Budapest's cafe scene is one of the most interesting in Europe precisely because it operates on two parallel tracks. On one hand, you have the grand historic coffeehouses, where the furniture is older than most countries and the chandeliers weigh more than your luggage. On the other, a growing number of specialty shops offer carefully sourced beans, precision brewing, and the kind of attention to extraction that would satisfy any coffee professional.
This guide covers both categories and everything in between. Every cafe listed here has been visited by our team multiple times. We pay for our own coffee and do not accept compensation for reviews.
Historic Coffeehouses Worth Visiting
Cafe Gerbeaud
Still the best all-around historic cafe experience in Budapest. The location on Vorosmarty Square is unbeatable, the pastries are genuinely excellent, and the coffee is well-prepared. Yes, it is touristic, but the quality justifies the visit. Go for the Dobos torte and a double espresso on the terrace if the weather allows it.
Location: Vorosmarty ter 7-8, District V. Average coffee price: 1,200-1,800 HUF
Central Cafe
Quieter and more literary in feel than Gerbeaud or the New York Cafe. The Central is where Budapest locals go when they want the coffeehouse experience without the tour group atmosphere. The breakfast menu is strong, the reading nooks are comfortable, and the afternoon light through the tall windows is beautiful.
Location: Karolyi utca 9, District V. Average coffee price: 1,000-1,500 HUF
Hadik Kavehaz
Located in the Bartok Bela Boulevard area of District XI, Hadik originally opened in 1906 and served as a meeting point for the local intelligentsia. After a careful restoration, it now combines the historic atmosphere with a solid food menu and good espresso. Less ornate than the central Budapest coffeehouses but more relaxed and authentic feeling.
Location: Bartok Bela ut 36, District XI. Average coffee price: 800-1,200 HUF
Specialty Coffee Shops
Espresso Embassy
One of the first specialty coffee shops in Budapest and still one of the best. Located near Arany Janos utca metro station, it serves precisely extracted espresso and filtered coffee from rotating single-origin beans. The staff are knowledgeable and happy to discuss the coffee if you are interested, but equally comfortable leaving you to enjoy your drink in peace.
Location: Arany Janos utca 15, District V. Average coffee price: 900-1,400 HUF
Fekete
Fekete, which means "black" in Hungarian, occupies a courtyard space in the Jewish Quarter and has become a meeting point for the neighborhood's creative community. The coffee is excellent, with a focus on espresso-based drinks prepared with seasonal blends. The courtyard setting is one of the most pleasant in the district, especially in warmer months.
Location: Kazinczy utca 10, District VII. Average coffee price: 800-1,200 HUF
Mantra Specialty Coffee
A newer addition to the Budapest scene, Mantra stands out for its commitment to education and transparency. The menu lists the origin, processing method, and roast profile for every bean they serve. Their pour-over selection is consistently excellent, and the baristas are among the most technically skilled in the city.
Location: Vaci utca area, District V. Average coffee price: 1,000-1,500 HUF
Neighborhood Gems
Magveto Cafe
Attached to the Magveto publishing house, this cafe in the Palace Quarter combines books and coffee in a way that feels natural rather than contrived. The espresso is well-made, the cakes are baked in-house, and the shelves of Hungarian literature provide genuine browsing material. A good place for a quiet afternoon with a book and a flat white.
Location: Dandar utca area, District IX. Average coffee price: 700-1,000 HUF
Cafe Brunch Budapest
Despite the name, this is a serious coffee destination with a strong food menu. Located in the Ujlipotvaros neighborhood, it serves specialty coffee alongside an international brunch menu. The space is bright and well-designed, with large windows and comfortable seating. A good option if you want great coffee with a substantial meal.
Location: Pannonia utca area, District XIII. Average coffee price: 900-1,300 HUF
General Advice for Cafe Visitors
Most Budapest cafes are open daily from around 8:00 or 9:00 in the morning until 20:00 or 22:00. Tipping is customary; rounding up to the nearest hundred forints or adding 10% is standard practice. Many cafes in the inner districts accept card payments, but it is worth carrying some cash for smaller establishments.
Hungarian Cafe Pastries to Try
No Budapest cafe visit is complete without sampling the pastries. Hungarian confectionery has its own rich tradition, and many of the classic cakes pair remarkably well with strong coffee. Here are the ones you should not miss:
- Dobos torte: Six layers of sponge cake with chocolate buttercream and a distinctive caramel top. The original recipe dates to 1885. Best at Gerbeaud, where the quality control is impeccable.
- Kremeschnitte (kreemes): Hungary's version of the cream slice, with layers of flaky pastry and vanilla custard cream. Ruszwurm in the Castle District makes a definitive version.
- Somloi galuska: A trifle-like dessert with sponge cake, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and walnut. Typically served in a glass, making it one of the more presentable Hungarian desserts.
- Eszterhazy torte: Almond and hazelnut meringue layers with buttercream, named after the Eszterhazy noble family. Rich and nutty, it pairs especially well with a darker espresso.
For more on Hungarian culinary traditions, the Hungarian cuisine Wikipedia page provides a comprehensive overview, while Hungary Today covers contemporary food culture developments.
| Cafe | Type | District | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cafe Gerbeaud | Historic | V | 1,200-1,800 HUF |
| Central Cafe | Historic | V | 1,000-1,500 HUF |
| Espresso Embassy | Specialty | V | 900-1,400 HUF |
| Fekete | Specialty | VII | 800-1,200 HUF |
| Hadik Kavehaz | Historic | XI | 800-1,200 HUF |
| Mantra | Specialty | V | 1,000-1,500 HUF |
