Szelence Budapest

In a real family house

Claudia from Budapest

""Szelence" in Budapest makes me feel at home -- that's no coincidence, as it's the owners' actual home. Here, at this bistro, they remember what you order."

I was distressed, the first time I stepped in Szelence. I had just had an argument and I had been rudely insulted. I needed kindness more than my coffee.

That's when I saw the cute tables of Szelence Café with an inviting sign about finding your home there.

Szelence is the surname of the family who lives here: "a family of people who love each other, work hard and know how to laugh". Anna Szelence and her siblings opened a restaurant and event location in the house where their grandparents had settled in the '50s, and where she was born.

Her parents loved to invite people over and Anna started to bake for them. Their house became almost a spontaneous meeting point for the neighbourhood. As Anna tells me this story, a variety of people comes and goes from the bistrò. They know each other, it's the place where they remember what you order, which reminds me of when I used to buy bread for my grandparents in the village where I grew up.

The basement is full of paintings: "we organise workshops and host birthday parties and weddings. We built a community inside our family house".

Their daily menus, published online, always includes a vegetarian and a vegan option.

Anna made me a very foamy cappuccino, even with sugar-free almond milk, which is very hard to whip, and her kindness made me a returning client.

Coffee & tea

Restaurants

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

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

Pauler utca 8

Lunch menu:

HUF

1350

Website

+36

12014335

Social

Dec 2, 2025

Our Budapest City Guide

Find your way with 177 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Budapest guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Budapest

Day Trip: Nagymaros

Nature & culture by the river

Ready for an easy yet unforgettable day trip just 40 minutes from Budapest’s city center? Hills, beaches, farmers’ markets, and events await in Nagymaros!

Art & culture

Relaxing

Eszter

Baracskai

Dec 12, 2025

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...

Shopping

Claudia

Leporatti

Dec 12, 2025

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...

Art & culture

Claudia

Leporatti

Dec 12, 2025

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!

Coffee & tea

Restaurants

Betti

Galos

Dec 11, 2025

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!

Coffee & tea

Snacks

Claudia

Leporatti

Dec 9, 2025

Arán Bakery Budapest

Sourdough and dreams

"Arán Bakery Budapest" fuels my dreams with sourdough bread like my grandmother made it and delicious cinnamon rolls...

Snacks

Iulia

Notaros

Dec 9, 2025

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.