Matinée Budapest

A dollhouse with real espresso

Claudia from Budapest

About me Spoiled by the beauty of my native Firenze, in Italy, I recently celebrated my 10th year in Budapest, a city I couldn't have enough of, yet. I'm an official tour guide, a journalist and a writer, but most of all someone who needs to be surrounded by lively places and stunning architecture. Why Budapest Budapest never stops surprising me and this keeps...
""Matinée" in Budapest is like a tiny dollhouse-boat with great coffee. Here you can really have it the same way you do in Italy! And what decoration..."

It's not easy to find an Italian espresso in Hungary, and it's hardly ever possible to drink it the Italian way, standing at the bar and rushing back out to continue your day. "Take your sit", they tell you here, after you completed the order at the counter. It took me a long time to understand why I had to sit to drink an espresso. 

In today's Budapest, though, there are a few spots that make proper espresso and Matinée is part of the list. This café reminds me of a dollhouse. Its 2 storeys are tiny and mostly made of wood, carefully decorated. I have to say that in this country it is common to use religious artefacts as ornaments. So don't be surprised if you spot a Jesus Christ and some Virgin Mary here.

Being in this country, the place is small but full of different themes. It has also a marine touch and quite a few antique toys. Can I describe it as a dollhouse-boat with faith in God and coffee? I will. I love miniatures and Matinée looks like a precious one.

Furthermore, it's between Kodály Körönd, the nicest junction in Andrássy Avenue, and Benczúr Street, both very green, bright and worth a stroll. One of the few quality places I can find close to the city park, I drop by when I have guests from Italy, including my mum, and you know, the mamma is the mamma.

Note: on Saturday their opening times can be unreliable!

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Budapest Spotter Claudia

About me Spoiled by the beauty of my native Firenze, in Italy, I recently celebrated my 10th year in Budapest, a city I couldn't have enough of, yet. I'm an official tour guide, a journalist and a writer, but most of all someone who needs to be surrounded by lively places and stunning architecture. Why Budapest Budapest never stops surprising me and this keeps my love alive. The more you zoom in, the more details will entertain your eyes, while the jungle of the coffee shops and bars ensures quality entertainment and precious locations to write in and be i...

About this spot

Benczúr utca 2

Ristretto:

HUF

390

203881032

Oct 2, 2025

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