Experts' Choice Award Central Cafe and Restaurant 1887
What the experts agree on
This storied 1887 coffeehouse was once the beating heart of Budapest's literary scene, where writers shaped the influential Nyugat magazine and Hungarian culture flourished. Today it retains that intellectual charm with solid coffee, pastries, and a
“Originally opened in 1887, Café Central quickly became the center of the city's intellectual life, spawning important periodicals and literary movements.”
– Concierge
Frommer's "Coffeehouse culture is ingrained in Budapest history; this coffeehouse is one of the historic places where writers and artists gathered." Full review
DK Eyewitness "The Central holds a special place in locals’ hearts. It was one of the great literary cafés at the start of the 20th century, when Budapest was a city of 500 cafés."
Rough Guide Star
"In its heyday, the decades around World War I, this large coffee house was a popular venue in Budapest’s literary scene."
Fodor's "A classic turn-of-the-20th-century gathering spot for Hungarian writers of the Nyugat (West) magazine, this coffeehouse has endured two wars and a communist closure." Full review
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Don't miss the excellent cakes and pastries, on view in a glass display case.
Let's Go "In addition to a variety of entrees, confectionaries and alcohol will lift whatever curse lies upon your soul, and the chill staff will convince you to, yes, be their guest." Full review
Atlas Obscura "Some of the greatest minds in the history of Hungarian art and science converged in this café. " Full review
