Budapest has long been known as a city with a rich wine culture, and in recent years, the scene has been evolving to include more diverse and innovative offerings. While traditional wine bars like Kadarka, Doblo, and Palack continue to be popular destinations for those looking to sample Hungarian wines, newer establishments like Cabrio, Bar Lola, and The Garden are pushing the boundaries and redefining the wine experience in the city.
Cabrio, located in Budapest’s District V, has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Run by a team of experienced restaurateurs, Cabrio offers a curated selection of natural wines paired with imaginative shared plates. The vibrant atmosphere, complete with music and warm lighting, creates a party-like ambiance that keeps guests coming back night after night. Chef Tamás Albrecht sources ingredients locally to create dishes that complement the unique wine selection, making Cabrio a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
Bar Lola, situated in District VII, is another newcomer to Budapest’s wine scene. Originally a beloved cafe known for its coffee, Bar Lola now offers a selection of natural wines imported through owners Emese Görföl and Mario Jimenez’s Disco Wines. The menu features vibrant bites that pair perfectly with the wines, creating a lively and intimate atmosphere for guests to enjoy.
The Garden, owned by Turkish expat Merve Ilgım Deprem, seamlessly transitions from a breezy brunch spot during the day to Pebbles, a beachside-inspired dinner spot at night. The menu at The Garden features fresh herbs and coffee, while Pebbles offers a unique take on vegetarian Turkish cuisine paired with natural wines. The space is beautifully designed with upcycled furniture and tableware, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for guests to relax and enjoy their meal.
És Margarita, a petite bistro in District IX, offers a Parisian-inspired dining experience with a rotating menu of global dishes created by chef and co-owner Levente Szabados. The focus is on high-quality dishes paired with natural wines, providing a unique and elevated dining experience for those looking to explore new flavors and pairings.
Overall, Budapest’s wine scene is thriving, with a mix of traditional and innovative establishments offering a diverse range of wines and culinary experiences. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a food lover, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant and evolving city. As they watch their food prepared in the open kitchen, patrons at Bortodoor City in Budapest savor glasses of wine from Hungarian producers like Somló Kincse and Egly Szőlőbirtok és Borászat from Veszprém county, north of Lake Balaton. This trendy new hangout, founded by Suze Collings, Smike Letwinsky, and Renee Heard, aims to foster a sense of community among wine enthusiasts eager to expand their social circles.
Collings, Letwinsky, and Heard, who hail from the UK, U.S., and Australia respectively, came together with a shared passion for wine and hospitality. Their bar, located in District VI, offers a rotating wine list that changes weekly, providing guests with the opportunity to discover new Hungarian wines. On Sundays, patrons can enjoy discounted bottles or glasses from the previous week’s selection, while Wednesdays feature lively Wine Mafia evenings with blind tastings, trivia, and scent boxes.
The owners’ dedication to creating a welcoming atmosphere is evident in the cozy setting of Bortodoor City, where guests can enjoy their wine alongside charcuterie plates and good company. Whether sipping on a bottle from Haraszthy in Etyek, Kovács Nimród from Eger, or Cseri from the Pannonhalma region, visitors have the chance to immerse themselves in the local lifestyle through the lens of Hungarian winemaking.
“For me, it’s the excitement of meeting new people,” says Collings. “You never know who’s going to walk through the doors, whether they’re going to be your new best friend, staff member, or future husband or wife.” With its diverse selection of Hungarian wines and vibrant social atmosphere, Bortodoor City is a must-visit destination for oenophiles looking to connect with like-minded individuals and explore the rich wine culture of Hungary.
