Kéhli Restaurant Budapest
A taste of history
The waiters in Kéhli can be a bit rough at the edges, eyeing you with a polite aloofness that suggests they expected more of you. Better knowledge of wine, perhaps; a more informed choice of side dish. The gypsy band interrupts their songs with idle chatter, they make plentiful cigarette and soup breaks. Their enthusiasm subsides if you're the only people in the restaurant early on a Friday and have made the beginner’s mistake of coming without cash -- card payments are possible, but obviously not to the band.
As we wait for our orders, lovely food scents escape the kitchen, the cooks bicker loudly, some locals arrive and are automatically served their usual drinks by the wordless waiter. The breeze ruffles the leaves of the tall trees shading the inner courtyard. This is obviously time travel, to the heart of an early 20th-century novel when this part of the world was still safely cocooned in the bosom of a confident empire. A book perhaps written by Gyula Krúdy, the novelist of noble origins whose table of choice is proudly marked in one of Kéhli’s indoors areas. He was a lover of food, drinks and leisure, and his presence hovers over the place like a gentle ghost.
It helps that the food is excellent (the pork medallions with blue cheese sauce are highly recommended), but the best thing about Kéhli, and it comes for free, is a fleeting taste of what it was like to live in the golden age.
About this spot
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Budapest guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Budapest
Lúd Labor – Local paper store, made with love
"Lúd Labor" in Budapest is the perfect stationery shop. More than half its wares are made by local designers, I tend to lose control in here...
By
Claudia
Leporatti
Hungarian Treasury – My favourite building
The "Hungarian Treasury" in Budapest is a building I show to all my guests. Its secessionist art nouveau style is reminiscent of Antoni Gaudí...
By
Claudia
Leporatti
Vivina café – Brunch classic in Budapest
The true star of Vivina’s brunch menu is the porridge—comforting, nourishing, and served with fresh berries and toasted nuts, it’s one of the best porridges in town!
By
Betti
Galos
Lion's Locker – A tasty home for travellers
"Lion's Locker" in Budapest is a cute family-run cafe where I can stay all day. The staff is all wonderful - and they know how to make almond milk foam!
By
Claudia
Leporatti
Arán Bakery Budapest – Sourdough and dreams
"Arán Bakery Budapest" fuels my dreams with sourdough bread like my grandmother made it and delicious cinnamon rolls...
By
Iulia
Notaros
Sport Bisztró – Fitness for the stomach
"Sport Bisztró" in Budapest is a pleasantly familiar, well-oiled haunt that sticks to the proverb 'healthy mind in a healthy body!' Great sports bar, too.
By
Iulia
Notaros
Nos a Hely – The tiny treasure trove is back
"Nos a Hely" is a pop-up vintage shop in Hungary - they have a carefully curated selection of vintage porcelain and other local items. Great for gifts!
By
Iulia
Notaros
Pogány-torony – Forgotten oddity
"Pogány-torony", or Pagan Tower, in Budapest, is one of the city's strangest buildings, with a Gothic folk-tale-meets-Tolkien charm...
By
Iulia
Notaros
Szeráj Turkish Restaurant – Fast food veterans
"Szeráj Turkish Restaurant" in Budapest, but that's not all! This place is the great leveler: here you can meet anyone, from hungry students to TV stars...
By
Iulia
Notaros
Japánkert in Zugló – Hidden zen oasis
The Japanese garden hidden in a leafy corner of Zugló. It was created in 1928 by Márton Varga and followed Japanese principles as much as possible...
By
Iulia
Notaros
The Garden Cafe – Unforgettable Turkish flavors
The Garden at Brody House is a hidden spot with rich history, serving amazing Turkish cuisine in a cozy courtyard. Good luck choosing!
By
Betti
Galos
Kieselbach Galéria – Collection of Legends
Kieselback Gallery showcases Hungary’s greatest art, from classics to modern works. Free entry, quiet rooms, and nearby cafés make a very special place.
By
Eszter
Baracskai
Just €9.99!
Heading to Budapest?
170 Insider Tips from Locals
Authentic Stories
Escape the Crowds
Full Access to our Budapest Blog & App!
Just €9.99
Going to Budapest?
✓ 170 Hidden Gems only Locals know
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
✓ Full Access to the Budapest City Blog & App!
