The 50 best spots for waffles in Budapest (2024)

The New York Café is a historic and ornate restaurant in downtown Budapest that serves coffee, cake and Hungarian cuisine. The cafe has frescoes and chandeliers, as well as a cupola and crystal chandelier, making it a beautiful place to enjoy coffee or cake. They also have current co-promotions with Budapest cosmetics firm Omorovicza providing delicious individual chocolate cakes that are inspired by the rejuvenating night cream in the company's range.

What a gem of Budapest! I would recommend to reserve table in advance. You'll enjoy dining in an elegantly ornate ambiance with live music entertaining you. The service is nothing short of excellent!!!!! The menu offers unlimited variety to all! Our food was served perfectly timed. The wait staff is courteous, knowledgeable. The Cafe is operating with the utmost professionalism and the visitor will depart with memorable experience and fondness of fine dining. Kudos to ALL👋!

Gizella J — Google review

Well, disappointing experience. The building and the hall itself is fantastic - a gorgeous memento of the old architectural talent and creativity. The food, the coffee and the service is overrated. The coffee, we had 2 cappuccinos, were both quite cold and the taste was a bit better than from a vending machine. The cake, we had the Banana flavored hazelnut „stone”, tasted very good - that's why the 1 star! The serving is retro - if you want to put it nicely - or rather reflects the feeling and style of the 80's in Hungary. Only 2 pieces of porcelain was from the same producer! All the plates, the coffee cups are heavy, nothing special white porcelain. The furniture and the whole ambient is like what they could find at a garage sale of an outdated hotel. The staff are nice young people, quite disciplined, but lack personality, emotions and kindness. Maybe the best if you grab your coffee at a fast food place nearby and just wonder in to be amazed by the building itself. Oh, and for all that experience I 've paid a lot - service included. Shame.

Z T — Google review

The place creates a very nice atmosphere as the architecture of the building is remarkable.Went there for a private event, and the conference rooms are spacious, the staff was very helpful as well. Unfortunately, the food was very simple and the portions very small, with no vegetarian options offered rather than rice and potatoes.. Prices are super high for a glass of wine, but the service was fine. Not planning to go there to spend a fortune for a lunch anytime soon..

Armando R — Google review

Visited at 3pm on a Monday afternoon, I now wish l had read the previous reviews before going, it was a spur of the moment choice for my husband’s birthday. Yes it is very attractive inside but definitely an overpriced tourist trap. We can not ended up having apple pie and coffee but we had finished the pie well before coffee arrived and then it was Luke warm, watching the staff while waiting they were very indifferent, like everything was an effort and the manager chap was even somewhat rude to a customer. I wished we had stuck to the lovely cafe we found the day before where the choice was much larger and staff spot on. It is a place for a once only visit.

Sharon W — Google review

The cafe is very beautiful, the building is marvelous and it's a great place to visit. However, the food and the drinks.. not so much. The desert was decent, but the hot chocolate, for example, was undrinkable. It was incredibly sweet, and you could not taste much else.The queue was decent, and we only had to wait for about 15 minutes.

Trif T — Google review

We can’t deny that this cafe is really beautiful! Interior was majestic, gorgeous and magnificent! From the artistic sculptures inside to the colours and also the layout. Such an elegant place to dine in. They have a long queue for Breakfast and Lunch (though they have a fast line where you can pay in addition to your bill). They have a booking system for dinner.The cafe is easily accessible.We were able to grab a table between 11-12 and unfortunately, they don’t serve breakfast menu or lunch menu at that time so we had to order a dessert and drinks. They also have elegant music (piano and orchestra band (violin, base violin and cimbalom) which is really relaxing, Jolly and lively.Of course, lots of people will be there so expect a crowded cafe. Just be aware of the surroundings, especially with the staff as it can hinder their job if people crowd over a certain area.I had a good lemonade and an apple pie vanilla mousse with whipped cream. It was good!

Jamie M — Google review

Stunning interior and nice ambiance. Server was nice. Went for breakfast. Busy but plenty of servers. My gripe? Expensive for what you get. I don't mind expensive places but this was definitely not worth the price tag. Eggs Benedict with salmon €18 plus coffee. 1 egg, small half muffin and the smallest edge of a salmon slice. Ate it within 3 bites and was average in quality. My friend had the Italian breakfast priced at €25 and looked a bit more substantial but still not filling. 24000 HUF for some coffee and two small breakfasts. Could be the most elegant cafe in the world but definitely NOT the best cafe in the world.

Tasos M — Google review

The deserts are totally amazing but the service is very poor (bordering on rude as after all they don’t need repeat customers) and the music is the worst kind of tourist trap stuff. I suggest getting in the queue and once you are in the door take a few photos of the beautiful walls and ceilings and leave. Such a shame. Service everywhere else in Budapest is great but in this cafe not one waiter or waitress cracked a smile. That would have saved it.

J — Google review

Title: Step into Elegance: New York Cafe BudapestLocated in Budapest's heart, the New York Cafe is a slice of history, offering more than just a meal—it's an experience. Walking in, you're greeted by a breathtaking interior, dripping with elegance from every corner. The ambiance takes you back to a time of sophistication and charm, where coffee was savored amidst lively conversations and cultural exchanges.The menu is a delightful mix of Hungarian classics and international treats, each dish crafted with care and quality. From rich espressos to heavenly pastries, every bite is a journey into indulgence. And the service? Impeccable. The staff's attention to detail ensures you're treated like royalty from the moment you step in.But it's not just about the food. The New York Cafe hosts live music and cultural events, adding to its allure as a cultural hub in the city. While it might be a bit pricey, the experience is worth every penny. It's not just dining; it's stepping into a piece of Budapest's history, a celebration of art, culture, and the finer things in life. So if you're looking for more than just a meal, New York Cafe is the place to be.

Yaseen T — Google review

This cafe is probably on most tourists hit list l first visited here around 30 years ago when it hadn't been renovated and the cakes were around £0.50 each! At the time it wasn't very touristy and I loved its faded grandeur and the attentive service.The place is stunning but it now appears to suffer from over tourism. The food and service are nothing special and it is very pricey compared to similar venues.That said it is still worth a visit in order to admire a very opulent cafe from another age but you may be better off eating and drinking elsewhere.

Graham W — Google review

From the moment you walk in, you know something special is about to take place. The restaurant has that enticing allure, drawing in beautiful people from around the world. The service is impeccable, and it's hard not to appreciate the stellar ambiance! And then there's the food: every item I tried was phenomenal, from appetizers to entrees to desserts. If you haven't been to "The Most Beautiful Cafe in the World" yet, I highly recommend you visit. You won't be disappointed!

Gerard J — Google review

Gorgeous restaurant, so beautiful, elegant, classy, so detailed in design. The staff was very welcoming, chatty, fast in service and very nice to offer recommendations regarding places to visit in Budapest. We were lucky to go at an hour where there were not many people waiting so we were at a table maximum 5 minutes after our arrival.The deserts were good, nothing great, but the plating looked really nice.Only downside is that it is a bit pricey and I can’t say the options of what to eat are to die for.

Cristina G — Google review

Visited this viral location and had a pleasant experience! We just went for drinks and cakes, although expensive, were still good. The interior is stunning and obviously the main reason why people go.Service is okay but fast so not much to fault them on. I’d recommend if you are willing to pay £/€15 for a drink or cake but it’s not really a must visit for Budapest in my opinion, as there are more interesting spots.

Baquer — Google review

Fabulous place, kind waitress and good service overall.We ordered two Italian breakfast but the coffee was not the best and the pastry was kind of hard and dry. The cheesecake was good.I gave 4 stars because of the taste of the coffee. I was hoping for something better, however maybe the 24 karat gold cappuccino tastes better, but that has different price.

Blenyesi R — Google review

We went to this beautiful building to have a coffee. The place is very very busy but the line goes very quick, I think we have waited like 10 minutes to get a table. But we have waited for ages for our waiter to order, for our coffees and for the bill. Don’t even want to mention the ridiculous prices: 10 Euros for a bad coffee, 30 euros for Wiener Schnitzel, 15-20 Euros for dessert.Please don’t go and eat or drink there, just take a photo and find a quality coffee for half price.

Kata S — Google review

The architectural design of the building is truly remarkable. However, regrettably, we encountered significant issues with the service provided. Despite observing vacant tables through the window, we were compelled to endure a rain-soaked wait of approximately 45 minutes. The staff exhibited a lack of proactivity in managing the queues efficiently. Regarding the food, it can be described as average, although we recognize that part of the cost is attributed to the overall experience. Upon being seated, we were disappointed to find that no high chair was provided for our 1-year-old child, necessitating our own search for one. Unfortunately, the high chair we found was unclean, but we took it upon ourselves to sanitize it. While the initial server was commendable, there were errors made in taking our orders. Moreover, the staff member who handled our bill expressed disapproval when we requested to pay in cash, subsequently leaving to attend to another matter without acknowledging or thanking us. Upon returning, she counted the money in front of us before departing without any further interaction. This lack of acknowledgment or gratitude, coupled with the exorbitant prices paid for the food, left us feeling deeply dissatisfied with the overall service. Despite the undeniable appeal of the building, which we were eagerly anticipating, our experience left us feeling unwelcome and disheartened.

Andrew T — Google review

Waited an hour and a half in the cold to discover that a lot of tables were free but they don’t seem to care about the clients freezing to death.The staff were nice even though they seemed tired.Overpriced food but it was good, the hot chocolate was a bit too sweet.The architecture and music was amazing.Could be better

Dalia R — Google review

Beautiful period ambience. Went for lunch and service was lousy. Order was taken promptly. Drinks came after 20 min, starters after 30 mins And main course after 1 hour and 20 min. Waiter were very nice, but could not do anything about the delay. Food quality and taste was decent, nothing exceptional. Prices were very high and not justified for the quality of food. Cafe is best for the ambience, deserts and coffee nothing more. On the whole not a very happy experience.

Neville P — Google review

It’s more restaurant than cafe. Prices are high. There is a live music. It’s very beautiful inside. 4 because:- in the menu it was written that main courses are from 11 but they refused to get order until 12- the coffee was almost cold when I get it- cheesecake was average taste

Maria K — Google review

Beautiful architecture and if you go, do check the inner courtyard from the hotel, really worth it.We arrived to find a huge line outside.They offer you a 5€ per person “priority” la e and you can cut your waiting time.If you can, make a reservation.The menu is available online and worth checking ahead of time.The building itself is indeed gorgeous and well maintained. Italian Renaissance style, marbled columns rise to meet ceiling frescoes and crystal chandeliers.The food is underwhelming and completely overpriced. You cannot even get a bottle of “tap” water on the house. And it is way too crowded. The fact that people come and only use this place for “insta pics” makes the atmosphere a bit laughable and less enjoyable. Prep yourself to see all kinds of outfits and party makeup

Andreea L — Google review

The place is absolutely gorgeous. The wait was relevant to the status of the location, but it took approximately 20 minutes for us to have our order taken after we were seated. I had heard how beautiful this place was and it truly is. I would suggest going once for the experience but as delicious as my cake was I don't think I'll return. 2 ice cream desserts, 1 piece of chocolate cake, and 1 iced coffee came to 63 euro, which included a 15% service charge.

Blanche K — Google review

It is gorgeous! The atmosphere is amazing, relaxing and romantic. We made a reservation a day in advance, and we didn't have to wait in a queue upon entrance (probably because we booked it in the evening). The location is also easily accessible by tram and metro. The food and drinks were good, but definitely overpriced. I suppose you pay for the location. I loved it, but I don't think I will visit it again, unless for a very special occasion.

sof — Google review

Disclaimer:The guys that served our drinks were very polite and agreeable.However, the two women who had us seated and took the order were rude and clearly didn’t want us to be there. Lastly, when we asked to pay separately with our cards the supervising waiter told us angrily that it was not going to happen and demanded that one of us (5 people) paid the whole bill.We expected something more elegant and respectful from the infamous New York Cafe.

Maria S — Google review

We went just for the experience and prefer a coffee. For 6€ we were treated well since we only ordered an espresso: they gave us warm milk, our espresso and a miniature cookie but giving were you are is more then I expected. It’s very busy so be ready to wait in the line (but it is fast). Our waiter was not very nice but the other members of the staff were. The space is amazing and we also were lucky enough to experience a little concert.

Francesca C — Google review

Overrated, overpriced, and bad service.After a lengthy wait, we were seated in a an area that had none of the beauty we actually came for. The main area itself is gorgeous but not if you're seated away from it. Prices here are absolutely insane by any standard. For example, a cappuccino is like 10euro. And you'd expect food and drinks to be exceptional, right? Well, they are just average. Very disappointing and the service was really extremely unfriendly. Tourist trap is all it is.I don't mind paying more for great experiences, but this was not one of them.

Katherine — Google review

We visited this cafe during our recent visit to Budapest. The cafe is mesmerizing. Inside architecture is well done. In fact it gives you feel of a palace. The moment you step inside this cafe.To share a few highlights of this cafe. This cafe goes back to 120 year old history. It was previously the headquarters of an insurance company. And later it turned into one of the most beautiful coffee houses in the world.Must visit if you are traveling to Budapest.Strongly recommend 👍

Anshulika C — Google review

There is a nice place and so aesthetic, but have to wait a long queue even though we went early. Prices are more expensive than other Budapest restaurants. Desserts are tasty. Tiramisu creamy. The most important thing is atmosphere is really classy.

Selin V — Google review

Despite the frequency, I was expected higher service level. And even that the half of the tables were empty, there is no possibility to change the table. My table was near the door, therefore it was not possible to seat without winter jacket. The atmosphere is really nice, music by itself makes positive vibrations.

Katerina I — Google review

This is such a beautiful cafe, the decoration is so ornate it is stunning. That said, I thought the staff were quite stern, not very polite, which is shame as it took the shine off the experience. The pricing is way over the top, a bottle of sparkling water was £10. Overall spend £60 for 2 co*cktails and 2 small deserts with water.

Coral R — Google review

Worth visiting for the spectacular surroundings and piano/violin music. We tried the Hungarian coffee that might have been served with chilled wine that cooled the drink to much as it was not hot and nearer to lukewarm. For these prices you would expect top notch. Try a visit just after lunch when the queue is smaller, when we left there was a queue at the door.

DC M — Google review

I wouldn‘t recommend this place for people who would like to enjoy the moment. 1. Very touristic, lots of people are browsing inside that makes you feel you are in a museum (the restaurant is very beautiful, but too many places, people are coming, making pictures, taking coffee and going out). 2. Expensive (prices are too high for the general dessert, coffee and wine) and I had a feeling that all service was only for extra money. 3. If you want to enjoy the dinner, this is not that place (we came only for desserts, but even so I was disappointed).

Anna N — Google review

Indeed, it is the most beautiful cafe I have ever seen! However, food is average. Our pasta is too salty. Servers are very rude. We had to wait for 15 minutes after getting the food to get some spoon and knife to eat it! Servers seem like they're doing me a favour. Having said that, the hosts are very accommodating and quite nice actually. Would just come for the pictures honestly.Edit: I'm still here, everyone else's food and dessert seems to come before us, even if they arrived later. There is no server to attend or ask. We have to call someone and then wait for them to come to us or send someone else. Quite a disappointed.

Aditi A — Google review

Not recommended, totally a tourist trap. Ok, it is beautiful inside and you can have your breakfast/brunch while listening to live piano/violin but it's not worth the price. For 2 cups of coffee and 2 slices of cake you will pay around 50€ (15% tip is mandatory) You can find similar places in the same district of Budapest for more affordable prices.

Erhan A — Google review

The interior design and decoration lives up to its claim as the most beautiful cafe in the world. The cappuccino is great, the lemonade is tasty but a bit too sweet. The place comes across as a bit too commercial, the live musicians seem a bit tired. The service can be more welcoming. Still the place is super beautiful and worth a visit .

Olivia T — Google review

What a beautiful breathtaking cafe!!! I have never seen gorgeous fancy cafe like this. There was a queue but we paid €5 pp for fast line and it was worth it. We got seated in the corner by stairs which was perfect for pictures. Food prices were reasonable but coffee prices were very high. We got two pastas with a glass of wine and were delicious. It is a must experience for food and ambience. We enjoyed there a lot

Chandna S — Google review

An amazing architectural masterpiece... excellent service... you feel like you have traveled to another world in a time in the beautiful past... a cup of coffee... and enchanting music played by the most skilled musicians... in short, a must-have experience if you visit Budapest

Radwa A — Google review

My hopes, based on the recommendation to eat here, may have been too high. Plus I'm a native New Yorker! Definitely make a reservation, we had a significant wait. Some in the line before us opted to leave. The interior is absolutely stunning but we were seated towards the front of the restaurant. Our waitress was succinct, and didn't offer any menu recommendations. We ordered a mimosa, hot chocolate, and dessert plate, and were not impressed. We were in line longer than we dined there. Just go for the view, don't expect much else.

Officially T — Google review

Overall a great cafe. Stayed at the hotel so the cafe was a comfortable distance (right beside lobby) and there was no wait, probably because it was late at night. There was a pianist for live piano instrumental music, and the building decorations are detailed and beautiful. The cheesecake wasn’t great but the other things were good. The hot chocolate was especially good, must try. I felt that the price was justified, however, it is really expensive for just dessert.

Hyeonjin P — Google review

This was on the list of must see places to visit in Budapest.When we arrived there was a queue of about 40 people waiting to get inside. We decided to persevere and join the queue... Thankfully the queue moved very quickly and we were inside within 10-15 minutes.It really is beautiful inside. Fresco on the ceilings, marble pillars, gold leaf everywhere.We ordered afternoon tea for 2 plus goulash. The goulash was delicious!!The desserts were fantastic but were very rich, so we had a few boxed to take back to the hotel.Even though there was a queue outside the staff never made us feel like we were under pressure to eat quickly.We were glad we made the visit

Trevor C — Google review

The New York Cafe in Budapest offers a unique experience with its magnificent historical atmosphere and stunning interior decoration. This famous cafe is considered one of the most beautiful cafes in Central Europe. With its historical and cultural significance, it has become a meeting point for literature and art enthusiasts. It's a wonderful place to visit!

Hasan U — Google review

This was on the list of must see places to visit in Budapest.When we arrived there was a queue of about 15 people waiting to get inside. We decided to persevere and join the queue... Thankfully the queue moved very quickly and we were inside within 20 minutes.It really is beautiful inside. Fresco on the ceilings, marble pillars, gold leaf everywhere, a good experience to be part of the opulence of an era gone by.We ordered a coffee smoothie and ham and cheese sandwich and glass of red wine, chilled to the perfect temperature.We didn’t feel any pressure to hurry as there was an even longer queue outside.We asked a change in table and we had an attentive and polite lady help us.We were glad we made the visit to this iconic restaurant.

Tarini A — Google review

The architecture of the place was reason i visited and i wasn’t disappointed enjoyed my dessert while admiring the view. They have a nice live classic music show every 10 minutes which was a great addition to the experience. The tiramisu was okay. My wife enjoyed her sorbet.

Abdalla A — Google review

One of the most beautiful coffee shops in the world, but for sure not the tastiest. The vibes are nice with a pianist live playing. A queue is always present on the door but the waiting time will not exceed 5 minutes. A must try when you are in Budapest.

Jean N — Google review

The 50 best spots for waffles in Budapest (2024)
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