11 Michelin stars and 59 recommendations in the recently unveiled The MICHELIN Guide Hungary 2023
Hungarian cuisine continues to impress with the unveiling of the second MICHELIN Guide for the country. Following last year’s first-ever list of restaurants, which firmly placed the country’s gastronomic offer on the culinary map for visitors worldwide, the second national evaluation sees 28 restaurants in Budapest and 47 in the countryside feature in 2023’s edition.
All the restaurants that earned Michelin stars or recommendations in 2022 have retained their selection and Hungary can also celebrate the success of 14 new restaurants. Based on the judgments of expert critics, an additional 8 restaurants in Budapest and 6 in the countryside will now proudly display the Michelin recommendation plaques. These additional recognitions affirm the tremendous progress that regional gastronomy has undergone in recent years. Thanks to this development, the number of Michelin-recommended gastronomic venues has surpassed all previous records, with a total of 59 restaurants receiving accolades this year. Moreover, Morzsa in Pécs has attained the Bib Gourmand for the first time, an award for restaurants which offer excellent value for money, bringing the total of 7.
The growing importance of sustainability has seen the number of Green Star-rated hospitality establishments continue to rise too. This year, a total of 5 restaurants across the country proudly bear this title. Among the newcomers to last year’s ranking is Villa Kabala in Szigliget. The Green Star from MICHELIN acknowledges every aspect of kitchen and restaurant work, from ingredient sourcing to the use of local and seasonal products, right through to waste management.
The Tata-based Gourmet Platán, the first 2-Michelin-starred restaurant outside the capital, has not only experienced a remarkable surge in interest over the past year but has also attracted a more open-minded and adventurous audience, often visiting the city specifically for the restaurant. Collaborating with local and regional providers and attractions, their bundled program packages have revitalised local businesses.
The impact of these prestigious international accolades is further confirmed by the experiences of Budapest’s Stand restaurant, which earned 2 Michelin stars last year, where reservations are now only available weeks in advance.
The increasing number of Michelin stars and plates, along with Bib Gourmand designations, serves as an important signal to emerging, young domestic culinary talents and those considering a career in the field. It underscores that their professional development is assured within Hungary, and the tourism sector offers long-term appealing professional challenges.
