• Best for a Romantic Dinner: At Hemingway, XI. Kosztolányi D. tér 2. 1 (tel. 1/381-0522), you can dine on the terrace overlooking the lake or in the relaxing Cuban-feeling dining room that would make Ernest feel at home. Excellent service is the order every day, all the while being serenaded by live music at night.
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  • Best Decor: The legends of the benevolent King Mátyás are painted as murals on the walls with stained glass decorating the windows at Mátyás Pince, V. Március 15 tér 7-8 (tel. 1/266-8008).
  • Best Wine List: At Dío, V. Sas u. 4 (tel. 1/328-0360), excellent service with outstanding food can be accompanied by wines with the aid of the sommelier.
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  • Best Beer List: You will have difficulty choosing from a multitude of draft beers or 50 bottled beers at Mosselen Belgian Beer Café at XIII. Pannónia u. 14 (tel. 1/452-0535). The food is also excellent making it a double treat.
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  • Best Wild Game: At Paprika Vendéglo, VII. Dozsa Gyorgy 72, 4 1/2 blocks from Heroes Square (tel. 06/70-574-6508) mobile), you can relish the savory dishes of wild boar or venison. There are many other choices for the less adventurous.
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  • Best Traditional Coffeehouse: Centrál Kávéház, V. Károly Mihály u. 9 (tel. 1/266-2110), is the closest to the classic coffeehouse of the city's past traditions. Even today, it is the meeting place for intellectuals, tourists, families, and more. This is a Budapest must-see.
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  • Best Nontraditional Coffeehouse: For coffee or hot chocolate, Aztek Choxolat Café, at V. Károly körút 22 or Semmelweiss u. 19. (tel. 1/266-7113), has a tremendous selection of both.
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  • Best Pastries: Our favorite pastry shop is the Muvész Kávéház, VI. Andrássy út 29 (tel. 1/352-1337). It has many traditional desserts such as somlói galuska, considered a national dessert, plus pastries, and an ice-cream bar.
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  • Best Rétes: Melt-in-your-mouth strudel is available at the Rétesvar, I. Balta köz 4 (no phone), the alley on Castle Hill behind the nude woman statue fountain. Look for the red banner hanging outside the brick alleyway.
  • Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.