Gluten Free Budapest Hungary: The Complete Guide

I came to Hungary hungry and I was not disappointed. For a country whose traditional dishes revolve around beer, fried meat, and flour thickened stews, the gluten free Budapest scene is surprisingly great!

I’ve been to Budapest twice, and both times I ate very well. As of 2023, this city has five 100% gluten free restaurants and seven dedicated bakeries – that’s a lot. There are also tons of nondedicated restaurants with safe gluten free options.

In between eating, Budapest is also just a genuinely fascinating city. We spent our time wandering the streets, testing out all the thermal baths (Rudas is the best kept secret in Budapest, in my opinion), and just soaking up the culture.

In this post, I’m sharing all the best (and safest) gluten free restaurants in Budapest. Consider this your complete guide to how to navigate Budapest gluten free if you’re celiac or gluten intolerant.

This gluten free Budapest guide is updated for 2023.

A Translation Card for Gluten Free Budapest Travelers

Budapest is the capital of Hungary, so you can expect pretty much everyone to speak Hungarian (called “Magyar” among Hungarians)! Of course, many people will also speak English as it’s a major tourist city (this is not as true if you venture out of Budapest).

In my experience, we could get by in English for the most part, except for ordering gluten free food at non-dedicated restaurants.

For communicating in Hungarian in Budapest, I highly recommend using this translation card from Select Wisely. You can buy it online and have it downloaded straight to your phone.

I recommend this translation card instead of the free one available online because it goes into depth on all the things we can’t eat: wheat, barley, rye, malt, flour, oats, soy sauce, breads, cereals, gravies, and more.

If you have additional dietary requirements (nut allergy, vegan, etc), you can also get a combo card. Click the image below to read more about the translation card.

Gluten Free Phrases to Know in Hungarian

Like I mentioned, Hungarian (or “Magyar”) is spoken in Budapest. And while I 100% recommend traveling with a gluten free translation card, it is also useful to have a basic knowledge of the language.

Useful Hungarian phrases for celiacs:

• Celiac = cöliákia
• Gluten free = gluténmentes
• Gluten = glutén
• Is this gluten free? = Ez gluténmentes? 
• Wheat = búza
• Flour = lisztje (you will see this one a lot)

Although there is a celiac society in Hungary, a lot of people are still unaware of what gluten is, or the impact it can have on us. Nevertheless, the Hungarian celiac society has gone to the extent of listing celiac-friendly restaurants in Budapest.

It’s unclear if these are ‘accredited’ or had to pass certain standards, so as always ask questions and use your translation card.

Dedicated Gluten Free Budapest Restaurants and Cafes

The best place for any celiac or gluten intolerant traveler to eat is always a 100% gluten free, dedicated facility. I’m obsessed with these places and so grateful for what they do for our community. Luckily for us, there are five such restaurants in Budapest. Yes – FIVE!

Kata Restaurant

Kata Restaurant is an absolute must-visit if you’re eating gluten free in Budapest. This restaurant is dedicated gluten and lactose free (the only items not gluten free, oddly, are a few gluten-containing beers… ah well, that’s good for our gluten-eating travel companions!).

Here, you could eat tagliatelle pasta, hamburgers, and more – all gluten free. This is a relatively nice sit down restaurant and well worth a visit.

Address: Kata Restaurant, Budapest, Hajós u. 27, 1065 Hungary

Nyugati Cöli Bisztró

Nyugati Coli Bisztro is a little cafe in central Budapest, close to the Nyugati tram station.

It’s 100% gluten free and offers a variety of pastries, cakes, and cookies, as well as lunch options (including pizza). There are a variety of baked goods on offer every day, as well as gluten free products like flour, granola, baking mixes, bread, and more.

You can also find some traditional Hungarian dishes here, such as sausages, cabbage soup, goulash, and others.

Address: Nyugati Coli Bisztro, Jokai u. 40, 1065 Hungary

Maja Gluten Free Bistro – CLOSED

Maja Bistro was a 100% gluten and lactose free restaurant on the Buda side of the river. Unfortunately, it is now also permanently closed.

Drop – CLOSED

Drop was my favorite sit-down, 100% gluten free Budapest restaurant. We made a beeline here our first night in Budapest.

I’m sad to update this post in 2023 and say that Drop is now closed.

Hopefully we get to see this restaurant reopen in some capacity in the future. I’ll be sure to keep this post updated if it does!

Great Bistro – CLOSED

Great Bistro was a 100% gluten free and vegan restaurant in Budapest. Sadly they are now permanently closed, too.

GluteNo – CLOSED

Gluteno was a little 100% gluten free cafe… It had traditional Hungarian meat paninis and was one of my favorite gluten free spots in Budapest. I’m so sad they closed. I’ll keep this post updated but it does not look like they have plans to reopen.

Dedicated Gluten Free Budapest Bakeries

I am actually stunned at how many dedicated gluten free bakeries there are in Budapest. I’ve found SEVEN. That’s even more than New York City, which I pretty much consider a gluten free mecca.

I haven’t had a chance to try all of these Budapest gluten free bakeries myself, but it’s on my bucket list. I’m actually planning a return visit to Budapest later in 2023, so stay tuned for personal updates.

Free! Gluten Free Bakery

Free! Gluten Free Bakery is a 100% gluten free bakery in Budapest’s Jewish quarter. Free! is also 100% soy free, and offers many products that are vegan, egg, or lactose free.

It was one of the first gluten free bakeries in Budapest and is the most well known. There are sooo many gluten free pastries on offer here – including some Hungarian classics. They even have croissants on occasion!

The menu does change daily so be aware of that.

Address: 1033 Budapest Szentendrei út 89. Building 79

Manioka Gluténmentes Pékség

Manioka is another 100% gluten free bakery in Budapest. It goes above and beyond and is also lactose, soy, egg, yeast, and sugar free. Phew!

This should be your go-to bakery if you are looking specifically for traditional Hungarian pastries. I recommend arriving early in the morning and stocking up for the rest of your trip.

I fell in love with gluten free apple strudel in Prague, and you can get the same here. It is also super close to the Great Market Hall – a major tourist attraction that I discuss in the following section!

Address: Manioka Glutenmentres Pekseq, Budapest, Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor 121, 1026 Hungary

Noglu Feny Cukraszda

Noglu is yet another dedicated gluten free bakery in Budapest. It is currently the only 100% gluten free bakery located on the Buda side (the left side of the river, much more hilly!).

Also, notably, this is not the same Noglu gluten free bakery that you might be familiar with in New York City and Paris.

This bakery offers a variety of gluten free cakes, as well as vegan and lactose free options. They also serve ice cream, including lactose free and vegan ice creams! Keep in mind that unlike other Budapest bakeries, Noglu only sells dessert items (no savory meals).

Address: Noglu Feny Cukraszda, Budapest, Fény u. 2, 1024 Hungary

Divine Sugar Free Cukrászda

Divine Sugar Free Cukrászda is a dedicated gluten free bakery that is located very close to both Manioka (another 100% gluten free bakery) and the Great Market Hall. Basically, it has a prime location!

Divine Sugar Free Cukrászda is also completely free of lactose and sugar. In addition to gluten free cakes, you can also get vegan ice cream here (and not worry about cross contact with the scoops – woohoo!).

Update for 2023 – they changed their name to Divine Sugar Free Cukrászda. You may have noticed that they were formerly called Sugar Free Monkey.

Address: Divine Sugar Free Cukrászda, Budapest, Ráday u. 3, 1092 Hungary

Tibidabo Gluten Free Bakery

Tibidabo is one of Budapest’s newest gluten free bakeries and you should definitely check it out! I haven’t made it here myself, so be sure to let me know in the comments what you think.

Tibidabo is 100% gluten free and among the incredible offerings are cinnamon rolls, danishes, apple strudel, three types of bread, and more! Apparently, you can also get gluten free challah bread here. I haven’t had challah bread in over a decade so that’s what my order would be!

They also claim to specialise in coffee. That’s another major bonus to visit in my book!

Address: Tibidabo Gluten Free Bakery, Budapest, Dohány u. 7, 1074 Hungary

Naspolya Nassolda

I don’t know why Naspolya Nassolda doesn’t show up on more gluten free Budapest lists, because this little place is 100% gluten free!

One reason that might be is that they market themselves as 100% vegan (vegans, flock here, fast!). The fact they are also gluten free flies a bit under the radar.

Nevertheless, this is a great stop for a gluten free sweet bite to eat. The bakery itself is super instagrammable with a kind of Scandi design.

Address: Naspolya Nassolda, Budapest, Káldy Gyula u. 7, 1061 Hungary

Golden Granet Gluten Free Bakery – CLOSED

Golden Granet was the second of two gluten free bakeries located on the Buda side (the other is Noglu).

Golden Granet was, I believe, the newest gluten free bakery in Budapest. It’s so sad that they closed so soon. It doesn’t look like Golden Granet has any plans to reopen unfortunately.

Non-Dedicated Gluten Free Budapest Restaurants

These restaurants are not 100% gluten free, but still have plenty of gluten free options. Please be aware that cross contact is always a potential issue when you eat food prepared in a shared environment.

That’s why I highly recommend traveling with the gluten free Hungarian translation card, and questioning the wait staff about how food is prepared, to help prevent cross contact.

0.75 Bistro

0.75 Bistro was one of my favorite meals in Budapest. It is in a great location in the center of Budapest, by the bridges and cathedral.

When I travel, I usually end up in some godforsaken neighborhood looking for gluten free food (read: Prague), but we actually happened upon 0.75 Bistro whilst feeling lazy in the center of town. 0.75 Bistro labels gluten free food on the menu, and has many options.

We ordered a gluten free roasted duck risotto, and a crispy goats cheese and beet salad. Both were incredible and I literally still dream of the goats cheese.

They also serve gluten free desserts, and a gluten free beer which was produced in Hungary! I found the staff very knowledgeable about celiac disease and cross contact.

Address: 0.75 Bistro, Budapest, Szent István tér 6, 1051 Hungary

Great Market Hall

The Great Market Hall is a Budapest institution which is on most travelers’ itineraries, as it should be. If you find yourself here around lunch time, don’t fret because there are gluten free options!

All the prepared food stands are upstairs, and you can find salads at multiple places (ask about cross contact).

There is also traditional goulash soup, which is gluten free!! You can find this upstairs, the first stall along the right side wall.

I was happy just to find a traditional, gluten free meal, but I have to be honest and say that it wasn’t the best tasting. The goulash was quite oily and watered down compared to the goulash we tried the night before at Drop.

Don’t go out of your way to eat at the Great Market Hall, but if you are already there and don’t want to fuss with a sit down meal, at least you won’t go hungry.

Remember, there are two fabulous 100% gluten free bakeries within a five minute walk, so maybe save your meal for there.

Address: Great Market Hall, Vamhaz korut, 1-3, Budapest 1093, Hungary

Etna I & II Restaurant and Pizzeria

Etna is a Budapest pizzeria with two locations (hence the I and II). It offers gluten free pizza and pasta (including gnocchi), and comes recommended by the Hungarian celiac society.

Gluten free meals are prepared in a separate area of the kitchen, making it a safe option for celiacs to eat alongside their gluten-consuming travel partners.

Also note that you can order pizza here to take out – could be a fun option for a picnic or a night in your vacation rental (see below for a great option)!

Address: Etna I Restaurant and Pizzeria, 1)1026 Budapest, Gábor Áron út 74-78 2) Budapest, VIII. Ker. Baross tér 10

Due Fratelli Restaurant

Due Fratelli Restaurant is another that comes recommended by the Hungarian celiac society. It is located on the Buda side but pretty close to the Danube, so it’s a convenient location if you’re on that side.

Here, you can order gluten free pasta and three types of gluten free pizza. You can also order gluten free tiramisu and gyros.

Address: Due Fratelli Restaurant // 1027 Budapest, Erőd utca 9

Pata Negra

Pata Negra is a nice tapas place with two locations in Budapest. It has some great reviews from gluten free diners – they serve gluten free baguettes and mark options clearly on the menu.

I have however also read some reviews regarding cross contact that make me question how safe this restaurant is. I have not eaten here myself, and would encourage you to use your translation card and make your needs clear to your server, as always!

Address: Multiple locations! See the full list here.

Mazel Tov

Mazel Tov is an Israeli fusion kitchen, located in Budapest’s Jewish quarter. It was actually voted the #1 restaurant in Budapest by TimeOut.

I have not eaten here myself but it was recommended to us by Dan’s friend who also has celiac disease. She raved about the gluten free goulash!

Mazel Tov does not offer gluten free bread/pita but many dishes are naturally gluten free, and the staff is knowledgeable about celiac disease. They are able to adjust dishes to make them safely gluten free.

Address: Mazel Tov, Budapest, Akácfa u. 47, 1072 Hungary

McDonald’s

Call me basic, I DON’T CARE. Hungary has gluten free McDonald’s y’all!!

I’m not a huge one for fast food, but I find it such a treat to grab gluten free McDonald’s in certain European countries (I’ve had it in Portugal, Amsterdam, Norway, Spain, Italy, and others).

The buns are prepackaged and warmed up in their packaging, ensuring no cross contact.

Address: Multiple locations – Yesss!

Slow Foodiez – CLOSED

Slow Foodiez was a trendy vegan restaurant which had several gluten free options. Basically, this was the place to go for health food in Budapest. Sadly, they’re not permanently closed.

Gluten Free Budapest Shops

Plan on doing some of your own cooking in Budapest? We stayed in an vacation rental in Budapest (which I would recommend doing!), and cooked a few of our own meals.

Aldi is a major grocery shop chain that has a few gluten free options. We did most of our shopping there. You’ll also find Lidl, Tesco, and other major brands. For the really special gluten free food, though, head to one of these shops.

DietABC*

DietABC is a little shop focusing on all kinds of special diets: celiac / gluten free, lactose free, diabetic, and more. It’s pretty far out from the city center, located in the Gyárdűlő neighborhood. Worth a stop if you are in the area!

Address: DietABC,1091 Budapest, Üllői út 149

Nyugati Cöli Bisztró – 100% Gluten Free

I mentioned Nyugati Cöli Bisztró under the cafes and bakeries section. It’s worth mentioning here, too, as they have an entire section dedicated to gluten free products!

It’s centrally located in Budapest so this is your best bet to shop for gluten free flours, mixes, pasta, bread, and more!

Address: Nyugati Cöli Bisztró, 1066 Budapest, Jókai utca 40.

Budaörsi Élelmiszerallergia Szaküzlet

Budaörsi Élelmiszerallergia Szaküzlet (say that ten times fast) is a lovely little gluten free shop and bistro located in Budaörs which is actually a town nearby to Budapest.

It is very, very popular with the Hungarian celiac community, and for good reason. Here, you’ll find gluten free Hungarian pastries, sausages, and so much more.

Since it’s so far out of Budapest, though, I would only come here if you are already planning to venture out on a day trip, or have a rental car.

Address: Budaörsi Élelmiszerallergia Szaküzlet, Budaörs 2040 Budaörs, Szabadság út 14-2.

More Gluten Free Shops in Budapest

There are two other gluten free specialty shops in Budapest that the Hungarian celiac society mentions – Food Allergy Center TAC and Alter’s Food Allergy Store.

For the life of me I cannot find their locations. I believe that the Hungarian celiac society’s information may be outdated (their website is from 2012) so I assume these shops are closed. Don’t go out of your way to find them.

Closed Gluten Free Budapest Restaurants

For some reason, there is a high turnover of gluten free restaurants in Budapest (similar to Prague).

Just like with all my gluten free travel guides, I try to keep this post as updated as possible… so you can have the best trip possible! It’s currently updated for 2023.

Here is a list of CLOSED restaurants that previously had gluten free options:

• GluteNo
• Fun Cafe
• Köles A Reform Konyha
• Raw Food Delivery*
• Food Allergy Center TAC*
• Alter’s Food Allergy Store*
• Slow Foodiez
• Fonograph Restaurant Svábhegy*

You may see these restaurants mentioned in other articles or review sites – please don’t waste your time trying to find them. Note: * indicates recommended by Hungarian celiac society.

Where to Stay in Budapest if you’re Gluten Free

As always, I highly recommend choosing accommodation that caters to gluten free guests – either with your own kitchen, or a celiac friendly hotel breakfast!

Vacation Rentals in Budpest

On both of my trips to Budapest, I stayed in apartments with kitchenettes. I would totally recommend staying in something similar in Budapest for a few reasons: 1) They’re plentiful and super affordable in Budapest, and 2) You’ll have your own kitchen to prepare gluten free food.

Gluten Free Hotels and Vacation Rentals in Budapest

Budapest also has a few hotels that cater to gluten free travelers, and some are quite affordable, too!

• Casa Wesselenyi: A comfy apartment in a great location with full kitchenette, the perfect backup if you need a break from all the above amazing Gluten Free food.
• Corinthia Budapest: Breakfast included in stay, gluten free items are marked on the menu and gluten free bread is available.
• Carlton Hotel Budapest: Ask for gluten free options at breakfast, and you’ll be given your own basket of gluten free rolls and even chocolate wafers!

Gluten Free Budapest Map…

Use the map below to help you navigate gluten free options in Budapest!

It’s downloadable to your phone and you can use it without data or wifi. I love using this as I can explore freely, and then when I get hungry I just navigate to the closest restaurant on the map. (Purple = dedicated gluten free).

Hopefully this helps out at least one fellow gluten free traveler! Although we didn’t get to test out every single restaurant that was recommended to us, we didn’t go hungry (or Hungary LOL) during our time in Budapest.