Every October, as the evenings draw in and the air smells faintly of roasted chestnuts, I find myself scrolling through restaurant menus instead of Netflix. Budapest’s Restaurant Week 2025 has just kicked off (2–19 October), and this year more than a hundred of the city’s best eateries are offering three-course menus from HUF 6,900. For anyone who loves food but winces at fine-dining prices, it’s the most delicious loophole of the year.
Andrew and I usually use it as an excuse to explore somewhere new – sometimes a neighbourhood bistro, sometimes a Michelin-starred spot we’d never justify otherwise. The beauty of this event is that it’s not just for tourists or foodies; it’s a celebration of Budapest’s culinary confidence, and everyone’s invited to the table.
What Is Budapest Restaurant Week?
Organised twice a year by DiningCity Hungary, Restaurant Week gives diners access to special, fixed-price menus across a huge range of cuisines. The concept is simple: book online, choose your menu, and enjoy a full three-course meal at a set price – HUF 6,900, HUF 8,900, or HUF 11,900, depending on the restaurant tier.
The event started as a small promotion but has evolved into a national fixture. In Budapest, the participating venues span everything from riverside fine dining to trendy fusion kitchens in District VII. You’ll find many of the city’s best-known names – Déryné, Borkonyha, Stand25, Costes Downtown – alongside smaller gems that quietly impress every year.
How to Book (and Beat the Rush)
Reservations open online weeks before, and the most coveted tables vanish quickly.
Here’s what I’ve learned after a few years of missing out:
- Book early – especially for weekends and Michelin-starred spots.
- Read the sample menus – they’re posted on the official site, so you can choose based on what truly tempts you.
- Go for lunch – midday reservations are easier to get and often quieter.
- Check the location – Budapest’s districts sprawl, and crossing the Danube for dessert might be ambitious during rush hour.
- Bring an appetite – these are proper three-course portions, not tasting menus.
A beautifully plated main course from one of Budapest’s top restaurants during Restaurant Week – proof that fine dining doesn’t have to come with fine-dining prices.
Why It’s Worth It
Budapest’s dining scene has exploded over the past decade, with chefs embracing local ingredients and international techniques. But with inflation nibbling at household budgets, many people hesitate to splurge. Restaurant Week levels the playing field, letting you experience the same artistry for a fraction of the cost.
It’s also a fantastic way to discover where you’ll want to return later in the year. Several restaurants offer vegetarian or gluten-free menus, and English service is standard at most. You’re not taking a risk – you’re getting a preview.
Tips for the Perfect Evening
- Pair wisely: Some menus include wine pairings; if not, ask for a recommendation—Hungarian wines are superb value.
- Dress smart-casual: Budapest isn’t fussy, but you’ll feel better matching the occasion.
- Check the fine print: Drinks and service charge aren’t included.
- Be punctual: Tables are often booked in two-hour slots.
- Try a new area: Use this as a chance to explore Buda if you’re usually a Pest loyalist.
If you’re staying in Budapest this month, you might also enjoy my piece on Hungarian Wine: Europe’s Best-Kept Secret.
Full restaurant list and booking details: Etteremhet.hu – Budapest Restaurant Week 2025
FAQ
When is Budapest Restaurant Week 2025?
It runs from 2 to 19 October 2025, with lunch and dinner menus available depending on each restaurant.
How much do the menus cost?
Three-course meals start from HUF 6,900 (about €17) and go up to HUF 11,900, depending on the category.
Can I book in English?
Yes. The official website and most restaurant staff handle reservations in English, making it easy for expats and visitors alike.
Outdoor dining is still possible at many restaurants – even in October for Budapest Restaurant Week 2025,
From Budapest to Rome (and Back Again)
I love that even after years in Hungary, there’s still a sense of discovery every October. The city feels indulgent yet cosy – the terraces are closing, coats are out, and dinner becomes the evening’s main event. Restaurant Week is my cue to put the laptop away, swap spreadsheets for soup spoons, and remember why I fell in love with Budapest’s food scene in the first place.
This year, Andrew and I are off to Rome for a few days – more good food, more walking, and, knowing us, at least one argument over who reads the map better. So I’m grateful the event lasts a full two weeks; it means we can sneak in a few extra meals before and after our trip. Budapest really does know how to feed you well, whether you’re just arriving or coming home.
Living in a new country is never simple, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Each month, I share the latest Hungary updates, expert advice, personal insights from someone who’s actually done it – and absolutely no hidden agendas.
Sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter – the HOW TO HUNGARY Insider.
Real experience. Expert tips. One email a month. Thanks for being here – köszi, hogy itt vagytok! Ha tetszett, kövessetek!
Anikó Woods is a Canadian-Hungarian writer, technology specialist, and digital strategist who swapped Toronto traffic for Hungarian bureaucracy. She’s the creator of HOW TO HUNGARY: Budapest & Beyond. Since moving to Hungary in 2017, she’s been deep in the paperwork trenches – fact-checking, interviewing experts, and helping others make sense of the madness. Her writing turns chaos into clarity, with a few laughs (and wine recommendations) along the way.
0 Comments