Though cafés are not as important in Hungary today as they were between the wars, Budapest still has many famous coffeeestablishments and many good pastry shops.
Gerbeaud
It is the town’s No. 1, coffeehouse, located in the centre, in the Vörösmarty square.
It has preserved its high standard ever since it was founded 150 years ago.
It used to be owned by the Swiss Gerbeaud family who were great confectioners. People from all over the world make a pilgrimage here to taste coffee specialities or a Dobos cake. Gerbeaud is not only a confectinary, it is an architectural masterpiece from the turn of the century.
Gerbeaud has changed very little since it opened in 1858. Fine specimens of the coffee shop’s past such as two French marble fireplaces, are cherished items of its interior. On the long marble counter an enormous variety of pastries, cakes, creams and Sandwichhes are displayed.
Addresss: Budapest V. Vörösmarty tér 7.
Website: www.gerbeaud.hu
Ruszvurm
Near the Matthias Church this café, built in the 17th century, is a historical monument.
The front room has a historical cabinet holding pastries baked freshly on the premises. In another room you can sit and be served lúdlábtorta (goosefoot cake), gesztenyetorta (hestnut cake) or a good espresso coffee.
Address: Budapest I. Szentháromság tér 7.
Website: http://www.ruszvurm.hu
Central Café
Large and recently renovated coffee house in the heart of Budapest, close to Ferenciek tere metro stop.
Meals also served.
Address: Budapest V. Károlyi Mihály utca 9.
Website: http://www.centralkavehaz.hu
Korona
A pleasant destination point after a walk in the Buda Hill district. Fancy cakes attract customers here during the daytime, while in the evenings the Korona becomes a centre of literature: poetry readings and one-man shows entertain both the local and the international audience.
Address: Budapest I. Dísz tér 16.
Művész Café
In the heart of the theatre district of Budapest near the Opera House. Many of the clients are actors and musicians. The front room is always busy and crowded , the back room is suitable for intimate conversation.
Address: Budapest VI. Andrássy út 29.
Lukács Café
Established by Sándor Lukács, a famous pastry chef, it was opened more than 100 years ago. Soon became one of the most frequented cafés in town. Home made pastries and ice creams attract customers from more distant partsof the capital.
Address: Budapest VI. Andrássy út 70.
Zsolnay Café
(in the Radisson SAS Béke Hotel)
Aromatic coffee is served here in famous Zsolnay porcelain, the delicacies are accompanied by soft sounding harp music.
Address: Budapest VI. Teréz körút 43.