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Historic coffeehouses & confectionery shops in Budapest

The Hungarian Girl | January 4, 2010 | 1 Comment

A slice of Dobos torte at the legendary Café Gerbeaud, which was founded in 1858.

Budapest is filled with places to enjoy an excellent cup of coffee with a sumptuous dessert. Here are just a few of the best historic coffeehouses and confectionery shops in the city.

Ruszwurm

Located in the castle district of Budapest, this charming cake shop was built in 1827 by Ferenc Schwabl. Its original furnishings are still intact today including antique cabinets and Oakwood tables and chairs. At one time Ruszwurm supplied the aristocracy in the castle and surrounding area. The Austrian Empress Elisabeth (1837-1898) is supposed to have been a customer. Visitors will find a wide range of cakes and pastries at a fair price. Of particular regard is their krémes and chocolate cake.

Szentháromság tér 7.
1014 Budapest
Tel: 375-5284
Open: Monday-Sunday, 10am – 7pm
Website: http://www.ruszwurm.hu

Café Gerbeaud

The legendary Café Gerbeaud was founded by Henrik Kugler in 1858 and expanded by its later owner, Emil Gerbeaud. The stunning crystal chandeliers, stucco décor, and noble-wood furnishings, all emphasize the splendid glamour of this place. Gerbeaud’s specialties include famous cakes, such as Esterházy and Dobos cakes, as well as all kind of cream cakes, extravagant bakery goods and exquisite ice-creams. The café also features a large outdoor patio which is very popular during the summer months.

Vörösmarty tér 7
1051 V. kerület
Tel: 429-9000
Open: Monday-Sunday, 9 am -9 pm
Website: http://www.gerbeaud.hu

New York Café

At the end of the 19th century the New York Life Insurance Company extended its business interests to Hungary, and assigned architect Alajos Hauszmann to build a four story eclectic palace, with a café on its ground floor. This grandiose palace quickly became synonymous with Hungarian social society.

During the 1956 uprising, the building suffered significant damage and was deemed too costly to repair. However, all that changed when it was bought by Italian Boscolo Hotels in 2001 and was restored to its original splendor a few years later. New York Café remains one of the most beautiful and elaborate establishments in the city.

Erzsébet körút 9
1073 VII. kerület
Tel: 886-6111
Open: Monday-Sunday, 9am to 1am
Website: http://www.boscolohotels.com

Centrál Café

First opened in 1887, the Central soon became the place were writers, poets, and intellects gathered to discuss the country’s fate over coffee and cake. This classical cafe is now popular among different people, old and young, students and businessmen. It offers a wide selection of meals and sandwiches along with desserts.

Károlyi Mihály utca 9
1053 V. kerület
Tel: 266-2110
Open: Monday-Sunday, 8 am – 11:30 pm
Website: http://www.centralkavehaz.hu