We’re having enough trouble getting out enough restaurant tips for Budapest these days, never mind the rest of Hungary. Fortunately, leading Hungarian portal Origo.hu is there to pick up some of the slack. They recently listed what they say are their five favorite Balaton restaurants, places they claim are so fine a meal alone is worth a trip to the lake. Check it out:
Porció, Balatonalmádi
Origo’s first tip is a restaurant located in the center of Balatonalmádi, a town on the northern shore of the lake. They say it is a typically Hungarian, home-style place with prices lower than in usual in Budapest and a very friendly staff. The portal heartily suggests trying the tripe (pacal) and fried brains (rántott velő).
Koloska csárda, Balatonfüred
Located at the foot of the Tamás Hill above the town of Balatonfüred is another of the portal’s favorite restaurants, offering grilled dishes prepared outdoors, local specialities and Balaton wines. Prices are also lower than in Budapest. One tip: Try the “Pocketknife schnitzel from Arács” (Arácsi Bicskás-pecsenye).
Ferenc-pince, Tihany, Cser-hegy
This restaurant is located in Tihany halfway between the ferry port and the village. The restaurant and wine museum owned by a Tihany winemaker dynasty was opened in 1986, but the family’s cellar was built in 1680. The restaurant offers Tihany fish specialities and unique dishes made from Grey Cattle and buffalo.
Majthényi Présház, Balatonlelle
This restaurant is located on the lake’s southern shore where diners can enjoy a real Mediterranean atmosphere. The Majthényi family built the wine press house in 1784. The restaurant offers old Somogy County dishes.
Kistücsök étterem, Balatonszemes
This restaurant is regarded by many to be one of the best in Hungary, not just around Lake Balaton. It offers Hungarian and international cuisine and regularly organizes wine tastings. While its prices are somewhat higher than those at the restaurants listed above, they are still below the Budapest level. One of the region’s specialities, rudd salad with vinegar (ecetes keszegsaláta), is on the menu. One of the portal’s favorites, elderberry ice cream (bodzafagyi), is available seasonally only.
Here’s my review of the Majthényi Présház (owned by the award-winning Konyári family) from October 07: http://www.chew.hu/majthenyi_presshaz_the_view_ge.html
Forrás in Balatonföldvár is consistently good.
Anno Taverna in Balatonszárszó is also more than
average.
ate here 3 weeks ago: Majthényi Présház, Balatonlelle
Great view, and charming surroundings but the food was nothing to write home about.
Try this instead:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=200819427103711892675.00046f37d91e108c62196&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=46.796244,17.727041&spn=0.002747,0.005134&t=h&z=18&iwloc=0004a855a1b1e47cc26b2
The Heck in this little Büfé is one of the best I’ve ever had!
i’m not sure about your list my friend chew.hu. For my taste Kistücsök couldn’t be on the picture, the rest? i don’t know. if you don’t mind, take a close look and eat in zamárdi @ Scala, a new place and if you have any problem with the meal, i will pay the bill. -the executive sous chef. gracias
Dear Cheflaszlo,
What was your problem in Kistücsök?
Except for a few meals given out with unsatisfactory
quantity of jus this restaurant is O.K. and far over
the quality around Balaton. Naturally, the prices
reflect the difference so it is not cheap as a few
years ago (and the portions of the seasonal menu are
smaller).
Ferenc Pince in Tihany does indeed have a fabulous view from the terrace, and it’s a great place to kick back with some wine on a summer afternoon, but the food is nothing special. Not bad, mind you, but remarkable in any way it is not.