The 10 Best Restaurants In Szombathely Hungary

Szombathely’s rich legacy of Roman ruins, remnants of the famous Amber Road, glorious mansions scattered across the city, and sparkling cultural life have rightfully earned it the proud title ‘The Queen of the West’. Here are the city’s best restaurants, each of which serves good quality food with characteristically bold Hungarian flavors.

1. Kispityer Halászcsárda

Restaurant, Hungarian

This csárda (traditional pub) knows how to treat its guests. Besides the modern meals, there is a wide variety of typically Hungarian fish and game dishes. Moreover, live music every Saturday night guarantees a good mood to accompany the usual postprandial tiredness. The lovely garden area, equipped with a fountain and shady tables, is the perfect spot to relax.

2. Vadász Restaurant

Hotel

Having been open for 100 years, this charming place has a trusted reputation among the locals. Vadász (The Hunter) Restaurant serves huge portions of mouth-watering food with polite service. Guests can choose from a wide variety of traditional Hungarian food and international meals and, true to its name, the restaurant offers game dishes as well. In summer, guests may enjoy grill parties out in the garden shaded by the many trees.

3. Gekkó Pub

Restaurant, Vegetarian

The wood and brick interior creates a warm, welcoming feel to this quality restaurant. Situated on one of the city’s main roads, a short, relaxing walk after a generous dinner into the Main Square is recommended. Serving top-quality, unique food (the menu changes with the seasons), Hungarian craft beers, the famous Hungarian schnapps, pálinka and various hot chocolates, the Gekkó Pub is a perfect choice for a relaxing lunch or dinner out.

4. Black Cab Pub and Restaurant

Restaurant, European

“Gastronomy in a different way” is the mission statement of this restaurant. Sous-vide salmon, duck, black tiger prawns, foie gras, buffalo mozzarella and many more fine dishes guarantee the best culinary experience. Carefully selected Hungarian wines and imported beers accompany the aforementioned cuisine. Cozy and homey inside, a meal here feels like a long deserved treat. The restaurant has an adjacent pub which screens live football matches.

5. Gödör Restaurant

Restaurant, Hungarian

This place describes itself as “The Restaurant for the Belly Party”. When you see the mammoth sizes of the tasty meals, the reason behind this motto becomes crystal clear. The team at this restaurant have been one happy crew for a long time, their friendliness is tangible; ideal if the devouring of one of the gigantic dishes takes a long time.

6. Öreg Sam Pub and Restaurant

Restaurant, European, Hungarian, Vegetarian

This restaurant, set in a former house, provides a spacious and homely location. For convenience, the menu is not extensive, quality not quantity. The meals are a traditional chicken, turkey and pork selection. Guest will enjoy the garden patio, which is open spring through autumn.

7. Gerendás Restaurant

Restaurant, Hungarian

Tripe-stew with trotters (pacalpörköltcsülökkel), stag tokány with mushroom and dödölle, turkey breast filled with velő; for anyone interested in Hungarian folk cuisine, this is the right place to try. Alongside these more exotic dishes, a regular menu is also available. Featuring live music each weekend, quick and friendly service attracts guests here every day.

8. Magyar Tenger Restaurant

Restaurant, Wine

Started as a small wine bar in the 1970s, this traditional pub soon became a sought-after destination, attracting a faithful clientele both of locals and out-of-towners alike. Self-proclaimed experts of traditional handmade food, the menu offers dishes made with care and love. In addition, the original passion for wine and beer has remained. However, do not worry about visiting with younger family members, this place is kitted out for kids.

9. Pásztor Csárda

Pásztor Csárda

Resembling a well-heeled domestic home yet boasting traditional folk touches, Pásztor Csárda has white chalk gates, a spacious garden area, centuries-old trees, wooden furniture, paprika chains on the walls and an oil-green stove. The attention to detail is tangible. All the dishes are based on old tried-and-tested recipes. If you have heard about the shabby looking Hungarian breed of pig the mangalica, you can try it here, washing it down with some honeyed pálinka afterwards. A gypsy house band will serenade you with classics from the world of Hungarian folk music.
Address & Telephone: Dolgozók street 1 Szombathely 06 94 312 884

10. Józsi Bácsi Restaurant

Hotel, Pubs with Rooms

Fancy a meal in a knight’s hall? This is the place for you. This pub-hotel is a little hidden away in the outskirts of the city, but provides top-notch, old-style service. Aside from the main hall, the other rooms are equipped with Hungarian folklore features, a decor which goes well with the medieval theme. Guests here have nothing but praise for the food, which sees many of them return again and again. An extensive, reasonably priced traditional menu is available along with seasonal offers, like the goose in early November.

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