Although millions of people can follow the events of the World Aquatics Championships through their televisions or the internet, those who traveled to Balatonfüred, or are currently in Budapest can easily see the competitions with their own eyes. Fortunately, some of the best restaurants of Lake Balaton can be found in Balatonfüred, and here we recommend a dozen of them. We’ll also let you know how far they are from Tagore Promenade, the location of the open water competitions.
Besides the spectacular design paired with the sensational serving of the meals, their other main characteristic is a tendency to experiment, so those who love a traditional kitchen shouldn’t really come here; however, those who are open to novelties should definitely stop by. The prices aren’t exactly budget friendly, a main course costs about 3-5,000 forints, and it’s hard not to order a dessert.
Is it far?
As they are located in “upper” Füred, it takes about 5 minutes to get there by car, and 25 minutes on foot.
2/12
Arany Csillag Restaurant and Pizzeria
If you’re having a hard time choosing a spot, pizza is always a good idea, and the ones they make at Arany Csillag are the real, Mediterranean kind with crunchy crust. The chef would recommend the filled pizza rolls, but they have lighter meals as well. You can sit on the terrace when the weather is nice – it has a Mediterranean vibe spiced with Lake Balaton’s atmosphere. Pizzas are priced between 1,300 and 2,000 forints.
Is it far?
It’s about a 10-minute walk away from Vitorlás Square, towards the direction of the railway station.
3/12
Horváth House Restaurant and Wine Gallery
The elegant Horváth House is located in the basement of a Reform-era building (which, by the way, gave home to the first Anne-ball) at the end of the famous Balaha Lujza Street. It’s a classic place, so it’s not cheap (a main courses cost around 3-4,000 forints), but the quality is also above average. With a name like this, it’s easy to guess that we can also come here to taste wines – the entire Balaton region can be found on their wine list. They also have a terrace, which, again, unsurprisingly, is very popular when the weather is good, so (and also because of the large number of regulars) it’s best to make a reservation.
Is it far?
We can get there in 2-3 minutes; we only have to walk through Blaha Lujza Street.
4/12
Morzsa Bistro
Morzsa’s name is actually known all over the country as the founders, the Kaizers, started their business with a food truck and rolled to many festivals during the past years. However, they recently decided to settle down, and they opened a bistro in Balatonfüred that serves quick, affordable meals. Their offers change every day; they have a lunch menu from noon to 3pm – the soup and a main course costs 2,200 forints.
Is it far?
We only have to walk about 2-3 minutes.
5/12
Maurus Restaurant and Wine Bar
Located in the new quarter at Aranyhíd Promenade, Maurus has an especially nice interior, and various great courses from octopus to burgers. The spot is a decent bistro, and although it’s not exactly cheap (a main course is around 3-4 thousand forints), the quality will prove that we pay more for a reason. Although every second restaurants refers to itself as a wine bar these days, Maurus rightfully calls itself as such. Besides the wines of the Balaton region, we can also taste items from New Zealand and South Africa.
Is it far?
15 minutes on foot towards the direction of Kisfaludy Beach
6/12
Nem Kacsa Restaurant
The adventurous team of the above-mentioned Sparhelt decided to try and open a place next to the promenade of the waterfront. The kitchen of the joyful turquoise-colored place is led by Balázs Elek, who manages Sparhelt as well, and just like there, the ingredients are also locally sourced here – for example, they grow their own vegetables. We can enjoy these quality meals at the spacious terrace and fortunately the prices aren’t too crazy, a main course costs around 2-3 thousand forints.
Is it far?
No, two minutes on foot from Tagore Promenade.
7/12
BRKLYN Malackrumpli
The cooperation of BRKLYN, a buzzing party place of Budapest, and Malackrumpli, a place that defines itself as a restaurant of farm food, brought a huge terrace to life in Balatonfüred, where we can enjoy electronic music, and summer, especially the summer nights under the lights of hundreds of lamps. However, eating is in the spotlight during the week and during the day. The Tihany unit of Malackrumpli is for lazy dinners, but this place is about the quality version of the bustling street food genre. Salads are available from 2,000 forints, but the more filling main courses are priced around 3,500 forints.
Is it far?
No, only about 2-3 minutes on foot.
8/12
Matróz
The street kitchen of the cities arrived to Balatonfüred in the shape of Matróz, so those who crave the vibes of a metropolis can sop by here – actually, most of the guests are younger people from Budapest who have a holiday home in the area. Matróz is a place for the evenings, not somewhere to go for lunch – it’s better to end the day here with some wine or a burger while listening to a group of sailors discussing their new record time.
Is it far?
Absolutely not, but we do have to cross the construction area around the new underground garage.
9/12
SpiccBistro
This recently opened restaurant probably has the best location out of all the hospitality units in Balatonfüred as it’s right at the end of the pier. The spot has ties to the owners of Horváth House, and that fact in itself implies a good quality. It’s nice to gaze upon Lake Balaton from here, but their bistro-style kitchen is also quite good, especially the spare ribs marinated in honey that they serve with two dips. The manager often experiments with cocktails, so feel free to ask about the latest creation.
Is it far?
No, we only have to walk to the end of the pier.
10/12
Első Füredi Sörház Gastropub
This downtown gastropub at Gyógy Square is a completely new competitor in the Balatonfüred scene – they serve craft beers (including their own brew), and the menu is shaped by the drinks. We can eat classic Hungarian meals (including stews), but they also like to experiment, so we can bump into sturgeon or butternut squash, fennel, and beef necks on the menu. Main courses are priced between 2-4 thousand forints, while the beers cost about 800-1,000 forints.
Is it far?
No, 2 minutes on foot at most.
11/12
Baricska Csárda
Baricska is the modern version of an inn where the traditional cuisine meets modern technology and great ingredients. That's why the traditional beef goulash and smoked brisket with sausage paste and buttered egg barley can get on well here. Main courses typically cost about 3-4 thousand forints.
Is it far?
Yes, we have to climb up to Baricsa-dűlő. It takes about 20 minutes on foot.
12/12
Kredenc Wine Bistro
The odd one out of this list is Kredenc, as it’s not really a restaurant but more like a wine bar, however, we do like their meals that go well with the wines, like the curry pulled pork sandwich. We can also get some jazz or acid jazz on the weekends to top the good vibes, but you never know, you might see a spontaneous jam-session taking shape as well. The musical line is because András Dobai, the owner, has a history with music. This is the perfect place to end the day, and we can even have a room here if we’re too tired to leave.
Is it far?
No, 3 minutes on foot.
The article was sponsored by Bp2017 Nonprofit Kft.
Translated by Emma Póli
