You don’t have to look at many Budapest itineraries to see mention of the New York Café. I was also lured to “the most beautiful café in the world” by the promise of dining in an opulent setting.
So was the New York Café Budapest worth it? From this traveller, the answer is a resounding “no”.
Although the main dining area is gorgeous in an overblown way, it is astronomically expensive and the service doesn’t match its cost. It is also Instagram Hell.
Get the lowdown in my honest review of the New York Café in Budapest.
Practical Information
A Very Brief History
The New York Café takes its name from the building it occupies: the New York Palace, built between 1891 and 1895 for the New York Life Insurance Company. It became a magnet for Budapest’s writers, poets and aristocrats before suffering significant damage in World War II. The Italian Boscolo Group later restored it to its former glory, transforming the building into a 5-star hotel.
My Visit to the New York Café Budapest
I visited for coffee and cake in April 2023. I didn’t have a reservation and waited around ten minutes for a table, not bad for a weekend
Setting and ambience: 3.5 / 5
Walking into the café has that wow factor. For a few minutes, you don’t mind the prospect of blowing the best part of your day’s travel budget on coffee and cake.
It is the last word in decadence. There are marble columns, painted ceilings, sparkling chandeliers and gilded reliefs. It’s over-the-top, but I guess that’s what you pay for.
A piano tinkled in the background before a string quartet took over with a rendition of Eine Kleine Nachtmusik via a brief detour through The Sound of Music. I kid you not.
So far, so gorgeous. So why not five stars for the setting? Here’s the thing: the café is arranged across three levels and not all seats are equal.
If you bag a table in the main area, close to the musicians, you should be as happy as a clam. End up towards the rear, and you’ll find yourself in a dingy, atmosphere-free corner that bears no resemblance to the photos you’ve been drooling over online.
Spin that roulette wheel now.
The cheap-looking chairs and glass-topped tables — with food photographs underneath them — did not match the grandeur of the surroundings.
New York Café Budapest Menu: 3.5 / 5
The menu at the New York Café includes sweet and savoury dishes. It is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and anything in between.
It serves all-day breakfasts, from Eggs Benedict to an Italian breakfast set, which includes a hot drink, fresh orange juice, a selection of pastries, fruit salad, bread, jams, honey and butter.
If you visit for lunch or dinner, expect dishes based on traditional Hungarian cuisine – so-called Essential Hungarian Gastronomy – and international staples like Caesar Salad.
Those with a sweet tooth are well served. Budapest New York Café is famous for its afternoon teas and decadent cakes.
I ordered the New York chocolate cake with Valrhona chocolate and an Americano coffee. The cake was delicious. The coffee was very average.
service: 3 / 5
Although service was courteous and prompt when it came to taking and serving my order, I had to ask two people before I was finally presented with the bill.
New York Café Budapest Prices: 2/5
My coffee and cake were eye-wateringly expensive, costing €21. And that’s before the 15% service charge was automatically added.
In 2026, expect to pay around €8.50 – 16 for a coffee, €14–15 for a dessert and €23–36 for a main course at dinner. All subject to that service charge, of course.
Budapest is one of Europe’s more affordable cities, which makes these prices feel all the more jarring. I’ve paid similar prices elsewhere and accepted it when the experience justified the cost. Here, it didn’t.
So, Is the New York Cafe Budapest Worth it?
Based on my experience, I don’t recommend adding the New York Café to your Budapest itinerary.
The table lottery alone is reason enough for caution. You might bag a great seat in the main hall. You might be shown to a depressing corner. There’s no way to know in advance.
And it is overrun with people using it as a photo backdrop, phones aloft, wandering between tables (yes, the irony isn’t lost on me).
By all means, stick your head round the door to look at the décor. But for actually sitting down to eat or drink, there are far better options in Budapest for the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to book the New York Café Budapest in advance?
Reservations are only available for dinner after 6 pm. During the day, it’s strictly first-come, first-served. Weekend queues can be 30–45 minutes.
What is the dress code at the New York Café Budapest?
There’s no formal dress code, despite the grand setting. Most visitors dress casually.
Can you just look inside the New York Café without eating?
Yes. You can briefly enter to look around without being seated, though staff may redirect you if the café is at capacity.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.