If you’re visiting Hungary in 2025 and want to experience more than sightseeing and thermal baths, let the Michelin Guide Hungary 2025 be your compass. With 78 restaurants recommended across the country, this edition of the guide — released just yesterday, on October 9 — confirms Hungary’s place on the world’s gastronomic map. From two-star fine dining temples in Budapest and Tata to countryside gems recognized for sustainability, the selection is as diverse as it is delicious.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just curious about Hungarian cuisine beyond goulash and paprika, this article will help you discover where to eat, what to expect, and how to plan your culinary journey through Hungary.
What Makes the Michelin Guide Hungary 2025 Special?
The Michelin Guide doesn’t only celebrate luxury or high prices—it honors quality, creativity, consistency, and local flair. Hungary’s 2025 edition includes:
- 2 two-star restaurants
- 8 one-star restaurants
- 13 Bib Gourmand restaurants (great food at moderate prices)
- 6 Green Star restaurants for sustainability
- 10 new entries in the main selection
- 4 special individual awards
For travelers, that means no matter your budget or location, you’re never far from a memorable meal.
Where to Eat: Starred Restaurants in Hungary 2025
Hungary now boasts two restaurants with two Michelin stars:
Stand in Budapest continues to offer technically brilliant dishes rooted in Hungarian tradition. Platán Gourmet in Tata, just over an hour from the capital, is a destination in itself, with elegant plating and lakeside calm.
Eight restaurants hold one Michelin star, including urban icons and hidden regional treasures. Budapest is home to Babel, Borkonyha Winekitchen, Costes, Essência, Rumour by Jenő Rácz, and Salt. Outside the capital, you’ll find Pajta in Őriszentpéter—a rustic yet modern culinary haven—and 42 in Esztergom, which continues to impress with inventive menus and precise execution.
Eat Well, Spend Smart: Bib Gourmand Highlights
Looking for great food without the fine-dining price tag? The Bib Gourmand label is your friend. In 2025, Cabrio and 94′ Konyha & Bar join the list from Budapest. Cabrio stands out with a leafy terrace and natural wines, while 94′ brings Vietnamese-inspired flavors to the city in a minimalist setting.
Returning favorites include Anyukám Mondta in Encs (a perennial favorite), Morzsa in Pécs, Kistücsök by Lake Balaton, and Platán Bisztró in Tata. These restaurants offer soul-satisfying meals, generous hospitality, and good value—a perfect mix for travelers.
Sustainability in the Spotlight: Hungary’s Green Stars
Six restaurants in Hungary have earned Michelin’s Green Star, a distinction for environmental awareness and sustainable practices. The most talked-about newcomer is Pajta, now recognized not only for its flavor-forward cuisine but also for its nature-driven philosophy and fermentation techniques. Others in the group include Salt and Onyx in Budapest, Graefl Major in Poroszló, Natura Hill in Zebegény, and Villa Kabala in Szigliget.
These restaurants don’t just serve good food—they tell a story of place, heritage, and care for the planet. For travelers interested in meaningful dining, this list is a must.
Newcomers and Hidden Gems Worth Discovering
Ten new restaurants entered the Michelin Guide’s main selection in 2025. These are not starred (yet), but they impressed the inspectors with creativity, atmosphere, and promise.
Highlights include BiBo Budast, a rooftop Spanish-Hungarian fusion spot with city views; Dereszla Bisztró, located in Tokaj’s wine country; and Lokal at the Lake, which brings smart small plates to Lake Balaton’s shore. In Szeged, Tiszavirág offers refined cuisine in a converted townhouse, while Padi in Rátka earned the “Opening of the Year” award for its bold entry onto the scene.
People Behind the Plates: Michelin Special Awards 2025
Hungary’s culinary scene is thriving not only because of great food, but also because of the passionate people who craft the experience. Michelin recognized four of them this year:
- Máté Gerák of Padi won Opening of the Year for his smart, stylish debut in Rátka
- Dávid Pallag of Rutin in Budaörs earned Young Chef Award for running a heartfelt kitchen with his partner
- Róbert Ráduly and team at UMO received the Service Award for energetic and friendly hospitality in a Latin American setting
- Norbert Varga, sommelier at Stand, won the Sommelier Award for balancing expertise with a relaxed approach to pairing
These recognitions add a human face to Hungary’s food scene and are worth remembering when choosing where to dine.
How to Plan Your Culinary Journey in Hungary
The Michelin Guide is more than a list—it’s a curated experience. Here’s how you can use it while traveling in Hungary:
- Start in Budapest: With 6 one-star restaurants, 2 Bib Gourmand picks, and several Green Star options, the capital is a perfect base for fine and casual dining alike.
- Explore the countryside: Day trips to Tata, Esztergom, or Őriszentpéter offer not only peaceful settings but also exceptional cuisine.
- Mix it up: Combine star-rated luxury with Bib Gourmand value and Green Star ethos for a balanced food experience.
- Book ahead: Reservations are highly recommended—especially for dinner in starred venues.
- Check the guide: Visit guide.michelin.com or download the Michelin app to filter by location, star, sustainability, or price.
Hungary’s culinary rise isn’t slowing down, and with this guide in hand, you’re set to taste the very best of it.
Ready to Eat Your Way Through Hungary?
Whether you’re traveling for two days or two weeks, the Michelin Guide Hungary 2025 offers more than just meals—it offers moments worth remembering. Book a table, take a detour, and discover how far Hungarian cuisine has come. Bon appétit—jó étvágyat.
cover image: MTI/Máthé Zoltán
