Although summer is over, some of the best dining destinations around Lake Balaton are still open, even if it's just at weekends. Here are ten of them, all of which offer top-quality Hungarian cuisine.
1/10
Attila Bakos Family Restaurant (Szigliget)
The menu at this popular restaurant features the likes of stuffed cabbage, goulash and other meat-based, hearty dishes. They also have a seasonal offer that changes every week. The service is old-school the owner welcoming each guest with open arms. They are open on Wednesdays and Thursdays (5:30pm-10pm) and from Fridays to Sundays (noon-10pm).
2/10
Csóka Fészek (Balatongyörök)
Csóka Fészek is known for its mangalica dishes and homemade cookies. This recently revamped restaurant uses quality Hungarian ingredients as a base for its menu, which includes spiced-up classics such as lamb paprikash, fried pork chops, and more. Plus Csóka Fészek has one of the best views in the entire country. They are open Mondays, and Thursday to Sundays, from 11:30am to 8pm.
3/10
Farm Inn (Zalacsány)
Hidden among the slopes of Zala County, the kitchen of this inn produces Hungarian and international cuisine of high quality. The menu is seasonal, while the ingredients are mostly from around the region. Although it’s a bit further away from the lake, the hearty dishes are worth the trip. They are open on Fridays (5pm-10pm), Saturdays (noon-10pm) and Sundays (noon-8pm).
4/10
Majthényi Press House (Balatonlelle-Kishegy)
Located right next to the chapel in Kishegy, this venerable building houses a restaurant run by the Konyári family, known for their wines. The selection is mostly traditional, but the quality is outstanding. On top of the usual dishes, they also have lamb and pheasant on the menu, plus a few modern options such as tapioca pudding. They are open from Wednesdays to Sundays, from noon to 8pm.
5/10
Mi a kő – the House of Káli-medence Wine (Köveskál)
The place offers local wines and homely dishes concocted with ingredients from around the Káli Basin. Unfortunately, the terrace isn’t open in the colder months, but it’s just as atmospheric inside: while you’re waiting for your pheasant soup or rosé duck breast, you can admire the owner’s artwork. They are open on weekdays (noon-9pm) and at weekends (10am-9pm).
6/10
Petrányi Cellar and Wine Terrace (Csopak)
Csopak, with its wine terraces and restaurants, is the perfect destination for those seeking a colourful culinary experience. The Petrányi Cellar offers simple, homely but high-quality dishes, with most of the ingredients coming from their own garden. The gorgeous view of their terrace is best when paired with a heart-warming glass of red wine or homemade pálinka. They are open on Thursdays (1pm-9pm), Fridays and Saturdays (noon-9pm), and Sundays (noon-7pm).
7/10
Szőlősi Kocsma (Balatonszőlős)
This revamped pub at Balatonszőlős doubles as a community space in the tiny village. Here you can enjoy meatloaf, chicken thighs, and stuffed peppers with potatoes and parsley, as well as homemade chicken broth, served with local wines. They are open from Thursdays to Saturdays (11:30am-10pm) and on Sundays (11:30am-5pm).
8/10
Vígmolnár Csárda (Csopak)
This inn found its home in a refurbished mill and the owners have since added a modern twist to their traditional dishes. Don’t expect the usual selection of roadside eateries here – instead the menu has such items as the lamb paprikash and sturgeon fillet. They are open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays (noon-9pm), and on Fridays and Saturdays (noon-10pm).
9/10
Vitorlás Restaurant (Balatonlelle)
Although the restaurant looks like any other lakeshore eatery, they offer a quality culinary experience. They are currently introducing more new-wave dishes, but they’re taking it slowly, resulting in a menu on which traditional and modern cuisine, such as duck-liver mousse and quinoa salad, can both be found. They are open every day from 11:30am to 10pm.
10/10
Zománc Bisztrócska (Vászoly)
This authentic eatery offers quality Hungarian bites at a fair price. Food is served in little red pans, increasing the traditional vibe even further. They are open at weekends from noon to 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 7pm on Sundays, until December, before the place goes into hibernation until March.
