Many people think that Balaton is an attractive destination in the fall as well: you don’t have to fight for towel space at the beach anymore, and there’s no need to wait half a day to get your order at a restaurant. The bustling crowd is gone, and you can walk peacefully along the shore all the way to a cozy eatery to grab some tasty lunch. We put together this roundup to give you a few ideas on where to go for a delectable meal after the summer season.
1/10
Söptei Winery, Csopak
Opening times: Tue-Sun 11am-11pm through September 30, Thu-Sun 12pm-9pm in pre- and postseason
Söptei Winery in Csopak is not only known for its fruity wines, but also for its restaurant that offers a delightful atmosphere and dishes made from seasonal ingredients. In chillier weather, you may have to retreat from the panorama terrace to a smaller room inside, but fear not because you won’t have to do without the usual, exquisite flavors.
2/10
Karolina Fűszerkertje, Tihany
Opening times: Mon-Sun 10am-9pm
The view from the terrace is perhaps the most appealing feature of Karolina Fűszerkertje, the restaurant at Tihany’s Echo Residence, but the continually changing, seasonal menu makes a visit well worth your while too. The exciting gastronomical rendezvous you can see on your plate include smoked goose breast paired with prunes dipped in white chocolate.
3/10
Kistücsök, Balatonszemes
Opening times: Mon-Sun 11am-11pm
The deservedly renowned gourmet restaurant of the south shore is one of those establishments that believe in staying open all year long. The eatery entices guests with regional flavors and fresh, seasonal gastro creations. Don’t be surprised: even their simplest dishes are prepared with an extra twist.
4/10
Baricska Csárda, Balatonfüred
Opening times: Thur-Sun 12pm-10pm
One of Balatonfüred’s new wave establishments, this csárda is a favorite of ours because of the creative ideas it injects into its traditional, Hungarian-style cuisine. For example, the lecsó is spiced up with Mediterranean seasoning, and their fresh, homemade bread and light meat dishes made us swoon with delight on more than one occasion over the summer.
5/10
MÁRGA Bistro, Csopak
Opening times: Mon-Sun 12pm-11pm through the end of September, Sun-Mon 12pm-10pm between October 1 and December 31
One the biggest hits this year opened at the venue that was once occupied by Szent Donát. On cooler days, patrons can marvel at the truly awe-inspiring panorama from behind a glass wall. The restaurant offers refined bistro cuisine, with such specialties featured on the menu as catfish fillet with dill, curd cheese dumplings, and fennel with orange.
6/10
Vígmolnár Csárda, Csopak
Opening times: Mon-Sun 12pm-10pm
If you haven’t seen a reinterpreted Balaton csárda, you should really drop by Vígmolnár for lunch. The interior is very csárda-like, but very modern at the same time, with a tiled stove and plain, Scandinavian-style tables and chairs standing side by side in perfect harmony. Their csárda menu is massive, but you can rest assured that all of their dishes are first-class.
7/10
Mala Garden, Siófok
Opening times: Mon-Sun 11am-10.30pm
Thai noodles are fried all year long at this Buddha statue-adorned hotel-restaurant, but you can also bump into Mexican, or even Hungarian dishes on the menu. A great bonus feature: since Mala Garden is a waterfront establishment, in winter guests can settle down in a comfortable and toasty room to feast their eyes on the view of the frozen lake through the giant windows.
8/10
Vitorlás Restaurant, Balatonfüred
Opening times: Mon-Sun 9am-10pm
Vitorlás could proudly boast the title of oldest and most venerable restaurant in Balatonfüred, as it is housed in the building of the first Balaton sailing club in the center of the Füred corso. Apart from traditional dishes of Hungarian cuisine, the menu includes pizzas and other classic Italian delicacies. On the first floor, you can find Vitorlázeum, the interactive exhibition showcasing the history of Balaton sailing, opened earlier this year.
9/10
Bock Bistro Balaton
Opening times: Mon-Sun 11.30am-10pm
Hallmarked by the name of star chef Lajos Bíró, the Bock restaurant chain added a new unit at Vonyarcvashegy’s Helikon Taverna in February 2014. Not only the full Bock wines and Bock specialties, but also the flavors of the Zala region are represented on the menu.
10/10
Piroska Csárda, Siófok
Opening times: Mon-Sun 12pm-8pm
If you love thick csárda menus and traditional Hungarian flavors, you’ll not be disappointed by what Piroska Csárda has to offer. The classic csárda direction is set by multiple award-winning master chef László Nótár.
