Best Dining Bets in Budapest

Best for a Romantic Dinner: At Hemingway, XI. Kosztolányi D. tér 2. 1 (tel. 1/381-0522), you can dine on the terrace overlooking the lake or in the relaxing Cuban-feeling dining room that would make Ernest feel at home. Excellent service is the order every day, all the while being serenaded by live music at night.

Best Decor: The legends of the benevolent King Mátyás are painted as murals on the walls with stained glass decorating the windows at Mátyás Pince, V. Március 15 tér 7-8 (tel. 1/266-8008).

Best Wine List: At Dío, V. Sas u. 4 (tel. 1/328-0360), excellent service with outstanding food can be accompanied by wines with the aid of the sommelier.

Best Beer List: You will have difficulty choosing from a multitude of draft beers or 50 bottled beers at Mosselen Belgian Beer Café at XIII. Pannónia u. 14 (tel. 1/452-0535). The food is also excellent making it a double treat.

Best Wild Game: At Paprika Vendéglo, VII. Dozsa Gyorgy 72, 4 1/2 blocks from Heroes Square (tel. 06/70-574-6508) mobile), you can relish the savory dishes of wild boar or venison. There are many other choices for the less adventurous.

Best Traditional Coffeehouse: Centrál Kávéház, V. Károly Mihály u. 9 (tel. 1/266-2110), is the closest to the classic coffeehouse of the city's past traditions. Even today, it is the meeting place for intellectuals, tourists, families, and more. This is a Budapest must-see.

Best Nontraditional Coffeehouse: For coffee or hot chocolate, Aztek Choxolat Café, at V. Károly körút 22 or Semmelweiss u. 19. (tel. 1/266-7113), has a tremendous selection of both.

Best Pastries: Our favorite pastry shop is the Muvész Kávéház, VI. Andrássy út 29 (tel. 1/352-1337). It has many traditional desserts such as somlói galuska, considered a national dessert, plus pastries, and an ice-cream bar.