Budapest Coffee House Reviews

by Almodozo
(Budapest)

Of the ones listed here, I prefer Ruszwurm for its Old World cosy charm and delicious cakes.

Lukacs and New York are exquisitely luxurious though.

Zsolnay is a bit of a disappointment, the feel of a lifeless hotel bar, pedestrian cakes and bored waiting staff.

Central is nice to lounge in, though it really is very much a creature of these times, I wouldnt say it has a great historic feeling.

Muvesz did have it; it genuinely did not seem to have changed in any way in fifty years. A time capsule into the early 20th century, with only a noisy air conditioner as mid-century addition. But unfortunately they closed last year for renovation and re-opened this summer in a very different style. It's more of a dimly lit posh bar now, looking more like it intends to attract the New Rich than the little old ladies who used to frequent it.

For a new-fangled version of the old coffeehouses that does work, check out the Szamos Marcipan Cukraszda in the Corinthia Royal hotel on Erzsebet Korut (accessible from the street too, with terrace). This is where the old ladies go now, mixed in with tourists, people on their way to or from one of the nearby theatres, and youngsters aiming to impress their date. Good coffeee, best cakes in town, and a classical sumptuous interior.