For my initial trip planning to Budapest, I secured an Airbnb with a kitchen just in case finding places to eat without gluten would be difficult. I wasn`t entirely certain how many restaurants in Budapest would have gluten free alternatives on their menus.
This guide to eating gluten free in Budapest was recently updated in October 2020, when I investigated and added several new 100% gluten free restaurants in Budapest.
When exploring the options for those suffering from Celiac Disease in Budapest, I was pleasantly surprised to find there were many gluten free restaurants in the city catering to individuals with such conditions.
And now? Since my last visit to one of my favorite cities in the world back in 2018, there are at least ten dedicated Budapest gluten free restaurants. That’s more than San Francisco! And most of them are actually bakeries, which means you get to safely enjoy Hungarian pastries, which play a big part of life based on my Hungarian great-grandmother’s baking talents.
Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe thanks to the Danube, has phenomenal wine that is ~$3 a glass, AND has a thriving gluten free dining scene?
I know what you’re thinking: SIGN. ME. UP.
Planning a trip to Budapest? Be sure to review these other posts which provide helpful information for crafting the perfect visit.
A Ideal 4 Day Itinerary for Budapest
20 Photographs of Budapest That Will Compel You to Reserve Your Trip Right Away
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Gluten Free Budapest: The Complete Travel Guide for Celiacs
I want you to be able to confidently and safely travel to Budapest with Celiac Disease and have unforgettable an experience.
Here is a gluten free restaurant card in Hungarian to print out and take with you to Budapest to overcome the language barrier. Gluten free in Hungarian is “Gluténmentes,” but good luck pronouncing that.
For those seeking supermarkets with gluten-free selections, I came across two options: SPAR and DM (Drogerie Markt). Both carried a decent assortment of Schar products like breads, crackers and cookies, as well as other gluten-free items. Numerous products were labeled “gluténmentes”, meaning gluten-free, such as hummus and sliced meats. This makes assembling packed lunches for picnic easy, like homemade breakfast sandwiches before setting out each day.
Here’s the Google Map that I had organized for this journey, detailed with points of interest, sights to photograph, and most significantly, gluten free Hungarian restaurants that are safe for people with celiac disease.
The Best Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurants in Budapest
Here are the top dedicated gluten free dining choices in Budapest, in no specific order.
Drop – My Top Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurant in Budapest
There is nowhere better for a celiac than an eating establishment that does not allow gluten on the premises. Eating outside as someone with celiac disease can be (read: usually is) stressful. Then there are places like Drop.
Choosing dedicated gluten free restaurants takes the stress out of dining out.
When I originally researched “gluten free Budapest” online, this was the primary result on every list I viewed. I was eager to check it out, genuinely not anticipating finding any dedicated gluten free restaurants in Budapest.
We sat at an outdoor table for a midday meal at around 1pm on a sunny day and were pleasantly greeted by a smiling server. She reassured me that their full menu was gluten-free, and that gluten was strictly prohibited in the restaurant.
Ecstatic, I pore over the menu trying to decide what to order. So many choices! We settled on sharing the grilled cheese salad to start, and ended up getting the BBQ burger and the risotto for our main courses.
The food quality was excellent, though prices ran somewhat higher than at other eateries visited. However, the peace of mind made it worth the extra cost in my opinion.
Cöli Bisztró: Dedicated Gluten Free Budapest Restaurant
I didn’t really know what to expect when I headed to Cöli Bisztró. The restaurant was unfamiliar to me, so I was curious to learn more about it upon my arrival.
A wide variety of gluten free foods can be found – from gluten free pizza and pastries to sandwiches and more.
All 100% gluten free.
Oh, and they have a decent selection of gluten free packaged goods in a small section of their shop that is basically a small gluten free grocery store.
Certainly worth a stop while in Budapest. Particularly suitable for a quick lunch between sightseeing.
Don’t miss the cakes and the pizzas.
Maja Gluten Free Bistro: My Biggest Regret in Budapest
To be entirely clear, I didn’t ultimately make it here. But I should have.
We were tired, sitting at a wine lounge and sipping some excellent Hungarian wine, and reasoned “eh – it’s too far off, somewhat out of the way, I really don’t want it that badly.” And just like that, I made an error that I would regret for literally years. Here I am in 2020 looking at pictures of their meals, wishing I had simply gone.
We reached the top but it was… entirely obscured by fog. Even though it was sunny just minutes earlier.
The menu transforms daily, yet consistently guarantees 100% gluten free and lactose free fare! Current offerings can be viewed weekly via their Facebook page. Typifying a soup, a few primary dishes, and a dessert. Overall, expect to spend around $12 USD for a completely gluten free three course meal.
I mentioned that I made a mistake by passing up this location? Don’t repeat the same error. It’s on the Buda side of the waterway about 20 minutes south of the Grand Market Hall (and across the river).
For an ideal day in Budapest, start your morning at Tamp and Pull coffee shop, then explore the Great Market Hall to browse for fresh produce. Next, hike up to Citadella for breathtaking city views. Soothe sore muscles at the Gellert Baths, renowned for architectural splendor. Dine at Maja Bistro and cap your visit strolling along the Danube with a glass of Hungarian wine, guaranteeing an experience to remember.
Kata: Another Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurant in Budapest
Growing tired of examining devoted gluten free selections in Budapest yet? Too unfavorable. We’re barely half approach through. Kata is another 100% gluten and lactose free diner in Budapest that I don’t believe was there on my last trip.
Its location happens to be right next to Drop, meaning it’s in a superbly central area in Budapest.
Similar to Drop, it has a higher cost compared to many other options on this list. However, it is worth considering. The frequently changing menu is generally available (in Hungarian) on their Facebook page.
Great Bistro: 100% Gluten Free and Vegan Food in Central Budapest
Great Bistro (noticeably not titled “humble bistro”) is another newly found place that I came across as I was revising this guide in 2020.
In 2018, I possibly would have skipped this spot because “vegan food is gross.” However, today, in 2020, I’m all about the gluten free & plant-based cuisine. Fried cauliflower wings are my favored, and have entirely eliminated the necessity for chicken wings in my life.
Anyway, what was I talking about?
Oh. Right. Great Bistro.
Gluten free. Vegan. And at the top of my list for my next exploration into the gluten free dining scene of Budapest. You’ll find soup, salad, sandwiches, and even buckwheat pancakes (unexpected, but welcomed).
Manioka Gluténmentes Pékség: A 100% Gluten Free Budapest Bakery
If you wish to sample traditional Hungarian baked goods commonly found throughout Budapest, visit Manioka.
You’ll find gluten-free items like strudel, cakes, and other Hungarian baked goods here. It`s best to get there early, as I had to return the next day since they ran out of stock before I arrived!
No visit would be complete without sampling the pastries – most memorably an apple strudel I indulged in during September that was EXEMPLARY.
I really enjoyed Manioka, and you should definitely make an effort to include it on your gluten free itinerary for Budapest.
The Best Gluten Free Bakery in Budapest: Free! Gluten Free Bakery
The website Free! is a must visit location on any Celiac’s trip to Budapest. It has the best gluten free bakery in Budapest based on my experience trying a few options there since most did not exist during my previous visit.
We stopped by twice, and would have come back for more if we had more available time.
Located in the Jewish quarter, they have a wide assortment of baked goods from rolls, to cinnamon rolls, to cookies, to brownies, to pizza.
On our first day, we stopped in for lunch and picked up some pizza. I had a slice of sour cream, cheese and potato pizza and it was outstanding.
The next morning, I insisted on another visit, sampling cinnamon rolls and an egg-filled baked good. Equally delicious.
5 More Gluten Free Bakeries, and Cafes in Budapest
Here are four additional 100% gluten free bakeries and cafes in Budapest well worth a visit.
NoGlu: Another 100% gluten free bakery and cafe. Located ~15 minutes north of the castle on the Buda side. And no, it’s not identical to the Noglu in Paris and NYC.
Sugar Free Monkey: A bakery in core Budapest without gluten, lactose, or sugar. Cakes, coffee, and ice cream? What more could you want? You’ll also find things like sandwiches and paninis (are those distinct?) which makes it a great stop for a swift lunch along the bustling Raday Street.
Tibidabo Gluten Free Bakery: Wide variety of 100% gluten free baked goods. Great for breakfast or lunch with made to order sandwiches and a nice selection of gluten free pastries. Grab some for now, and later! Also have a nice selection of gluten free groceries.
Naspolya Nassolda: Health conscious and gluten, milk, egg and added sugar free bakery in the core of central Budapest. Come for the desserts – they’re the star of the show!
Táplálékallergia Centrum és Webáruház: Good fortune pronouncing this one. The highlight here is the breads. It’s a little further than expected – about 30 minutes north of St. Stephen’s Basilica – but it’s worth a stop if you find yourself at the Nyugati train station. From there, it’s only 20 minutes
Other Gluten Free Budapest Restaurants
A few more options in Budapest where gluten free diners can eat exist, though confirmation is advised given kitchen practices can change. These locations are not dedicated gluten free so double checking is prudent regarding cross-contamination when visiting.
Gluten Free Tapas at Pata Negra in Budapest
This place was so good, we ate there twice.
Though not entirely dedicated to gluten free fare, the menu outlines which dishes omit gluten. I spoke with the chef who assured me they would separately handle our orders to completely avoid gluten.
They have two locations, one on the Pest side of the river and one on the Buda side, and we visited the Pest location both times.
Pata Negra Pest has a nicely decorated interior and a great outdoor patio for those warm Budapest nights. They have a Spanish-focused wine menu to compliment the extensive tapas menu, and excellent Sangria.
Two memorable dishes from our meals at Pata Negra were setas a la crema (mushrooms, garlic, pepperoni in cream), and pollo al ajillio (garlic chicken with pepperoni). We also enjoyed duck breast served with apples and balsamic vinegar.
I would highly recommend Pata Negra as part of your trip, considering it the finest gluten free restaurant in Budapest I visited.
Fine Dining at Budapest Restaurant Bistro Fine
First, the positives.
They brought out gluten free bread and butter when I told them of my dietary restrictions, and they were extremely helpful in advising me on what I could and couldn`t eat, including warnings about items prepared in shared cooking equipment.
Also, the gluten free goulash was phenomenal.
Now for the negatives.
Everything else we ordered was strictly okay.
While I felt completely at ease dining at Bistro Fine, other locations likely offer tastier gluten free menu options.
Where to Stay in Budapest
To be near to everything, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the bridges, and the Great Market Hall, you should stay on the Pest side of Budapest (East of the Danube).
I would recommend lodging in an Airbnb while you’re in Budapest. They are affordable, readily available, and extraordinary. You can frequently locate suitable options throughout Central Budapest for under $50 per night.
3 Excellent Airbnbs in Budapest:
A cozy downtown loft located above a secret garden
Bright and Imaginative Flat With an Adorable Hidden Balcony
Designer dream home located at St. Stephen Basilica
Five Awesome Budapest Coffee Shops To Visit
I have a strong affinity for coffee. I enjoy exploring coffee on my own at home, testing new beans and brewing techniques, and seeking out the top coffee establishments in any city I travel to. Budapest was no exception, though I was uncertain what Budapestian coffee shops would resemble. Would it be more Starbucks? More Sightglass? More Blue Bottle?
I’m not an expert coffee drinker by any means, but I do consume a lot of coffee. More of a hobbyist by necessity.
In some European cities, the coffee options are generally satisfactory but unremarkable. Coffee is readily available anywhere but remains decent without distinction. However, in Budapest I was surprised to discover a flourishing specialty coffee scene complete with pour over and single origin espresso served in a minimalist setting reminiscent of hipster havens found stateside.
Getting a quality cappuccino for such a low price was truly enjoyable. AND THE COFFEE WAS EXCELLENT.
I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of specialty Budapest coffee shops visited on my most recent trip, and wanted to share the five establishments stopped at.
My Little Melbourne
This location took me down memory lane, from Budapest to the most renowned coffee city in the world, Melbourne, Australia.
It is a small shop just off the main road in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter. I quickly learned that the Hungarian owners also love the coffee scene in Melbourne. So much so that it inspired them to open their own shop in Budapest, taking inspiration from their experiences in Australia’s top coffee city.
I entered with the wafting scent of coffee and freshly baked goods filling my senses. They had an intriguing system for the non-gluten friendly baked items (definitely not suitable for a gluten free diet) that I had seldom witnessed before, where customers would pay initially, then collect their own croissant (or other baked selection) from a large container beside the register. It was somewhat refreshing to do it this way, rather than the typical glass case filled with gluten.
In any case, as soon as I saw the La Marzocco machine on the back wall, I knew I was in the right establishment. They only serve espresso-based beverages at the (tiny) original location, but they have a Brew bar next door with cold brew and pour over coffee.
They also have a couple other locations around the city and seem to be establishing quite the specialty coffee empire in Budapest.
Tamp & Pull
This locale was another small establishment, and I mean that in the most positive way possible.
They could have called it “Hipster’s Paradise” and I would have entered and said to myself “yup checks out.”
It’s a few blocks south of the Great Market Hall, and it’s well worth a visit. I was extremely pleased to see some single origin espresso options, as well as filter coffee, on the menu.
I got a double espresso, made with single origin beans from Rwanda. The coffee was a bit more acidic than I`m used to, but it was well prepared.
The staff was welcoming, and it was rather clear that they take their coffee production seriously.
The only factor to keep in mind is that cash is the only accepted payment method, and the space is truly compact. They would struggle to seat more than 6-8 people inside at once. The good news is you’re maybe two blocks away from the Danube promenade, so if it’s busy, grab it to go and enjoy the scenic views!
Additionally, one of their baristas has achieved success winning several Hungarian Barista championships in succession, signaling a high level of coffee expertise.
Budapest Baristas
This cafe provided the finest cappuccino I had in Budapest. Smooth texture. Rich creaminess. Perfect foam consistency. The full works.
Upon entering, I was reminded of other specialized coffee establishments around the globe – wood panels, white walls, minimal decorations, etc.
The downside? The service was outright cold. And not just for me, who clearly is a non-Hungarian speaking tourist, but also for people who seemed to be locals.
That being said, a good cup of coffee usually makes up for a few moments of unsatisfactory assistance, so I would happily suggest them for specialty coffee in Budapest. All is well that ends well.
They also had chai on the menu, so Alysha enjoyed a chai tea latte that was actually really good!
Espresso Embassy
Firstly, this place was extremely busy when we visited. Not surprisingly considering its central location near several main tourist attractions.
The crowds did not deter the baristas diligently working behind the counter, efficiently preparing drinks centered around espresso alongside alternative brewing styles. They offered single-origin beans as well.
I ordered a flat white, and while I waited I admired the space. What do you know, light wooden panels! They combined the white walls with exposed brick though, which was a refreshing difference.
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Despite being extremely busy, the staff were all friendly. I inquired about the beans they were using, and the person behind the counter replied to my question with a smile and didn`t miss a beat on the drink she was preparing. Color me impressed..
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Well worth a stop if you’re near St. Stephen’s Basilica and in need of some fantastic coffee.
Madal Café
Before my trip, I plotted Budapest Coffee Shops on my Google Map of gluten free Budapest.This location was not on it originally, but has since been added.
On our last day in Budapest, it was sunny and warm without a single cloud in the sky. Perfect outdoor drinking climate. The only issue was that it was before 10am.
Let me set the scene.
We strolled through Ferenciek tere on our return to the Airbnb from an early investigation of Buda. I`d only sipped a Nespresso before our departure in the morning hours. I could mentally hear myself requesting another serving of coffee.
Then:
“Wait, what is that on the right? A pleasant outdoor area. Happy people contentedly sipping espresso outside. That sure looks like a nice place.”
So we stopped, and I’m glad we did.
Not only did the barista NOT laugh at me when I struggled through my order in Hungarian, they were all extremely welcoming and pleasant, which is not necessarily something I found everywhere in Budapest. The coffee was great (not as good as Budapest Baristas, but extremely solid). Reliable coffee and a welcoming patio (also pretty spacious inside) combined with the welcoming service makes this my preferred place to enjoy a coffee on a sunny day in Budapest.
In keeping with customary interior designs, envision light-colored walls, wood-paneled accents and a La Marzocco espresso machine taking center stage. Familiar features throughout.
