Menza Restaurant

Few locals would dispute the claim that during the past two decades, Menza has been one of Budapest's most reliably excellent restaurants. This perennially buzzing establishment along Liszt Ferenc tér in District 6 churns out traditional Hungarian dishes with a level of consistency that would make any Hungarian grandmother blush. As the night progresses, the music gets louder, the dining room dimmer, the vibes cooler.

I usually start with the meat broth soup (húsleves), followed by the tender pork schnitzel, or the hearty veal paprikash with egg dumplings. Menza's desserts are famously good, such as the poppy seeds-blanketed mákos guba, the somlói galuska, and the Kaiserschmarrn, the latter a Habsburg-era shredded pancake topped with apricot jam. Mains are €12-18. The service staff is among the best in Budapest – informed, kind, and efficient. Reservations are an absolute must.