Gundel Cafe Patisserie Restaurant

It’s the restaurant with the richest history (dating back to 1910) and the longest line of famous diners, from Olympic champions to Queen Elizabeth II. Goose liver is a speciality, and the signature Gundel pancake – a crêpe with walnuts, rum and chocolate sauce – is unmissable. Prepare for a flamboyant experience in the evening. Two-, three- or four-course meals (with optional wine pairing) are served by dickie-bowed waiters flourishing plates from below silver cloches while musicians play with gusto in the sumptuous dining room.

Its history goes back to 1950, when the legendary Gundel Restaurant’s headwaiter (Károly Gollerits) envisioned this novel dessert. However, the first publicly tasted cake was made only in 1958 by Béla Szőcs, master confectioner, whose cake became an award-winner at the Brussels World’s Fair. Since the creator’s family keeps the original recipe secret, somlói galuska made elsewhere varies in form and preparation but always maintains the same fundamental ingredients.

This gastronomic legend not only represent the Golden Age of Hungarian cuisine 125 years ago, it effectively created it thanks to the foresight of a unique culinary dynasty. Recently revived under new ownership in thrall to Gundel’s gilded heritage. Why we love it To dine where the Queen once did, while enjoying what the incoming management terms ‘affordable luxury’, with particular reference to their Sunday lunchtime deals.

Started off under the ownership of Ferenc Wampetich in 1894, the City Park restaurant was taken over by Károly Gundel in 1910, who transformed the eatery into an internationally renowned venue of Hungarian and French gastronomy. Besides serving a number of classic dishes, the restaurant had also created some of its own (now equally famous) recipes, including Palóc soup, Somló-style sponge cake, and the eponymous Gundel crêpe, inspired by a pancake served to Gundel by the wife of Hungarian writer Sándor Márai, Lola. In addition to the iconic dessert, Gundel Restaurant offers a multitude of mouthwatering fares, including first-rate caviars, foie de gras brulée, crayfish velouté, as well as Fisherman’s soup, garnished with homemade noodles.

Our list wouldn’t be complete without including the legendary Gundel Restaurant within the boundaries of City Park. With its historic building and classic cuisine, this is a one-of-a-kind destination that is included in the itinerary of many visitors, but during summer months guests from near and far enjoy Gundel’s recently refurbished flowery garden, enhanced by animal sounds spilling over from the adjacent Budapest Zoo. The menu presents a wide range of Hungarian delicacies like the slow-cooked goose liver, the paprika-chicken duo, and the classic walnut crépe à la Gundel, which can all be paired with top Magyar-made wines to complete this exclusive experience.

Many Hungarians keep fond childhood memories of eating delicious cakes at Gundel after visiting the nearby Budapest Zoo. The Gundel brand has become legendary over the years; many sweet and savoury culinary inventions are linked to this name such as the Gundel pancakes which are filled with crushed walnuts and drizzled with hot chocolate sauce. The founder Károly Gundel also preserved hundreds of traditional folk recipes and he laid down the foundation of a prestigious gastro-dynasty.

At Gundel, you’re stepping into the birthplace of Somlói Galuska, a dessert that has defined Hungarian culinary tradition since its silver medal win at the 1958 Brussels World Fair. This iconic creation, born from the innovative spirit of Gundel Heritage, captures the essence of Hungarian sweets with its layered sponge cake, custard, rum-soaked raisins, and walnut crunch. Inspired by Somlyó Hill’s allure, this dessert has become Hungary’s national treasure, renowned globally.

Gundel Café Patisserie Restaurant in Budapest has a rich history dating back to 1894 when Károly Gundel transformed a humble inn in Budapest’s City Park into a prestigious dining establishment. Gundel Restaurant quickly became synonymous with Hungarian culinary traditions, using local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. The iconic Gundel pancake is a heavenly creation of crepes filled with ground walnuts, raisins, and a touch of rum, served with a chocolate sauce.

Restaurateur Károly Gundel remains the only person in Hungary to ever earn a profile in the New Yorker Magazine. In 1948, legendary reporter Joseph Wechsberg came to Budapest to feature the owner of Central Europe’s leading restaurant, which Gundel founded in 1910 and named for himself. “Gundel contributed more to the fame of Hungarian cooking than any other man and is ranked by connoisseurs all over the world in a class with Escoffier and Fernand Point,” reads the intro.

A historic institution in Hungarian gastronomy, Gundel is synonymous with elegance and tradition. Their goulash, served in a luxurious setting, is a refined version of the classic dish, showcasing the culinary expertise that has made this restaurant an enduring favorite. Dining at Gundel pairs beautifully with a stroll through Városliget, Budapest’s City Park, where you’ll find the majestic Vajdahunyad Castle and the Széchenyi Thermal Bath.

Built in 1894, the Gundel Restaurant is one of Budapest's best-known restaurants, famous mainly for the Gundel pancake. It is located in the Városliget or City Park, not far from the Heroes' Square and right next to the famous Budapest Zoo. Born at the dawn of the 20th century, Gundel is considered an exclusive restaurant and has survived the storms of history, namely two world wars, economic crises, and decades of nationalization.

Many consider Gundel to be Budapest’s most famous restaurant, since it’s famous for classic Hungarian meals and gourmet food. Built more than a century back, Gundel features food that reflects the best tastes of Hungary in an attractive dining room. You’re likely to enjoy traditional foods such as goulash which includes tender beef, paprika and a little sour cream and stuffed cabbage rolls flavored with meat and rice.

Gundel can rightly be considered the grand dame of the top restaurants in Budapest, and the experience here is as traditional and refined as they come. The restaurant was originally opened in 1910, and has served guests ranging from Archduke Otto of Austria to Angelina Jolie. Not much has changed in the ensuing years: if you’re seeking a restaurant where you can dine like a Hapsburg, this is certainly the address.

Known for its historical charm and luxurious ambiance, Gundel presents Hungarian cuisine with an upscale twist. Signature dishes include the famous Gundel Palacsinta (a delicate crêpe filled with walnuts and chocolate) and Gulyás (goulash) prepared with a refined touch. With a commitment to honouring culinary heritage, Gundel uses locally sourced ingredients, ensuring each dish captures the essence of Hungary.

Gundel is a truly incredible restaurant in the center of Budapest, next to the Széchenyi Baths and Heroes’ Square. It was founded in 1910 by Karoi Gundel and is said to be the first to combine traditional Hungarian recipes with haute cuisine. The restaurateur devoted his life to collecting the secrets of cooking special national dishes, and some of them are presented on the menu under his name.

In essence, a Sunday Brunch is an event held at lunch time on Sundays (regularly or nearly regularly), from approximately 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., for a fixed price per person. The food itself is served either as a buffet, or from a special menu. In Budapest, seating for a brunch must be reserved in advance due to a growing interest on the part of families in this more festive form of Sunday meal.

If you are into culinary travel or just love sampling the food of the country then a visit to the Gundel Restaurant is a must. The Gundel Restaurant dates back to 1894 and is considered one of the pioneers of Hungarian gastronomy. It is the premier spot for traditional Hungarian food in Budapest especially if you want to savor authentic Hungarian cuisine in a historic grand fashion.

Hungary’s most beloved cake is a unique concoction of custard and three different types of sponge either layered or scooped into balls and topped with chocolate and whipped cream. At Gundel, you can try it for yourself at the place where it originated. If looking for a whole meal, the restaurant is an excellent choice for traditional Hungarian cuisine and exquisite wine.

Gundel: For elegant dining, Gundel lives up to its reputation. The award-winning restaurant, open under its current name since 1910, is located in a late 19th-century palace in City Park, just a two-minute walk from Heroes' Square. Gundel, with its innovative menu, is known -- and deservedly so -- for creating new spins on traditional classics.

Several Budapest locations were used, such as the beautiful Párisi Udvar shopping arcade (now functioning as a hotel lobby) at Ferenciek Square, Deák Ferenc Street – also know as Fashion Street with high-end fashion stores, and also the famous Gundel Restaurant, the stunning Hungarian State Opera House, and Lake Balaton too!

Gundel is an older, famous restaurant across from the public baths and next to the zoo. Popular coffeehouses like the New York Café, Gerbaud, and the Central Café and Restaurant are also worth seeing for the opulence and the traditional atmosphere reminding visitors of café culture of late 19th century Budapest.

Gundel does not have to be introduced to anyone, the name – which equals to the notion of tradition in Budapest – is not unknown even to foreign couples. It is one of the oldest Hungarian restaurants offering traditional flavours seasoned with luxury. Gundel boasts a large number of opportunities.

Perhaps one of the better known Hungarian desserts is this crepe-like pancake. It is named after its inventor Karoly Gundel, a Hungarian restaurateur and his original recipe has been kept a secret. It is made with ground walnuts, raisins and rum filling, served flambeed in a dark chocolate sauce.

Address: Állatkerti körút 2., district XIV.Tel: +36 1 468 4040Opening hours: every day: 12.00 – 24.00 Website. Perhaps the best known Budapest restaurant by foreigners. It’s located out of the city centre in Városliget/City Park next to the Zoo.

Known internationally for its historic reputation, Gundel serves traditional Hungarian dishes, including the famed Gundel pancake, in an elegant setting near the City Park​. Who also recommends this: Ultimate Budapest ​/ Offbeat Budapest.

The road the zoo stands on, Állatkerti körút, is named after it, as is the stop on the 72 trolleybus route. The nearest metro stop, Széchenyi fürdő, serving the baths of the same name, is just the other side of the spa.

Around the corner, you can get a great bowl for HUF 1,900 at Bagolyvár (Gundel Károly út 4, 1146 Budapest; +36 1 468 110; website in Hungarian), which is owned by Gundel but specializes in home-style cooking.

If you would like to try a truly elegant place, visit the Gundel Restaurant. This reputable restaurants history originates from the end of the 19th century.

End the day with a gourmet dinner at Gundel, one of Budapest’s most famous restaurants. It is located just a short walk from the Szechenyi Baths.