The best Italian restaurants in Budapest

Do you ever feel foodsick? That feeling that you get when you miss food from back home? I do! Being an Italian in Budapest, after a while you start craving those Italian tastes. I get this even when I go on vacation, I sense my body NEEDS some pasta. the good pasta!

And when I want to fulfil my Italian pasta cravings, Trattoria Pomo D’Oro in Budapest’s fifth district is the place I go to! Not only is the food delicious, the atmosphere is SO Italian! Pomo D’Oro has the style of a typical Italian trattoria but with way more eye to detail and with a much more elegant vibe.

You eat and you listen to Italian oldies and Eros Ramazzotti. It FEELS like Italy. Not to mention the owners, Gianni & Geppo, such kind and lively people! They’re always around and come say hi to every one. Feels like you’re part of a big family!

And then there’s the service, which cuddles you up. Every time we go there Diego has some special decorations on the table set up for us.

The wine list is Italian, but don’t worry, if you want to have some Hungarian wine they also have some amazing Hungarian wines! Don’t miss out on the Tokaj sweet wine (followed by a limoncello, we are in Italy after all)!

The food is delicious. DEFINITELY have the pizza. It’s great! My Naepoletan friend has tried it and she confirms. So if you want real Italian pizza, Pomo D’Oro is the place! They have a wooden oven. I’ve said everything! Either the Margherita or the focaccia for a starter is a must!

The pastas are also delightful. I LOVE (and always end up ordering) the cappellacci di gamberi e branzino all vongole veraci con pesto leggero (cappellacci pasta filled with seabass and shrimp with clams and a light pesto sauce). TO DIE FOR! I could eat 30 plates. Runner up are the pumpkin ravioli with spinach on a parmesan fondue.

Trust me people, order these two. The meat is also delicious, as is the fish. But honestly, I always come here to eat pasta or pizza (pasta with seafood anyway)!

For dessert, I cannot recommend enough the chocolate suffle with gorgonzola and pear ice cream. I was not 100% sure about the gorgonzola but as soon as I tasted it I understood.

Let’s face it, this place is amazing. If you want Italian food and an Italian atmosphere, go ahead and reserve! Definitely make a reservation (the day before), they are always packed (why wouldn’t they be)?!