Looking for the best coffee in Budapest? I’m here to help!
I spent over a week exploring the Hungarian capital and made it my mission to suss out the best coffee in the city (yes, I’m a bit of a coffee addict).
Budapest is no stranger to good coffee, and there are countless specialty coffee bars and cafes all over the city. In all honesty, I didn’t have a single bad coffee during my time there.
In this list, I’ve shared several of Budapest’s best coffee shops, each serving excellent and memorable coffee. I’ve also listed a few honourable mentions.
I’ve tried to keep this list about smaller places focusing on coffee and snacks rather than large brunch places (although I have named a couple).
If you’re vegan or dairy-free, EVERY coffee shop I tried had plant-based milk on offer. This includes oat, soy, rice, almond, and coconut milk. Budapest is a very vegan-friendly city.
A little disclaimer: There is no end of excellent coffee shops to try in Budapest. Although I spent over a week there, it would have been impossible for me to try them all. The below list is based on my own research and trying as many places as I can, as well as recommendations from my friend who lives there. If you know of a place that should be on this list, please email me and let me know 😃
Where to find the best coffee in Budapest
Artizán Budapest
Let’s start this list with one of the best cafes in Budapest – Artizán. I stumbled across this place while exploring on my first day, and wow, it’s INCREDIBLE.
Not only is the coffee great, but they serve up a range of delicious cakes, pastries and bigger meals.
The pastries I had here were some of the best I’ve ever tried. I had the cheese & jalapeño csiga twice… it’s so good!
The café can get very busy, so it’s best to get there as early as you can. They have a no-laptop policy, and you can reserve a table if you’re planning to eat a bigger meal.
Address: Budapest, Hold u. 3, 1054 Hungary | Website
Closed on Sundays
4minutes Cafe
4minutes is another one of my favourite cafes in Budapest. It’s entirely vegan, and the coffee is by far one of the best I’ve *ever* had (ever, anywhere!).
The staff clearly take great pride in brewing excellent coffee, and there’s a range of vegan snacks and cold-press juices on offer too.
The interior has a minimalist design and is very small, so it’s more of a grab-and-go situation. But it’s a short walk from Fisherman’s Bastion, so it’s the perfect place to fuel up before or after exploring one of Budapest’s top places to see.
Address: Budapest, Országház u. 15, 1014 Hungary | Instagram
Closed on Mondays and there’s a no laptop policy.
Dorado
Found in the Jewish Quarter, Dorado serves excellent coffee, snacks, and large meals. If you’re after a bigger meal, it’s a great spot for brunch.
I only had time to have a coffee here, but the food being served looked tasty and it was reasonably priced.
Dorado focuses on speciality coffee as well as natural wines for those who want to have a drink with their brunch.
Address: Budapest, Klauzál u. 35, 1072 Hungary | Instagram
Walk-ins only.
Espresso Embassy
Espresso Embassy has long been known for having some of the best coffee in Budapest, and for good reason.
The cafe gets its beans from various roasters, including Casino Mocca and Manhattan Coffee Roasters. There’s usually a limited edition filter menu as well as a classic coffee menu.
The interior is beautiful, with traditional brick walls and plenty of seating. There are also designated areas where you can work with a laptop.
The coffee shop is close to the Parliament Building, making it the perfect pit stop when exploring the city.
Address: Budapest, Arany János u. 15, 1051 Hungary | Instagram
The Goat Herder
The Goat Herder is another fantastic place to have coffee in Budapest. Arguably one of Budapest’s hidden gems for coffee, this cute little spot serves delicious hot drinks, snacks and fresh fruit juices.
The espresso bar uses a local roaster who is passionate about their craft, and I have to say, this was undoubtedly some of the best coffee I tried in Budapest.
The inside is small, but there are still a few seats to sit down and enjoy your cup of coffee. They also allowed me to use my laptop.
Address: István utca 5, 1078 Budapest| Website
Bageri
Bageris is a cute little bakery and coffee shop in Budapest, specialising in homemade sourdough and rye bread.
I grabbed a baguette from here, which was so good (as was the flat white). They also had a few vegan sweet options.
There was lots of seating inside, and it’s a great meeting place for a catch-up with a friend.
Address: Ráday u. 9, 1092 Budapest | Instagram
Kontakt
If you want a simple yet excellent coffee, Kontakt is the answer.
This speciality coffee shop has a small menu, but it focuses on making its quality coffee some of the best in Budapest, and it has certainly achieved that.
The shop is down a small alley, and there is outdoor seating in a beautiful courtyard (or indoor seating for the winter).
Address: Budapest, Károly krt. 22, 1052 Hungary | Instagram
Closed on Sundays.
Vaj
Oh, Vaj, where to begin!
Vaj is a popular coffee shop in Budapest. It also serves up a range of tasty pastries and brunch options.
I had an almond croissant from here, and it was one of the best I’ve ever had. The coffee was excellent too.
It’s the perfect spot for those looking for more substantial food, like breakfast or brunch, while still having a good cup of coffee.
They have three locations around Budapest: Rákóczi, Sas and Buda.
Addresses: Rákóczi – 1085 Budapest, József krt. 30-32.
Sas: 1051 Budapest, Sas u. 2.
Buda: 1025 Budapest, Törökvész út 93/A
Blue Bird Roastery
Blue Bird Roastery is another fantastic cafe in Budapest. They roast their coffee in-house and now have over 14 different types of coffee.
There are several ways to experience the coffee. They have a couple of smaller coffee shops and a larger restaurant, which is a popular brunch spot (I recommend the avocado nachos!).
Check out their locations on the website.
My Little Melbourne Coffee and Brew Bar
Oh, I absolutely loved this coffee place. It’s an absolute must visit for coffee lovers.
As the name suggests, the coffee shop has largely been influenced by the Australian coffee scene, and there’s a focus on healthy living and lifestyle. You’ll find delicious coffee here, including espresso-based drinks and drip coffee.
It’s a cozy spot, and it can sometimes be hard to get a table, but it’s well worth the effort.
Address: Madách Imre út 3, 1075 Hungary | Instagram
Steamhouse
Don’t miss grabbing a coffee at Steamhouse when exploring Pest. With friendly staff, excellent coffee and tasty food on offer, it’s one of the best cafes in Budapest.
The cafe also has excellent views of the river and the Parliament Building.
Address: Batthyány tér 5-6, 1011 Budapest | Instagram
Closed on Sundays.
Madal Coffee
Madal Coffee is one of Budapest’s famous coffee chains, and for good reason. It’s simple, but it’s great.
They have a variety of coffee to choose from and also serve simple pastries and savoury snacks.
The cafes also have dedicated co-working areas with reliable WiFi. It seems to be a popular place for remote workers.
You can see their locations on the website.
Mantra Specialty Coffee Minibar
This simple coffee shop boasts some of the best coffee in Budapest. I’m not sure what made the coffee so good, but they roast all of their own beans which might have something to do with it.
Mantra opened its doors back in 2014 and claims to be one of the first specialty coffee bars in Budapest. They have a range of coffee to try, including filter coffee.
Address: Veres Pálné u. 17, 1053 Budapest | Instagram
Other honourable mentions
Here are a few other cafes and coffee spots worth mentioning. I didn’t get to try all of these, but locals and friends highly recommend them.
The Cat Café (for furry friends)
If you want to enjoy your drink surrounded by cats, the cat cafe is the answer. Close to St Stephen’s Basilica, this cafe is home to several furry friends.
I’m not always a fan of cafes that use animals, but the space inside is huge, and the cats seem genuinely happy and cared for.
It’s free to enter providing you buy a drink, but be prepared to queue. It’s a popular spot.
Address: Budapest, Révay u. 3, 1065 Hungary
Freyja – The Croissant Story
As the name suggests, Freya is a dedicated croissant bakery in Budapest. This popular spot has recently become a TikTok trend, so I have to say I was a little sceptical about how good it really is.
However, the croissants did not disappoint. They were flaky, buttery, and, indeed, some of the best ones I’ve ever had. They served an excellent coffee too.
There are croissants in all shapes, sizes and flavours – both sweet and savoury.
Thanks to its popularity with social media, there can sometimes be long queues. I visited on a weekday morning and was able to get straight in and find a seat.
Address: Szövetség u. 10-12, 1074 Budapest
Cookie Beacon Brunch
Cookie Beacon is a popular breakfast, brunch and lunch spot in Budapest. But what makes it famous is its incredibly delicious cookies. Oh my!!! I have no words.
Another famous TikTok spot, Cookie Beacon serves delicious melt-in-the-middle cookies. They’re expensive but worth every single penny.
The only downside is the queues. You can be in line for over thirty minutes even just for a takeaway cookie. But I promise they’re worth it.
I went at 3pm on a weekday and only had to wait ten minutes. They also had plenty of cookies left, including freshly baked ones.
Address: Hercegprímás u. 15, 1051 Budapest
Cube Coffee Bar
This is another hidden coffee gem in Budapest. I walked past and couldn’t resist trying.
The coffee shop is in the historic sixth district and has a range of specialty coffees to try.
Address: Hunyadi tér 8, 1067, Budapest
Cafe Muse
I didn’t get to try the coffee here, but I did have one of the best hot chocolates of my life.
There are a couple of locations around the city, and it’s the perfect spot for a quick drink to rest and refuel.
Address: Budapest, Petőfi Sándor u. 8, 1052 | Budapest, Sütő u. 2, 1052
New York Cafe
I debated whether or not to include this one, but I feel like no list of the best coffee in Budapest is complete without mentioning the New York Café.
This is one of Budapest’s most famous cafes, and it claims to be the “most beautiful café in the world.”
The cafe and the building have a long history, and it’s long been known as one of Budapest’s most beloved coffee houses. However, in recent years, it’s become a bit more of a fancy tourist attraction.
Table reservations can only be made after 6 p.m., which often means long queues outside during the day.
Due to the high prices and long line for a table, I opted to skip here. I’ve heard mixed reviews about how good the food is, but visiting the café is known to be one of the best things to do in Budapest.
Address: Erzsébet krt. 9-11, 1073 Budapest
Kelet Kávézó és Galéria
This is a gorgeous little bookshop with a cafe serving fantastic coffee, good food, and even beer and wine.
If you’re planning to walk to Gellért Hill, be sure to build this spot into your itinerary.
Address: Bartók Béla út 29, 1114 Budapest
Ruszwurm Confectionary
This famous pastry shop claims to be the oldest cafe in Budapest.
It has an extensive sweet treat menu and plenty of coffee to choose from. I didn’t get to try here, but as the oldest cafe in the city, I thought it deserved a place on this list.
Address: Szentháromság u. 7, 1014 Budapest
Flatty Coffee Shop
If you’re a fan of Tiramisu or sweet coffees, don’t miss visiting the Flatty Coffee Shop.
Along with regular coffee, Flatty specialises in unique combinations, including a Tiramisu Latte, S’Mores Latte and a Matcha S’Mores Latte.
It’s opposite the famous Central Market, so it’s a great place to add to your tour of Budapest. I opted to skip this as I prefer to keep my coffee simple, but it seemed popular.
Address: Vámház krt. 8, 1053 Budapest
Thanks for reading this article about where to find the best coffee in Budapest. Do you think I’ve missed somewhere? Feel free to contact me and let me know.
