Based on the freshest edition of Forbes, we also made our pick of the best of the Balaton. Feast on our selection of Balaton-based gastro spots where the trendy design is accompanied by trendy and delicious dishes!
The latest edition of Forbes also scooped some of the cream of Lake Balaton. Not unexpectedly, their selection is dominated by Balatonfüred, where several spots have already overtaken the Budapest standards. From here, readers are guided to the picturesque northwestern scenery, where wineries and fine dining restaurants both appear on the must-see (or rather must-eat) list. The magazine also proves that the south shore also offers excellent wines, food and a cool but professional host, who ditched the snubbery to entertain you in an informal, friendly atmosphere arm-inarm with the competitors, only a few minutes from high road M7. Here is our pick of Forbes' pick, for the rest head to a newsstand!
1/6
Sparhelt Bistro
Balatonfüred must not be ashamed for the number of its trendy spots of gastronomy, so what is it that makes Sparhelt (by the Town Hall) stand out? For example, the fact that as classical bistros go, here the menu is compiled afresh, of ingredients just brought in from the marketplace.The dishes advertised on the blackboard are not overcomplicared, you can choose from a row of 3 or 4 antipasti, main courses and desserts. The furniture is simple but stylish, and the shelves hold various gastro nomy related books and fancy vials and packages that contain delicacies for sale.
2/6
Kredenc Wine Bistro
Kredenc. Wine bistro. Or pub, as the owner, András Dobai the former MC of Brains sometimes refer to this haven situated in the cobblestoned historic centre of Balatonfüred. Why do we love the place? Because of the daily changing tapas and bistro food offers (which means that it is deifinitely fresh), the wide range of Balatonside wines that you can even take home at a wine shop price, the best of pálinkas, jams and syrups, and the lavender cider. In the mean time, music plays in the background - jazz, acid jazz or world music; live or from vynil. The air is - as Dobai puts it - sub-Mediterranean, and we'd rather not question him, just engage in a pleasant conversation that comes without any further ado.
3/6
Tihany PIAC Marketplace
The Tihany PIAC Marketplace next to the Tihany ferry might have popped out of a fairytale. The place, however, is real and viable, a social spot with all the charms of countryside marketplaces.In the shade of the huge trees, you can sip lavender and sandthorn syrup made of locally grown ingredients, and chat with farmers or locals while browsing the selection of handmade cheeses, sausages, patés and cakes. On top of these come the various performances, concerts and programmes. Should you - for any reason - grow weary of the marketplace feel or the crowd of tourists, you can stroll over to the teahouse deep in Sajkod's woods to cool down and have a bite.
4/6
Bock Bistro Balaton
Nowadays, gourmets have a safe haven even in the northwestern corner of Lake Balaton, because the Bock Bistro chain of winemaker József Bock and head chef Lajos Bíró was expanded by a new branch in Vonyarcvashegy this February. The restaurant in the former Festetics taverna offers the traditionally meaty range of Bock Bistros and dishes prepared from fresh, local ingredients. In the heat of the summer, local fish creations might be alluring alternatives to the Bock speciality beef cheeks - which you can also enjoy in Budapest.
5/6
Kislaki Wine Manufacture
There is life on the south shore beyond enjoying high life in Kistücsök. We love that there is an abundance of winemakers, and great winemakers at that, who might be less hyped than their north shore competitors. Géza Légli, who did not want to be a winemaker in the first place, is one of them. Szőlőskislak, only a light ride away from Balatonboglár, is the base where Géza Légli prepares his hands-on wines under the Kislaki trade sign. At the end of the village you'll find the Kislaki Wine Garden, where you will be received without the unnecessary formalities by your funny host.
