New York Cafe Budapest Review 2026: Tips for the World's Most Beautiful Cafe

Your Guide to Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, Hungary

New York Café

Words & Photos ©

Jinnie

Hey everyone (●'◡'●)

It's Jinnie, and I'm excited to share my recent visit to the legendary New York Café in Budapest!

My husband and I decided to make the most of his day off, and what better way than to experience one of the world's most beautiful cafes? If you've heard about the notoriously long queues, don't worry – I'm here to spill all my insider tips on how we enjoyed a seamless and comfortable visit!

Location & Information

Name:

New York Café Budapest

(Located within the Anantara New York Palace Hotel)

Address:

Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 9-11, 1073 Hungary

Operating Hours:

Daily 07:00 AM - 12:00 AM (or 01:00 AM the following day)

The Grand Ambiance

Nestled on the ground floor of the Anantara New York Palace Hotel, even the exterior of the cafe is breathtaking, hinting at the grandeur within.

When I visited around 2:00 PM, there wasn't a visible queue outside. However, as soon as you step inside, you'll notice separate lines for reservations and walk-ins – make sure you join the correct one!

I simply gave my name to the staff and was promptly escorted to my table.

Here are some interior shots taken from my table. That first spot is definitely the prime photo location – everyone flocks there for a shot, and I certainly joined in the fun✌️

Isn't it gorgeous? This is your moment to capture those Instagram-worthy shots! Don't let the crowds deter you; embrace the beauty and get those stunning photos.

Every corner is so exquisitely beautiful; if it weren't so busy, I'd have spent even more time snapping photos.

Just to the right after you enter, near the stairs leading down to the lower half-floor, you'll find another fantastic photo spot. I made sure to grab some pictures there on my way out too!

New York Café Menu Review

Since we arrived for lunch, we ordered the steak and goulash. While the steak was a little overcooked for my preference, it was incredibly tender and easy to eat. The mashed potatoes served alongside were delicious, and the small pickled onions added a nice tangy contrast, cutting through any richness.

The goulash was equally impressive, packed with rich ingredients and perfectly seasoned. If you've been feeling a bit 'European-fooded-out,' the goulash offers a wonderfully comforting and slightly spicy kick that's a welcome change!

New York Café Insider Tips

1. 👉Breakfast & Lunch Reservations Available Through Early September 2026👈

I had almost given up on visiting due to the anticipated wait times, but I stumbled upon their website and discovered that breakfast and lunch reservations are available through early September 2026! I immediately booked our spot.

As of my last check, breakfast and lunch reservations are available through September 6th, 2026, so if you're planning to be in Budapest around that time, I highly recommend booking in advance!

New York Café Budapestnewyorkcafe.hu

2. Dress to Impress

To truly capture those 'life shot' photos, it helps to wear an outfit that matches the cafe's stunning aesthetic! Dressing up for such a beautiful place made the photo results even more satisfying > <

3. Stay at the Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel

The New York Café is conveniently located on the ground floor of the Anantara Hotel. If you stay here, you'll not only enjoy breakfast right in the café but also gain the fantastic perk of skipping the long queues and walking straight in!

Here's where you can find the best hotel deals:

Anantara New York Palace Budapest - A Leading Hotel of the World3ha.in

4. Aim to Visit Before 3:00 PM

After 3:00 PM, large tour groups, often with their own photographers, tend to arrive and monopolize the best photo spots, even blocking access to the stairs leading to the second floor. It can get quite crowded!

By 3:30 PM, when we left, a significant queue had formed outside the cafe.

New York Café Overall Review & Summary

Cleanliness & Ambiance: ★★★★★

Taste: ★★★★☆

Willingness to Revisit: ★★★★★

This is definitely a place I'd love to visit again, perhaps with my parents next time.

While the prices are on the higher side, I truly believe it's worth it for the incredible experience and ambiance. It's an investment in a memorable moment.

Every hour on the hour, you're treated to live piano performances or string ensembles. During my visit, they even played 'Arirang,' which was a truly touching and memorable moment!

I initially worried that the higher prices might mean mediocre food, but I was pleasantly surprised! The dishes were delicious, and the entire experience left me feeling uplifted and happy.

I wholeheartedly recommend that you add the New York Café to your Budapest itinerary!

I hope this post was helpful for your travels. Wishing you all delicious adventures! ❤️