The 10 Best Restaurants In Tihany

Tihany has enchanting natural beauty. The Abbey here is one of the oldest in Hungary. Since it attracts more people during the summer, restaurants may have different opening times than usual in wintertime: here’s our guide to some of the best in the area.

Karolina’s Herb Garden

Restaurant, Hungarian, European, Vegetarian

This exclusive restaurant is situated in a hotel, from which one can enjoy fabulous panoramic views of Lake Balaton. The menu is adjusted to the tastes of each season, which means that the dishes on offer are constantly changing. Both Hungarian and international cuisines are served, suitably complemented by quality wines. The Mediterranean terrace, a playground for children, candlelight and recipes from Karolina’s grandma’s secret collection ensure that each visit is a memorable experience.

Echo Restaurant and Cafe

Restaurant, European, Hungarian, Healthy, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free

With themed gastro-weekends, this restaurant provides top-notch quality food like chestnut, pumpkin, hot punch, cloves, cinnamon, game meat, honey, blueberry, and more. At the top of Echo Hill, the restaurant boasts a breathtaking view of the lake – take a seat on the outside terrace to enjoy a great evening meal with the fresh breeze on your skin.

Gulyás Udvar Restaurant

Restaurant, Hungarian, European, Soup, Vegetarian

Situated on the main square of Tihany, this restaurant serves typical Hungarian food – hence the name Gulyás. Unsurprisingly, you can try goulash (the best in town!), dumplings or strudel and the quality will be the same in each case – delicious and rich in flavor. There is seating both inside and out, so there is the possibility of enjoying a relaxing summer’s evening with good company, good food and good wine.

Régi Idők Udvara Skanzen and Restaurant

Restaurant, European, Hungarian, Vegetarian

Restaurant and skanzen of old times – the name says it all. For this place is not only a restaurant but is dedicated to presenting the heritage of times gone by; you have the chance to experience how people ate and drank centuries ago, when all the food was prepared in a beehive oven, when wine came straight up from the cool cellar and schnapps was served from a demi-john. You can try to stretch your own strudel or practice your archery skills.

Fogas Csárda

Restaurant, Vegetarian, Hungarian

Situated 300 meters from the famous Abbey, this csárda is the oldest in town, dating back to the 19th century. Guests gain a tangible sense of the past upon entering the old building, surrounded by the hand-carved wooden furniture. As its name suggests (fogas means zander, a type of freshwater fish) the restaurant mainly serves fish dishes, but beef, pork and game are also to be found on the menu alongside a selection of vegetarian and children’s dishes.

Rege Patisserie

Patisserie, Dessert Shop, Pastry Shop, Pastries, Dessert

Enjoy the full beauty of the natural environment in this small patisserie, which was part of the former Benedictine Abbey’s agricultural yard until the 1950s. After that, a small confectionery workshop was founded which has been thriving ever since. Scrumptious desserts and cakes, rich ice cream and frothy coffees are all on the menu to attract guests.

Tihanyi Tűzkert Restaurant

Restaurant, Hungarian, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free

This restaurant is just a minute’s walk from the Abbey, making it an ideal place to rest your aching legs after the walk uphill. Most of the food is prepared in a beehive oven right before the eyes of hungry guests. No matter where you choose to sit, either inside or in the spacious, shady garden – the meals are equally enticing, the aim being to create meals which taste as though they have been lovingly prepared by a dear old grandmother.

Ferenc Pince Csárda

This cellar has passed between generations of the same family since the 18th century. If you would like to try mangalica or the Hungarian grey, this cellar offers marvelous meals made from these excellent, typically Hungarian meats. Experience some of the region’s foremost white wines along with an excellent lunch and you will leave with a contented belly and soul.

Kecskeköröm Csárda

With its thatched roof, floral garden, live music and range of healthy and hearty meals, situated in the center of the city this place is an island of relaxation and upbeat mood. Serving the most Hungarian of meals, here you can fall in love with such richly flavored and mouth-watering dishes as grilled goat’s cheese, a meaty pancake from Hortobágy, garlic goose thighs, strudels and so on.

Lepke Restaurant and Pizzeria

Restaurant, Pizzeria, European

The shoreline of Lake Balaton is only a few meters away from Lepke Restaurant’s patio, so guests may enjoy the glorious sunshine while having a classic meal or one of the beautiful specialties such as stag thighs with stewed pears and brown sauce, or zander fillet in Orly style. Failing that, just take it easy with a thickly topped, succulent pizza. This is also the best place to try handmade lavender syrup or one of the strong schnapps.