7 Restaurants where to eat in Budapest (that we have tried)
The 7 restaurants where we ate in Budapest as a family: themed spots (Harry Potter, pirates), the world's most beautiful McDonald's and more.
Miriam6 min readVerified · June 2026
During our stay in Budapest, we discovered a selection of restaurants that became some of our favourites. If you are planning a family trip to the Hungarian capital, here are our recommendations of restaurants where to eat in Budapest, which we have already tried.
The 7 restaurants at a glance
- Italian food in Buda Castle: Jamie's Italian.
- Rock, burgers and cocktails: Spíler Buda (MOM Park).
- Nordic brunch by Millenáris: Nor/ma Grand.
- Dining with Basilica views: Non Lo So.
- Harry Potter-themed café: Repülő Seprű (The Flying Broomstick).
- Pirate-themed dinner: The Pirates Empire.
- The world's most beautiful McDonald's: Nyugati station.
Jamie’s Italian Budapest
Located in the heart of the city, Jamie’s Italian Budapest is an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality Italian cuisine. As Jamie Oliver’s first restaurant in Central Europe, it is uniquely situated in the historic Buda Castle.
The restaurant is spacious and filled with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere—perfect for a meal with family or friends. The decor blends modern and rustic elements with vibrant touches of color. We loved the variety of dishes on offer, from freshly made pasta to delicious pizzas. The staff is exceptionally friendly and attentive.
Type: Italian
Area: Buda Castle
Price: €€-€€€
Booking: recommended
Address: Szentháromság utca 9-11, 1014 Budapest
Spíler Buda
Spíler Buda was one of our favourite restaurants in Budapest. The decor is spectacular—a mix of rock and roll and glamour. It also features a charming outdoor terrace. 🎸🤘
The menu includes burgers, meats, and fresh salads, all of which can be paired with craft beers or a delicious cocktail. What stood out the most was the exceptional service—it was, without a doubt, the best dining experience we had in Budapest.
Oh, and have you seen our table? When I realized this was our reserved table, I couldn’t help but say, “WOOOW!” By the way, there is only one table like this in the entire restaurant, so if you want to dine under a drum set, be sure to make a reservation.
Type: American (burgers & grilled meats)
Area: MOM Park (Buda)
Price: €€
Booking: recommended (ask for the drum-set table)
Address: MOM Park, Alkotás u. 53, 1123 Budapest
Nor/ma Grand
Nor/ma Grand is a highly recommended café for breakfast or brunch in Budapest. They offer an excellent selection of pastries, cakes, and freshly made juices. The avocado toast was amazing! 😊 The clientele is quite international, and while the prices are a bit high for Budapest, the quality and relaxed atmosphere make it worthwhile.
The café is spacious, but we recommend sitting on the terrace overlooking Széllkapu Park. If you’re visiting with children, it’s perfect—there’s a grassy area where they can run and play safely. Keep in mind that it is a self-service café, so there is no table service.
Tip: If you’re with kids, after visiting Nor/ma Grand, head to the nearby pond to feed the carp. There’s a vending machine where you can buy fish food.
Type: café, brunch & Nordic bakery
Area: Millenáris / Széllkapu (Buda)
Price: €€
Booking: not needed (self-service)
Address: Margit körút 75-87, 1024 Budapest
Non Lo So
Located just steps from the spectacular St. Stephen’s Basilica, Non Lo So is a stylish restaurant offering Hungarian cuisine with some international dishes. Despite its Italian-sounding name, this spot is ideal for breakfast, lunch, or enjoying a cocktail at sunset.
Prices here are on the higher side, but the quality of the food and the prime location justify the cost. I recommend booking in advance and requesting a terrace table with a view of the basilica—especially in summer, the atmosphere is truly special.
Type: Hungarian & international
Area: next to St. Stephen's Basilica
Price: €€€
Booking: recommended (ask for the terrace)
Address: Zrínyi u. 16, 1051 Budapest
Repülő Seprű – The Flying Broomstick
Repülő Seprű, also known as The Flying Broomstick, is a magical, Harry Potter-themed café hidden in the basement of a building in central Budapest. As soon as you enter, you can put on a Gryffindor robe and grab the wand waiting on your table to transform into a true wizard. 🧙♂️
The menu features smoky potions and spooky-themed food. During our dinner, we also enjoyed a live magic show, which was interactive and a huge hit with the kids. The food was delicious, and overall, it’s a unique and fun experience, especially for families.
Since the café is small and very popular, we highly recommend making a reservation in advance.
Type: themed café (Harry Potter)
Area: Óbuda (Buda)
Price: €€
Booking: essential (open Wednesday to Sunday)
Address: Pacsirtamező u. 36, 1034 Budapest
The Pirates Empire
The Pirates Empire was one of our favorite themed restaurants in Budapest. 🏴☠️ From the moment you walk in, you are immersed in a pirate world, surrounded by skulls and hidden treasures. The decor, the costumed waitstaff, and the pirate hats and props (which you can wear!) make it an unforgettable experience, especially for kids.
One of the highlights? The Davy Jones Canyon dessert—it was such a surprise that we even made a separate reel just for it!
I highly recommend booking in advance, and you can conveniently do so through their website.
Type: themed pirate restaurant with a show
Area: Nagymező (Pest)
Price: €€-€€€
Booking: recommended (website)
Address: Nagymező utca 41, Budapest
The World’s Most Beautiful McDonald’s
We couldn’t leave Budapest without visiting what is considered the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world. Located inside the historic Nyugati Railway Station, this McDonald’s stands out for its stunning architecture, featuring stained glass windows, high ceilings, and Art Nouveau details.
It’s a great place for a quick meal while soaking in the elegant atmosphere of this unique location.
Type: fast food
Area: Nyugati station
Price: €
Booking: not needed
Address: Teréz krt. 55, 1062 Budapest
Which one to choose? Our favourites
- With kids, for the wow factor: the themed ones, The Flying Broomstick (Harry Potter) and The Pirates Empire.
- A relaxed family meal: Jamie's Italian in the Castle or Spíler Buda.
- Breakfast or brunch: Nor/ma Grand, with a terrace and park next door.
- A special occasion with a view: Non Lo So, facing the Basilica.
- A quick (and gorgeous) treat: the Nyugati McDonald's.
Overall, Budapest surprised us with its food scene: there's something for every taste and budget, and you eat well for less than in other European capitals. Our tip: book the themed restaurants ahead—they fill up fast.
FAQ
Which are the best restaurants for families in Budapest?
The themed ones are a real treat with kids: Repülő Seprű (the Harry Potter café) and The Pirates Empire (a pirate restaurant with a show). Jamie's Italian in Buda Castle and the Nyugati McDonald's are also family favourites.
Is eating out in Budapest expensive?
In general you eat well and for less than in other European capitals, although touristy areas (like next to the Basilica) are pricier. Always check whether tax is included in the menu prices.
Do I need to book?
For the themed spots (Flying Broomstick and Pirates Empire), yes—they're small and very popular. At Spíler Buda, book if you want the famous table under the drum set.
Which is the world's most beautiful McDonald's?
The one inside Budapest's Nyugati Railway Station, with stained-glass windows, high ceilings and Art Nouveau details in a building linked to Gustave Eiffel's company. It reopened in 2024 after a renovation.
Where can I have breakfast or brunch in Budapest?
Nor/ma Grand, a Nordic-style café and bakery next to Széllkapu Park (Millenáris), with a terrace that's great if you're with kids. It's self-service.
Are there themed restaurants in Budapest?
Yes: Repülő Seprű (The Flying Broomstick), a Harry Potter-themed café, and The Pirates Empire, a pirate restaurant with a show. Both are a hit with children.
