Budapest Restaurants Open for Christmas 2025 — Where You Can Still Book a Table
- Betti Tour Guide in Budapest
- Nov 24, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 7, 2025
If you're spending Christmas in Budapest, you’ll quickly notice something: most Hungarians stay home with family, so restaurants often close from December 24–26.That also means the places that do stay open usually offer special festive menus — and yes, they can be pricey, because Christmas dining out isn’t a local tradition.
But don’t worry — there are some fantastic options. Here’s your friendly guide to the restaurants that will welcome you during the holidays in 2025, plus what kind of cuisine you can expect from each.
Costes Downtown
Cuisine: Modern fine dining, Michelin-starred, contemporary European
Location: 1051 Budapest, Vigyázó Ferenc u. 5
Booking: costesdowntown.hu
A polished and elegant spot perfect for a luxurious Christmas meal. If you’re craving creativity on a plate, this is your place.
Akademia Italia
Cuisine: Classic Italian — pasta, pizza, hand‑made breads and desserts, Italian‑style main courses.
Location: 1051 Budapest, Szent István tér 12
Booking / Website: akademiaitalia.hu
They currently show regular opening hours of 11:00–23:00 (weekdays) and up to 23:30 on weekends. Because they don’t list a special holiday closure, they’re worth checking for 24th & 25th December — a good bet if you want an Italian meal over Christmas in Budapest.
MÁK Bistro
Cuisine: Modern Hungarian with Nordic influences
Location: 1051 Budapest, Vigyázó Ferenc u. 4
Booking: mak.hu
A creative twist on local ingredients. Minimalist and stylish — perfect if you want something modern yet rooted in Hungarian flavors.
Mercatino Budapest
Cuisine: Italian-inspired bistro — pasta, risotto, seafood, antipasti, grilled dishes, desserts
Location: Budapest, Apáczai Csere János u. 17
Booking / Website: mercatino.hu
They’re one of the rare spots reportedly open on December 24, 25 and 26. You’ll get their regular à-la-carte menu, and reservations over the holidays include a complimentary festive “welcome” drink. Nice spot if you want a relaxed, cozy Christmas meal in the city center — good food, warm atmosphere, and a break from the typical holiday rush.
ARAZ Restaurant
Cuisine: Hungarian & French fusion, buffet-style Christmas dinner
Location: Dohány Street, near the New York Café
Booking: araz.hu
They offer a Christmas Eve buffet dinner on 24 December, with live music and drinks included. 25–26 December availability may vary, so checking directly is best.
Spoon The Boat
Cuisine: International and Hungarian-fusion — Hungarian classics, seafood, Asian-inspired dishes, and European fare
Location: 1052 Budapest, Vigadó tér 3 (moored on the Danube at the foot of the Chain Bridge)
Booking / Website: spoonboat.hu
Open on 25 and 26 December, as well as year-round.
Dine on the Danube with beautiful night-time views of Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge. Perfect for a festive holiday meal with a relaxed yet memorable riverside atmosphere.
KOLLÁZS Brasserie & Bar (Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace)
Cuisine: French brasserie with Central European touches
Location: 1051 Budapest, Széchenyi István tér 5–6
Booking: fourseasons.com/budapest
They serve a 5-course festive dinner on both 24 and 25 December.For 26 December, they often offer festive brunches, which are usually fantastic.
Meshuga
Cuisine: Israeli / Middle Eastern
Location: 1065 Budapest, Hajós u. 27 (near the Opera House)
Booking: meshugabp.com/christmas-at-meshuga
Meshuga is offering a special Christmas menu for 2025 with modern Israeli flavors — fun, bold, and a bit unconventional for Christmas, which makes it extra memorable.
Mama Goulash
Cuisine: Traditional Hungarian comfort food — goulash soup, chicken paprikash, stews, and classic desserts
Location: 1074 Budapest, Dob utca 31
Booking / Website: mamagoulash.com
Open throughout Christmas, New Year’s Eve (31 Dec), and New Year’s Day (1 Jan).
A cozy, relaxed spot for hearty, authentic Hungarian dishes — perfect if you want a casual, comforting meal during the holidays when many other restaurants are closed.
Leo Bistro
Cuisine: Contemporary European with global touches
Location: Clark Ádám Square area (inside Hotel Clark)
Booking: leobudapest.com
On 24 Dec 2025, Leo Bistro offers a pre-paid 3-course Christmas dinner and closes at 23:00.
Expect refined plating, beautiful views, and a cozy holiday atmosphere.
Costes Ráday
Cuisine: Modern international fine dining
Location: 1092 Budapest, Ráday u. 4
Booking: costesrestaurant.hu
Sophisticated flavors, slow-paced dining, and a warm ambience — great for a festive dinner.
Spago by Wolfgang Puck (Matild Palace)
Cuisine: Upscale Californian–international fusion
Location: Matild Palace, near Erzsébet Bridge
Booking: spagobudapest.com
They offer a special Christmas Eve dinner menu on 24 December
(75,000 HUF per person + service).Information for 25–26 December should be confirmed directly.) Expect stylish, high-energy dining with serious glamour.
Final Thoughts
Christmas dining in Budapest isn’t cheap — simply because it’s not traditional here for locals to eat out during the holidays. Many restaurants close so staff can spend time with their families.
But the places that stay open truly go all out, offering festive menus, creative dishes, and beautiful settings. If you want a special Christmas meal, booking early is a must — some places fill up as early as late November.
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I’m Betti, your private tour guide behind Betti Tours Budapest.
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