New Hungarian MICHELIN-starred and Green Star restaurant

The 2024 edition of the Guide recommends a total of 78 restaurants: 34 in Budapest and 44 outside the capital. The selection includes 2 two-star and 8 one-star restaurants – one of the latter has just won the award. In addition, 11 restaurants have been awarded the Bib Gourmand – 4 of which are appearing in the publication for the first time and 1 has received the award for the first time this year – and finally, 57 selected restaurants will be presented, 10 of which are also appearing for the first time. A total of 5 restaurants have received the Green Star award, 1 of which for the first time.

“We are pleased to announce that 14 restaurants have joined the Guide’s selection in Hungary,” highlighted Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide. “It is particularly encouraging that 4 of them are presented with a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand rating, which recognises their commitment to offering great food at a good price. Of the 14 new restaurants, 5 are outside the capital, highlighting the positive trend of local chefs operating in their own town or village, rather than simply heading to the capital.

This year, highlights include the awarding of a MICHELIN star to Pajta and the recognition of Natura Hill’s achievements in sustainability with a Green Star. Opening the year is Iszkor in Mályinka, which deserves a special mention for demonstrating what community spirit is all about.”

2 MICHELIN-starred restaurants

The MICHELIN star is awarded to restaurants that offer outstanding cuisine according to 5 universal criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavors, the level of cooking techniques, the personality of the chef expressed through the menu, and last but not least: consistency across the entire menu and over the years.
In 2024, Platán Gourmet in Tata and Stand in Budapest both retained their two MICHELIN-star rating.

1 MICHELIN-starred restaurants

The Pajta in Őriszentpéter, which was already featured in the publication last year, received a 1 MICHELIN-star rating this year. The name is self-explanatory: for Flóra and Ferenc Kvasznicza, it all started in a small barn next to the large, glass-fronted restaurant. The entire complex has a natural feel, from the beautiful meadow to the two-story, nature-inspired forest lodges located 1 km from the road (transportation provided). The menus change with the seasons and perfectly reflect the surroundings, the products of the Őrség region in historical Hungarian dishes. Fermentation and pickling are typical, giving uniqueness to the flavour-rich creations. Favorite dishes of the MICHELIN Guide inspectors included the polenta mangalica with bacon, cottage cheese and wild garlic, the tortellini with mushroom tea and pecorino, and the black apple salad pre-dessert. Neighboring Austria and Slovenia join Hungary for a three-country wine-pairing experience that is definitely worth exploring.

Pajta now joins 7 other one-star restaurants, all of which have retained their rating. These are Babel in Budapest, Borkonyha Winekitchen, Costes, Essencia, Rumour, and Salt, as well as 42 Restaurant in Esztergom.