Time Out Market Budapest

If you've been to Lisbon, you might be familiar with the concept: a historic market hall transforms into a buzzy food court to showcase a cross-section of local restaurants under the Time Out Market banner (there are currently twelve locations globally). Here in Budapest, the venue is a century-old department store, Corvin, which experienced the full rollercoaster of the past century before recently regaining its striking Neoclassical exterior. Architecture fans, do observe the colossal pilasters.

There options across the fourteen vendors can seem overwhelming: from updated takes on Hungarian food to burgers, seafood, Neapolitan pizza, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, pan-Asian, and Portuguese flavors. It's a fast-casual setting anchored by long benches and high tables at the center of the space. I'm partial to the walnut dumplings (nudli) at Canteen, the pho and the spring rolls at Hai Nam, the cheesecake at Big Fish, and most things at Szaletly. More is left to explore (I do wish that the portions were a bit heartier). Three bars, including a wine bar, are scattered throughout. Note: the place is open every day of the week, with a two-course lunch prix fixe offer Monday to Friday.