Budapest for the Gluten-Free Baddie: Where to Eat & What to Order

Where to Eat, What to Order, and Why I’m Already Plotting My Return

If you’re a gluten-free traveler who dreams of walking into a bakery and actually having options—real options, not just a sad macaron or sorbet—then listen up. Budapest needs to be at the top of your travel list. This city didn’t just have a few safe spots; it had entire bakeries and restaurants dedicated to the gluten-free life. I’m talking about places I will dream about returning to.

So let’s get into it—where to eat, what to order, and what’s worth going back for.

1. Szezám Bakery: A Sweet Start

First stop: Szezám. The walk there is lovely, weaving through the city and along the river, setting the perfect scene for a pastry moment. When you step inside, you’re met with a glowing case full of gluten-free pastries and the comforting hum of a barista whipping up lattes.

We grabbed a pistachio cheesecake, two cinnamon rolls, a flat white for Barry, and a chai latte for me. The pistachio cheesecake? Absolute magic. The cinnamon rolls? Eh, they weren’t bad, but they didn’t hit the gooey, cinnamon-sugar explosion I was hoping for. Solid 7/10 overall. Would go back for that cheesecake in a heartbeat.

2. Retro Lángos Budapest: Fried Dough Heaven

Budapest is known for lángos—think deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese. Obviously, I needed to hunt down a gluten-free version. After a relaxing afternoon at Magnolia Day Spa, we rolled up to Retro Lángos Budapest, for their gluten-free options.

The first one we got was the classic but dairy-free and gluten-free. Loved it, but it was screaming for hot sauce. So we went back again (because why not?) and leveled up—added ham and doused it in hot sauce. And let me tell you, that combo slapped. The staff seemed a little perplexed when I ordered a vegan gluten-free lángos and then asked for ham, but hey, it is what it is.

3. NonGluten Pizzeria: Hangry Crisis Averted

Picture this: I spent hours soaking and steaming at Széchenyi Baths, and my hunger crossed into full-blown “I need food NOW” mode. Enter: NonGluten Pizzeria.

Only one problem—their pizza oven was out of order. Devastating, but we pivoted. We ordered two pastas: I got the bolognese (which immediately improved my mood), and Barry went for carbonara and a well deserved side eye in my direction. Honestly, I was too hungry to be disappointed about the pizza, and the pasta absolutely did the job.

4.Fittnass Bakery: Dreams Are Made of This

The bakery I was most excited for was Fittnass. First of all, the name alone cracked me up—imagine a bakery called “Fitness” (spoiler: it’s not health food, and I love that). Second, the selection was out of this world.

A minor challenge: the language barrier made it tricky to figure out what I was pointing at, but a kind stranger jumped in to help. I wish I could tell you the names of what we ate, but I have zero idea how to spell them. What I do know is that these pastries were unreal—flaky, flavorful, and straight-up unbelievably good. If you can only go to one gluten-free bakery in Budapest, let it be this one.

5. Kata Restaurant: The MVP

Kata was hands down my favorite restaurant of the entire trip. This place is completely gluten and dairy free, meaning I could order whatever the hell I wanted without a second thought.

We went twice because it was just that good. Both times, I started with goulash (because when in Hungary, right?), plus a Coke and a latte. Then I got fried chicken with mashed potatoes, while Barry went for a fried chicken burger. On our second visit, we both ordered burgers, and wow. I’m not even a huge burger person, but these? Game-changers.

We finished off with desserts—chocolate brownie and apple crumble with dairy-free ice cream. I’d book a flight back just for that meal.

6. Bohémtanya: A Last-Night Feast

Bohémtanya was the one that kept getting away from us—it didn’t open until Thursday, and somehow, we kept wanting to go on the wrong days. But finally, on our last night in Budapest, we made it.

This spot serves traditional Hungarian food and is entirely gluten and dairy free. By the time we got there, we were starving, so we went all in and ordered four main courses. The waiter tried to warn us that we might have ordered too much. Sir, we know, and we do not care.

I’m not even going to attempt to type out the Hungarian dish names again, my apologies, but just know that everything was comforting, hearty, and exactly the farewell meal we needed. Absolute must-visit.

Final Thoughts: Budapest, You Spoiled Me

These are just a handful of the gluten-free spots I had pinned before the trip, and I barely scratched the surface. Budapest set the bar high for gluten-free travel, and I already know I need a round two.

If you’re gluten-free and heading to Budapest, just know you won’t be surviving on salads and sad substitutions. You’ll be thriving, eating like royalty, and, if you’re like me, leaving with a suitcase full of snacks for the plane.

Until next time, Budapest. I’ll be back for more.

If you’d like to save all these locations for your own trip, I’ve got you covered! Here’s my Google Maps list with all the spots pinned: Budapest Gluten-Free Guide. Save it, use it, and eat your way through Budapest stress-free!