If you love spas, bars and good vegan food, there’s no better city break than Budapest. It’s a wonderfully walkable city and – as a vegan – you’ll be relieved to spot vegan cafes and restaurants all around. Even the ‘normal’ restaurants are somewhat likely to have a vegan dish on the menu. Having just gotten back from my third city break there, I thought it’d be helpful to do a round up. 

Best for Brunch

Flow

If you’re planning for a day out of the hotel and on your laptop, this seems to be the go-to. Whilst I loved the food at this cafe (be sure to order the vegan omelette!) I have it on good authority that it’s one of the best places to spend a day enjoying a coffee and catching up on work or just enjoying a good book. Cosy seats, lots of plugs and a big, bright atmosphere. What’s not to love?

The Garden Studio 

Half vegetarian cafe, half slow fashion shop. It felt like a piece of East London in the streets of Budapest. Granola or pancakes, coffee or prosecco … Honestly, brunch is really what you make of it here! Whilst it’s a veggie cafe, they had tonnes of vegan options on the menu so I didn’t feel left out at all. They also had the odd gluten-free dish labelled too, if that’s of any help. 

Be sure to browse the fashion side of the cafe whilst here – the prices are a bit steep but if you find something you love it’d definitely be worth investing in! 

Best Vegan Restaurants 

Yes It Is Vegan II 

A budget-friendly vegan restaurant that serves traditional Hungarian food like vegan ‘chicken’ paprikash and a ‘pulled pork’ stew. Personally, I really loved their soups. It’s a really cosy restaurant with warm, welcoming staff and two friendly dogs to make friends with. It wouldn’t take you long to feel like a regular at this restaurant so it makes for a great go-to. They also have a wonderful cocktail menu.

Edeni Vegan 

Turn up hungry. Head to the Buda side of Budapest and you’ll find this cosy vegan restaurant. I highly recommend the mixed plate which is massive and full of local delights veganised. It’s a great opportunity to taste a lot of Hungarian food in one sitting. The soup on the side was particularly delicious. I didn’t really realise how much I liked soup until this trip and it’s perfectly warming if you’re out exploring the city in the winter! 

Best for Those Travelling with Meat Eaters 

Tati 

Travelling as a vegan with non-vegans can be tough when it comes to city breaks. Whilst we dine best in vegan restaurants, it can be tough to find a meat-eater willing to commit to vegan food for their trip away. Compromises often need to be made. Here’s a restaurant where everyone will feel like a winner. With a ‘farm to table’ philosophy Tati serves traditional Hungarian food created with seasonality and sustainability in mind. Yes, they serve meat. But they also have a great selection of vegan dishes with options across all three courses. So everyone will eat well, enjoy the local cuisine and remember it fondly as the best meal of their trip. 

On a previous visit I remember Mazel Tov being similarly enjoyable: delicious food for both those that eat meat and those that don’t and a gorgeous space that’d be great for a date.

Take a Look

If you want a better look at any of the restaurants mentioned above, you can find them in my ‘what I eat in a week’ round up on YouTube. Also helpful if you’re looking for things to do!