Although we always encourage you to explore the less touristy parts of Budapest so that you can have a more local experience, we also understand that some of you do want to check out the main tourist sites, such as Heroes’ Square and Váci Street. However, what if after visiting these popular parts of Budapest, you still want to eat somewhere that’s not a tourist trap with huge signs of “goulash soup”? Luckily, even right off of Váci Street, there are restaurants that offer a nice and local dining experience with delicious food for a reasonable price.

Monk’s Bistrot is located in the very center of Budapest and yet it is hidden from the typical tourist path. When walking towards Vörösmarty Square, just take a left on Piarista Köz and you’ll find the entrance to the bistrot on your left. It was back in the spring that we first noticed this restaurant with its pretty terrace, overlooking the Inner City Parish Church, built in the 14th century. So when we were in the area the other night and saw the charming and inviting terrace, we decided to check out Monk’s Bistrot for a late dinner.

Photo (also featured image): Zsolt Batár / Monk’s Bistrot

Monk’s Bistrot is located in the very center of Budapest and yet it is hidden from the typical tourist path. When walking towards Vörösmarty Square, just take a left on Piarista Köz and you’ll find the entrance to the bistrot on your left. It was back in the spring that we first noticed this restaurant with its pretty terrace, overlooking the Inner City Parish Church, built in the 14th century. So when we were in the area the other night and saw the charming and inviting terrace, we decided to check out Monk’s Bistrot for a late dinner.

Download our Free Foodies’ Guide to Budapest to learn about the best restaurants, markets, foods to try and more.

It wasn’t until we stepped in that we realized how late it actually was: The kitchen had already closed at 11pm and we got there around 11:20pm. However, to our surprise, Miklós Tóth-Deme, the manager of the restaurant, warmly welcomed us, and when he learned that it was our first time at Monk’s and that, for quite some time, we had been so excited to try the restaurant, he told us he would make sure that we could have dinner despite the late hour.

Photo: Zsolt Batár / Monk’s Bistrot

Customer service is definitely one of the main assets of Monk’s Bistrot. Unfortunately, even today, the concept of great customer service is still something that many places don’t seem to be ready to embrace. So, we’re always especially excited to find restaurants where the focus is as much as on the food as it is on making the customers happy.

We got a table on the pretty terrace but as it turned out, the interior was also quite exciting: Monk’s Bistrot has a modern, industrial and chic interior with exposed brick walls, ambient lighting and a cosy atmosphere. But what makes this place even more interesting is the open kitchen, which is quite unique in Budapest. You can actually sit at the counter and watch how your food is being prepared.

Photo: Zsolt Batár / Monk’s Bistrot

Miklós made sure that we were happy with everything, and based on his recommendation, we ordered the duck and the zander fillet. The dishes were beautifully plated and the duck was excellent with the mashed potato and the crunchy carrot and beetroot. The zander was also good although it probably should have been fried for a little longer as the middle had a pinky color. However, the potato and the crispy capers complemented the fish perfectly.

Download our Free Foodies’ Guide to Budapest to learn about the best restaurants, markets, foods to try and more.

Monk’s Bistrot is a great addition to Kiosk and Bábel in the area. It’s also an excellent place for a quick lunch as they offer special lunch menus on weekdays between 12pm and 2pm with two or three courses for HUF 2180 and for HUF 2980. However, Monk’s is also a great choice for a romantic dinner, especially if you choose a table on the terrace as the old church and the Danube in the background provide the perfect setting.

ADDRESS    1 Piarista köz, 1052 Budapest    SHOW ON MAP
OPENING HOURS    11am–12am daily
Make a reservation at +36 30 789 4718

Photo: Budapest Local

Photo: Budapest Local