Gettó Gulyás

Gettó Gulyás is a tiny, unpretentious restaurant in Budapest's Jewish Quarter that delivers some of the most honest Hungarian cooking you'll find in the city. The menu is deliberately short, focusing on dishes that showcase the sweet-sharp punch of fresh paprika. The goulash soup is rich and deeply flavorful, and the various paprikás preparations (chicken, veal, catfish, mushroom) are all executed with care. Don't skip the bone marrow with toast, especially since the bread comes from the excellent arán bakery just down the street.

The real star, though, is the túrógombóc—pillowy cottage cheese dumplings smothered in sour cream and dusted with powdered sugar. It's a simple dessert, but it's done so well that it's become the house specialty. The space is small and cozy, with a warm, neighborhood feel that attracts a mix of locals and informed travelers. Service is friendly but efficient, and the wine list offers solid Hungarian options. Just remember: you absolutely need to book ahead. Walk-ins are rarely accommodated, and same-day reservations are basically impossible. After dinner, you're steps away from Szimpla Kert if you want to continue the night.