At a rather unexpected location lies one of the best, if not the best, Japanese sushi restaurants in Budapest. Just a few steps from Corvin-negyed metro station awaits the discreet wonder of Kicsi Japán. ("small Japan").
From the outside, one might not know what to expect, but as you step inside, all the details fall into place. When a friend first brought me here, without me knowing anything about the place, the moment I set foot inside, I had no doubt I was in the right spot for truly authentic Japanese food and atmosphere.
Kicsi Japán is, unsurprisingly, very different from the classic dining venues in Budapest in many ways. It’s rather quiet, with no harsh lighting; it’s modest and measured in a good way. The food is undoubtedly top quality — fresh and expertly made. I also enjoy the variety of Japanese beers you can try here.
The menu is thoughtfully set together. Besides sushi, they serve a variety of different dishes, such as healthy bowls and desserts.
In 2024, they opened another Kicsi Japán near Nyugati train station, this time adding 'dining' to its name. The interior here is more cleared-out, uncluttered, and less peculiar. Personally, I prefer the one at Corvin with all its unique peculiarities. It's a place that really drags me out of your Central European reality for the sake of a calm and exceptionally delicious dinner.
Explore Budapest like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Budapest guide.
Ligeti Bolt, a zero-waste pioneer in Budapest, offers grains, snacks, and more for refill. Shop eco-friendly, bring your jars, and embrace a conscious lifestyle!
By
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
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
"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
"Arán Bakery Budapest" fuels my dreams with sourdough bread like my grandmother made it and delicious cinnamon rolls...
By
"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
"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
"Pogány-torony", or Pagan Tower, in Budapest, is one of the city's strangest buildings, with a Gothic folk-tale-meets-Tolkien charm...
By
"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
"Kéhli" Restaurant in Budapest not only has excellent food and gypsy bands -- the best thing about it is that you get a taste of life in the golden age...
By
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
170 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 170 Insider Tips from our local Spotters