Portobello Coffee, Brunch & Wine — Restaurant in Budapest

One of the most disappointing experiences I’ve had in a café.

I arrived at this place with my folding bike, which I had neatly folded up before entering. As someone living in Budapest, I’m used to the fact that folding bikes are treated like hand luggage—they’re allowed on public transport, in restaurants, and other public spaces. I’ve never had an issue bringing it inside, especially when it’s clean and compact.

Upon entering, the owner immediately insisted I leave my folded bike outside, even though it was smaller than a suitcase you’d bring on a plane. I calmly tried to explain that it’s not a big or dirty item, and that I don’t have a lock—so leaving it outside wasn’t an option. I was polite, and open to conversation, but the reaction I received was strangely aggressive and uncomfortable.

What surprised me most wasn’t the policy itself (which I could have understood if it was communicated respectfully), but the tone and attitude—there was no respect or willingness to talk like humans. A woman, possibly also staff, joined in with the same strange hostility. It was as if I’d deeply offended them just by showing up.

After reading other reviews, I realize I’m not the only one who felt a strange sense of entitlement and unfriendliness coming from the staff. I don’t usually leave negative reviews—I try to be a considerate guest everywhere I go—but this was honestly one of the worst customer experiences I’ve had, not for the policy, but for the complete lack of respect in how it was handled.

If you’re someone who values mutual respect, kindness, and understanding, you might want to think twice before...

It was our favorite place, amazing food and coffee. I recommended the place to everyone, I even wrote a recommendation post about them on my page and despite of this, yesterday we had the worst experience ever! We booked a table for 6 persons, we wanted to have breakfast and coffee. We have a small dog, an italian greyhound who is with us all the time, the owner told us, that it is not a dog friendly place, they serve people not dogs…she was very rude, no words really!!…we decided to leave, then she got really mad, and was surprised that we wanted to leave. I don’t know what she thought, that my husband stays out with the dog, and we stay inside without them??!! She started to “instruct” us very very rudly, that we shouldn’t reserve a table without asking about dogs…but honestly, in Budapest I go to cafes everyday, where they serve breakfast, and I have never thought in such a forward looking place, that we will have a problem about this.

Our major disappointment is how she talked with us, not that she didn’t let us in with the dog!!! Her main problem was that we reserved the table and didn’t consume…she said that she needed to send away 4 groups because she kept the table for us…(the place opens at 9.30, and our table was reserved at 10.00!!! In half an our came 4 groups…(?!) I think if this place is so crowded, than it is not a disaster that we left…

Conclusion: it can be the best coffee and breakfast in the world, if the owner is soo rude, haughty, never smiling, never lovely, than this place will never have soul and it will have a...

A true gem in the heart of Hungary!

Portobello Coffee Brunch and Wine is hands down one of the best places I’ve visited for breakfast and all-day brunch in Hungary. From the moment we walked in, the clean and cozy interior set the tone. Our group of five was seated at the large communal table in the middle of the café, which instantly sparked conversations with other guests — such a warm and friendly vibe!

We started with some of their delicious pastries as appetizers: the blueberry tart and the lemon muffin were both incredible. You can really taste the care that goes into every detail — they quite literally melt in your mouth.

Every dish was thoughtfully prepared and absolutely delightful. The Turkish eggs were soft, creamy, and elevated by a dollop of homemade sour cream, served with a generous portion of fresh, warm, fluffy sourdough bread — perfect for dipping to the very last bite. The cheese sandwich was another hit, full of flavor and beautifully balanced. And the burrata tomato tartine? A standout! The tomatoes were deep red and clearly locally sourced — a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Don’t leave without trying their tea selection. The oversized cups preserve the aroma and make for a relaxing, flavorful experience.

Whether you’re meeting friends for coffee, looking for a laid-back brunch, or just want to indulge in top-quality food, Portobello hits the mark....