There are a handful of excellent restaurants and hotels in the Villány wine region; be sure to book ahead if you're visiting during the peak (summer-fall) season.
Sauska 48 (location; [email protected]; +36 30 220 1339): Located within the sleek limestone-clad building of Sauska winery, this is the swankiest restaurant in the wine region. The eye-catching fusion dishes include everything from Asian-accented goulash to mangalitsa pho, while the deep wine list features selections from both the Villány and Tokaj wineries of Sauska. Weather permitting, try booking a table to the outdoor terrace, overlooking the gently undulating vineyards. Mains are €10-15.
Tenkes csárda (location; [email protected]; +36 72 424 057): Head over to Tenkes csárda if you’re after old-school, traditional Hungarian dishes. You’ll find here the whole range of classics, of which I can safely recommend the veal paprikash, the cigánypecsenye, and the palacsinta. If you’d try the flavors of nearby Serbia, go for the cevapi platter. Beware, portions are big. With mains in the €10-13 range, Tenkes isn’t cheap, but it’s very good and with outstanding service.
Gere Mandula Restaurant & Crocus Hotel (location; [email protected]; +36 72 492 952): The location of the 34-room, four-star Crocus hotel in the heart of Villány is hard to beat. A jacuzzi, a sauna, and a scenic backyard provide added comfort. Its restaurant, Mandula, which is open to outside guests, has a menu of tasty Hungarian classics — think Újházi chicken soup and paprikash — and seasonal offerings like a chilled sour cherry soup. Mains are €13-20 and there’s a six-course tasting menu for €60 including wine pairing.
Tiffán’s (location; [email protected]; +36 72 592 000): This small, pet-friendly hotel right in Villány belongs to Tiffán, one of the grand old winemaking families of the region. The breakfast is generous, rooms are tidy, well AC-d, and reasonably priced. Don’t miss the peaceful trellised terrace hiding in the back and overlooking the vineyards.
Hotel Castello (location; [email protected]; +36 72 579 128): The 44-room Castello by the foot of the Siklós castle is the largest hotel of the wine region. The highlight of this kid-friendly, four-star hotel is the full-sized outdoor pool and the modern indoor thermal baths (they’re open also to the public). The place is open year-round with a full-service staff.