If you’re a foodie living in or visiting Budapest, there’s one event you absolutely can’t miss: Budapest Restaurant Week! This event offers the perfect opportunity to eat at amazing restaurants across the city—at a fraction of the usual price. In this post, I’m diving into what makes BRW so special, how you can get the most out of it, and my personal tips and experiences to make sure you’re ready for this foodie fest.
What is Budapest Restaurant Week?
Do you love trying new restaurants? Do you love a deal? Then Budapest Restaurant Week should be heaven! Budapest Restaurant Week is a time when restaurants all over Budapest offer three-course, fixed-price menus that are designed to show off their best dishes. The best part? These set menus come at a bargain!
For the 2024 edition, the menu prices are divided into three tiers:
- 5,900 HUF (~ €15)
- 7,900 HUF (~ €20)
- 9,900 HUF (~ €25)
When is Budapest Restaurant Week?
The event takes place in October, and for 2024, it runs from October 10th to October 27th.
It may be called restaurant “week”, but thankfully it lasts a bit longer than that! This way you have more time to try more amazing restaurants! There is also sometimes a shorter, more abbreviated version in the spring. You can find out those dates by signing up to their newsletter.
Where Can I Eat During Budapest Restaurant Week?
This is where it gets really exciting—there’s such a wide variety of restaurants that participate! Participating restaurants range from burger places to fine dining restaurants, so whether you’re looking for a fancy night out or something more casual, there’s an experience for everyone.
I love Budapest Restaurant Week because it allows me to discover new places or eat at places that may normally be a bit out of budget. And even though there are popular high-end eateries on the list, it’s not just about fancy restaurants. There are plenty of spots with different price points and cuisine types—Italian, French, Hungarian, and even some fusion places—so you can get a mix of whatever you’re in the mood for.
My Experience with Budapest Restaurant Week
Budapest Restaurant Week has become something I really look forward to! It’s a chance to explore Budapest’s booming restaurant scene (I swear, a new one opens every week) while also saving money. When I first went in 2023, I may have gone…a little overboard, hehe. All in all, I tried five restaurants during Budapest Restuarant Week (I’m nothing if not thorough in my research 😉 ) Here’s the quick breakdown:
- I chose Indigo because I knew I enjoyed their food (some of the best Indian in the city), and they offered the lowest price tier, so it was an accessible place to try with a group of friends.
- I chose both the Great Hall and Araz Restaurant because I had been curious about them for quite some time, and this seemed like the perfect time to try. The upscale, quirky decoration of the Great Hall restaurant at the Mystery Hotel made it my favorite experience of Restaurant Week.
- Finally, I chose Hemingway and Halászbástya because I knew Budapest Restaurant Week would be the most affordable time to have a fine dining experience. Halászbástya has one of the best views of the city, all the patrons were dressed to impress, and it was certainly fancier than I’d normally do. But thanks to the set menu, I was able to try fine dining without breaking the bank (we actually got the reservation last-minute after snapping up someone’s cancelled slot.).
How Do I Book for Budapest Restaurant Week?
Booking for Budapest Restaurant Week is a breeze! Due to its popularity, the site is available in English as well as Hungarian. Browse the site to find all participating restaurants, their menus, and the available time slots.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Go to the Budapest Restaurant Week website.
- Choose your preferred date—Remember, tables go fast, so be flexible with your timing if you have your heart set on a specific restaurant.
- Browse through the menus to find something that calls to you. Most restaurants will post their menus in advance.
- Check the location—Some participating restaurants are located on the outskirts of Budapest or in neighboring towns, so double-check that you can easily get to where you’re booking.
- Make your reservation—Once you’ve picked a restaurant, reserve your table directly through the site. If you have a flexible schedule (remote work for the win!), then filter for lunchtime reservations–they tend to fill up less quickly than dinner slots, so you’ll have a better chance of landing a table at some of the more popular restaurants.
A heads-up: the more popular restaurants tend to get fully booked pretty quickly, so it’s a good idea to make your reservations as soon as you can.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in town during Budapest Restaurant Week, don’t miss out. Visit their site to see what’s available and explore Budapest’s food scene without breaking the bank. Remember, tables fill up fast, so plan ahead—and don’t forget to sign up for that newsletter for early access to the best spots!
Jó Étvágyat! (Enjoy your meal!)
Xx Denae
Other Budapest Food Activities
- Budapest Foodie Walking Tour
- Budapest Wine, Cheese, and Charcuterie Tasting
- Budapest 8-Flight Wine Tasting
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