essência is a portuguese-hungarian fine-dining restaurant in Lipotvaros, Budapest.
Editorially verified May 20, 2026 by Elliot Marsh, TableJourney editor. Source.
3 hours
Dinner and photo experience that will definitely stay with you forever! This activity is perfect for couples going out for a romantic dinner but also great for celebra...
4 hours
Cook a full 3-course Hungarian menu in a hands-on class. Discover authentic Hungarian cuisine, local ingredients, traditions and culture while enjoying a fun culinary ...
1h 30m
Step into a seaside-inspired oasis in the heart of Buda. Enjoy a Bali and Australia-influenced setting while indulging in a 5-course brunch menu with unlimited drinks.
Address: Sas utca 17, 1051 Budapest
Onyx Műhely on Vörösmarty tér is the rebuilt Onyx workshop, with the Mozaik a la carte Monday to Wednesday and the ÆTHER communal tasting Thursday to Sunday.
OrderThe ÆTHER communal tasting on a Thursday; arrival is timed so guests start together.
Book2 weeks ahead
TipOnyx Restaurant returned next door in March 2025; the Muhely workshop is the more experimental of the two rooms.
MAK on Vigyazo Ferenc utca near Parliament is a long-running Michelin Guide pick for modern Hungarian cooking, with seasonal tasting menus and a sharp wine.
OrderThe four-course tasting at lunch is the value seat in the room.
Book2 weeks ahead
TipMAK lost its Michelin star but still cooks like a starred room; book the chef's counter for the closest seat to the open kitchen.
Babel in Lipotvaros, near Vaci utca and the Basilica, cooks Austro-Hungarian fine dining with Transylvanian roots over 8 and 13-course tasting menus.
OrderThe 13-course tasting; the smoked sturgeon course is the room's calling card.
Book3 to 4 weeks ahead
TipAsk for a counter seat by the kitchen pass; the room runs Wednesday to Saturday only.
Costes Downtown sits in the Michelin Guide on the ground floor of the Prestige Hotel near Parliament, the sister kitchen to Costes Raday in a calmer.
OrderThe full tasting menu with a glass of Tokaji Furmint as the opener.
Book2 to 3 weeks ahead
TipLunch service is the value play; the room is open Tuesday to Saturday and the Sunday brunch books out a week ahead.
Onyx Műhely on Vörösmarty tér is the rebuilt Onyx workshop, with the Mozaik a la carte Monday to Wednesday and the ÆTHER communal tasting Thursday to Sunday.
OrderThe ÆTHER communal tasting on a Thursday; arrival is timed so guests start together.
Book2 weeks ahead
TipOnyx Restaurant returned next door in March 2025; the Muhely workshop is the more experimental of the two rooms.
MAK on Vigyazo Ferenc utca near Parliament is a long-running Michelin Guide pick for modern Hungarian cooking, with seasonal tasting menus and a sharp wine.
OrderThe four-course tasting at lunch is the value seat in the room.
Book2 weeks ahead
TipMAK lost its Michelin star but still cooks like a starred room; book the chef's counter for the closest seat to the open kitchen.
Szabina Szullo and Tamas Szell's Stand holds two Michelin stars for modern Hungarian tasting menus in a quiet Terezvaros room near Andrassy.
OrderThe full chef's tasting; the paprika fish soup with smoked carp tortellini is the room's signature.
BookUp to 60 days, Tuesday to Saturday dinner only ahead
TipBookings open 60 days ahead via SevenRooms; a credit card secures the booking and cancellation must be by 24 hours.
Babel in Lipotvaros, near Vaci utca and the Basilica, cooks Austro-Hungarian fine dining with Transylvanian roots over 8 and 13-course tasting menus.
OrderThe 13-course tasting; the smoked sturgeon course is the room's calling card.
Book3 to 4 weeks ahead
TipAsk for a counter seat by the kitchen pass; the room runs Wednesday to Saturday only.
Costes on Raday utca was Hungary's first Michelin-starred restaurant in 2010 and still cooks a refined seven-course tasting in a Ferencvaros townhouse off.
OrderThe seven-course tasting menu with the wine pairing; the butter, preserves and ham are made on the premises.
Book3 weeks ahead
TipCostes Downtown is the sister kitchen in Lipotvaros; the original on Raday is the slower, longer evening.
Costes Downtown sits in the Michelin Guide on the ground floor of the Prestige Hotel near Parliament, the sister kitchen to Costes Raday in a calmer.
OrderThe full tasting menu with a glass of Tokaji Furmint as the opener.
Book2 to 3 weeks ahead
TipLunch service is the value play; the room is open Tuesday to Saturday and the Sunday brunch books out a week ahead.
