Centrál Grand Cafe & Bar — Restaurant in Budapest

Centrál Kávéház in Budapest offers a truly magnificent setting, with its warm and opulent décor creating a cosy atmosphere, especially enhanced by the smooth jazzy music on a chilly September day in 2024. The menu is extensive, though it's a shame that many Hungarian classics have made way for oddities like shakshuka, which seems totally out of place given the grand surroundings.

Anyway, the soups, such as the gulyás and chicken soup, are absolutely delicious. The paprika chicken is elegantly served and utterly delightful, paired with a refreshing cucumber salad with tejföl. The selection of pastries is a true tribute to this traditional kávéház — Dobos torta and Eszterházy torta are the stars of the dessert counter and can be enjoyed as a tasting trio (together with a small pie that I could not properly identify), while the somlói galuska served in a glass is simply divine.

The wine list and coffee specialities are impressive, and for those feeling adventurous, there's a variety of creative cocktails to choose from. While the service can be a bit hesitant at times, it's always attentive and of a high standard. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a taste of classic Budapest in a...

Everything was good until the bill came… I really liked our server, he was attentive, the food came super fast, and when he went to pour my partner’s nitro coffee he asked if I wanted to take a video as he did which I was thought was really nice. Obviously they’re used to tourists and it was nice of him to let me know ahead of time. The food was ok, i got the eggs benny croissant and it was kind of cold. My coffee wasn’t very flavourful, kind of just tasted like milk even though i got the iced mocha. This was our very first stop after arriving in Budapest so when the bill came I noticed an additional charge on the bill and asked what it was. He ignored me and kind of acted like he didn’t understand English even though the entire time we were there he spoke fluently. After not getting anywhere with the question, I tipped and left. I did some research and realized it was a service fee mandatory in Budapest to compensate servers, and saw that it must be pointed out to you by staff upon paying the bill and be on the menu. Honestly if he’d just answered my question I would have tipped additionally anyways because I liked his service but I felt kind of scammed...

A Magical Experience at Central Grand Café, Budapest

My visit to Central Grand Café was nothing short of extraordinary—a perfect blend of culinary delight and heartfelt moments. From the moment we walked in, the timeless elegance of the café captured my attention, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.

We started with the avocado toast and the eggs benedict served over pancakes—a creative twist that exceeded all expectations. Each bite was a testament to the chef’s artistry, perfectly balancing flavor and presentation.

As if the incredible food wasn’t enough, a live music performance began, adding an enchanting ambiance to the evening. To my absolute delight, the violist played Frank Sinatra just for me. In that moment, my heart melted with pure joy and happiness. The melody wrapped around me like a warm embrace, creating a memory I will cherish forever.

Central Grand Café is more than a place to dine; it is a place to experience magic. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone visiting Budapest. You will leave with a full heart and a deep appreciation for the beauty of life’s...