, offers a delightful option. While it’s slightly pricier than the average brunch, costing HUF 17,900 per person (with discounts for children under 12 and free admission for kids below 6), the quality justifies the cost. Plus, this Sunday brunch deal includes free parking, adding to the convenience of this place.

The deal is simple: every Sunday, from 12 to 3 pm, DNB lets you indulge in an all-you-can-eat extravaganza. Their bottomless brunch buffet has an extensive selection of dishes, including fish, grilled vegetables, cheeses, chia puddings, and more. And more – it has a limitless flow of sparkling wines, local wines, beers and soft drinks that you can have, making it a lavish brunch experience worth savoring.

If you’d rather go another day, that’s also possible – the restaurant is open 7 days a week, from 6:30AM. However, the HUF 17,900 per person on a bottomless brunch is only valid on Sundays.

Key links:
• Brunch menu
• Reservation
• Google maps (Pest, 5th District)

Open:
• Mon-Sun: 6:30AM – 11PM

11. Kuglóf

Kuglóf Bistro Brunch is a charming culinary oasis located in Budapest’s Piarista köz, just a stone’s throw away from Március tér.

What sets Kuglóf Bistro apart is their commitment to creating their treats in-house, with the pistachio croissant being a standout favorite. However, their all-day breakfast menu offers a tantalizing array of options, from classic egg dishes like the iconic salmon eggs Benedict or eggs Florentine to hearty sandwiches, bruschettas, salads, chocolate croissants, pancakes, banana bread, brownies, and more. The classic English breakfast is the offer too, as well as its vegetarian version.

To complement your meal, you can sip a delightful cup of mulled wine, beer, ale, or indulge in one of their tempting brunch cocktails (mimosas, spritz, ciders…you name it). The best part? You can enjoy these delights until their closing time at 6 PM, making it the perfect prelude to a leisurely stroll in the city center.

Key links:
• Brunch menu
• Reservation
• Google maps (Pest, 5th District)

Open:
• Sun-Fri, 8AM-4PM
• Sat: 9AM-6PM

12. STIKA Budapest

STIKA Budapest is a pioneering brunch restaurant located in the Jewish Quarter, and one of the best breakfast places in Budapest. Established in 2014 with a vision to create a welcoming community space for both locals and tourists, initially, it offered a fine bistro-style menu; however, due to the challenges posed by the 2020 pandemic, it reinvented itself as the city’s premier brunch spot. The motto “Respect Breakfast” reflects their dedication to providing guests with a high-quality gastronomic experience.

The restaurant exudes a hip and vibrant atmosphere, adorned with vintage light bulbs and greenery, all while playing fresh R&B tunes in the background.

When it comes to the menu, the highlights include classics like English breakfast, or hearty signature dishes such as their egg-bacon-cheese sandwiches, a burrito called Hangover killer, Crispy Eggs Benedict, Breakfast Burger, and Italiano Sandwich. Vegetarian options like their avocado toast or the Purple Goat Sandwich cater to various tastes. Add their sweet treats like American pancakes or French toast, their amazing bagels, or the Hungarian specialties, and you have yourself a menu.

Key links:
• Brunch menu
• Reservation
• Google maps (Pest, 7th District)

Open:
• Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM–4 PM
• Sat-Sun: 8 AM–4 PM

13. Lumen Café

Lumen Café (or Lumen Kávézó), situated on Horánszky Street since 2017, is a vibrant hub offering more than your average neighborhood cafe. With a spacious interior featuring a glass-walled room resembling an inner courtyard, Lumen’s ethos revolves around concerts, dance halls, delicious food (brunch included), craft beers, wines, and professionally prepared coffees, creating a sense of community.

The cafe’s menu boasts a variety of dishes, ensuring everyone’s appetite is satisfied – including the ones’ after a late breakfast. You’ll find scrambled eggs options, yoghurt options, Hungarian bundás bread, granola, sausages, and more.

The cafe attracts a diverse clientele, from students and artists to locals and international visitors, making it a lively and inclusive gathering place. Whether you’re studying, needing a late breakfast, enjoying a coffee, or attending a concert, Lumen Cafe in Budapest offers a unique and welcoming experience in the heart of the eighth district.

Key links:
• Brunch menu
• Google maps (Pest, 8th District)

Open:
• Mon-Sun, 10AM-12AM

14. SOLID

SOLID offers an enticing breakfast and brunch experience in Budapest, perched atop a boutique hotel in the city’s downtown. With panoramic views that capture the city’s historic charm, SOLID serves up a diverse menu to start your day right.

From classic “Benedict” variations, like smoked trout with elderflower, to soft-boiled eggs with citrus yogurt and chili crisp, there’s something for every palate. Vegetarians can indulge in options like citrus spinach or oven-burnt cauliflower with almond yogurt, while those craving heartier fare can enjoy grilled sausages and eggs.

But that’s not all: this rooftop restaurant also places a strong emphasis on wines, offering a wide selection of natural and biodynamic options from Europe and Hungary.

With reasonable prices and a delightful menu, SOLID provides an unforgettable breakfast or brunch experience that’s perfect for starting your day in Budapest.

Key links:
• Brunch menu
• Reservation
• Google maps (Pest, 5th District)

Open:
• Mon: 7 AM–12 PM
• Tue-Thu: 7 AM–12 PM, 5 PM–12 AM
• Fri: 7 AM–12 PM, 5 PM–1 AM
• Sat: 7 AM–2 PM, 5 PM–1 AM
• Sun: 7 AM–2 PM

15. Á la Maison Grande Budapest

À la Maison Grande Budapest is a delightful destination located at Szervita Square, known for its great brunch. The restaurant’s interior exudes a sophisticated and elegant Parisian ambiance, adorned with restrained colors and stylish decor.

This is a place where you can savor classic brunch favorites like Eggs Benedict, French Toast, and Croque Madame (but with their own twist), as well as Hungarian specials. Also, if you’re a fan of egg specialties, you’re in for a treat, as they excel in this art. The menu is extensive, with options to suit every palate. And whether you’re craving traditional dishes or trendy options like açai bowls and avocado toast, À la Maison Grande has it all.

While the restaurant typically serves brunch until 3 pm, it’s wise to make a reservation, especially during busy times, as this place is known to attract a crowd.

Key links:
• Brunch menu
• Reservation
• Google maps (Pest, 5th District)

Open:
• Mon-Sun, 8AM-3PM

16. Cirkusz

Cirkusz, located on Budapest’s Dob Utca in the heart of downtown, is a well-known brunch destination and a favorite among travelers in the 7th District. It’s arguably the most popular brunch spot in Budapest, often with lines extending down Dob Utca, which could be a downside. If you’re planning to bring your laptop or you plan to have a table just by yourself…this might not just be the place.

However, their brunch menu offers a delicious and diverse selection, with great savory and sweet options. Savory choices include egg dishes like Eggs Benedict, Pulled Pork Benedict, and Eggs Florentine, alongside heartier options like the English Breakfast and Regenerative Breakfast. Unique items like the New York Bagel, Turkish Eggs, Huevos Rancheros or their “Guaca Please” section add international flair. And the drink section features fresh juices, mimosas, Bellinis, Bloody Marys, and Espresso Martinis.

The coffee at Cirkusz is noteworthy, served with their specialty beans, Bagira, and a range of milk alternatives.

Key links:
• Brunch menu
• Reservation via email: [email protected]
• Google maps (Pest, 7th District)

Open:
• Mon-Sun, 7:30AM–4 PM

17. Villa Bagatelle

If you’re looking for a meal in a more scenic place, perhaps in the Buda Hills, Villa Bagatelle offers a delightful twist on breakfast, ideal for a fancy brunch in Budapest. Housed within a beautifully refurbished residential villa, this upscale spot provides a great brunch experience just a short journey from downtown Pest.

On the ground floor, you’ll find the Brót Pékség, a charming bakery offering artisanal breads and fresh pastries. Upstairs, the bistro combines the ambiance of a café and a breakfast place, serving delectable brunch options – like the (free-range) eggs Bagatelle, diverse avocado toasts, hearty vienna sausages, and the unique Bundás bread, all customizable with gourmet additions like smoked salmon and Serrano ham…and always in an exquisite setting.

What sets Villa Bagatelle apart is its dedication to preparing brunch dishes with great care and attention, thanks to its own kitchen, bakery, and pastry shop.

Key links:
• Brunch menu
• Google maps (Buda, 12th District)

Open:
• Mon-Fri: 8AM – 7PM
• Sat-Sun: 8AM-5PM

18. New York Café

Budapest brunch scene wouldn’t be complete without The New York Café. Situated within Budapest’s historic New York Palace, this place boasts a rich heritage dating back to 1894. Once a meeting point for poets and artists seeking affordable meals and creative companionship, it underwent transformations, serving as a sporting goods store and cultural hub over the years.

Resurrected in the 1950s as Hungária Kávéház, it regained literary and cultural acclaim. And in 2006, the Italian Boscolo Group meticulously restored and reopened it as the luxurious New York Café. Today, this iconic establishment draws tourists with its opulent interior.

The menu offers a good selection, though you won’t find vegan in the breakfast specials. You can choose from classic egg dishes, French toast, an Italian breakfast menu, the flavorful New York sausage, or American pancakes. But the prices do tend to be on the higher end, so be prepared to pay more (e.g., €10 for a cappuccino). Breakfast is served from 8AM – 11AM daily.

Key links:
• Brunch menu (pdf)
• Reservation
• Google maps (Pest, 7th District)

Open:
• Mon-Sun, 8AM-12AM

'Brunch in Budapest' on reddit: most relevant discussions

We’ve left you with a pretty good sample of the best brunch places in Budapest, but we admit that this might be controversial. And in fact, if you jump on Reddit, you’ll find a ton of threads talking about this. So here’s the most relevant, in case you want to research some more: