The New York Café in Budapest is considered the most beautiful café in the world, and I admit, I was left speechless from the very first moment I encountered it. From the outside, the New York Palace hints at the beauty it hides within, but once inside, the imposing architecture, the ambiance, and the elegance that dominate the space instantly made me fall in love with this place.

It is immense, with small tables for two or four, elegant and attentive waiters, and an interior designed in the Belle Epoque style. The ornaments, Venetian chandeliers, and the frescoes by Gusztáv Mannheimer and Ferenc Eisenhut that adorn the walls make this place unique. During the time I spent in New York Café, I couldn’t take my eyes off the beauty surrounding me, and I couldn’t sit still at the table, even though the delicacies I sampled deserved my full attention. I explored the place and admired it from every angle.


Fascinating is the word that best describes this imposing masterpiece, and I believe anyone who visits Budapest should not miss spending a few moments here. The images are still etched in my mind, and that’s exactly why I began my series of articles about my city break in Budapest with this location. The fact that it was named the most beautiful café in the world by ucityguides.com is no coincidence, and even though other cafés may have emerged since, for me, it remains the most beautiful on my personal top list.
The Story of New York Café
The building was constructed in 1849 by the New York Insurance Company as its local headquarters, located on Erzsébet Körút 9-11 in Budapest. On the ground floor, the famous New York Café served as a meeting place for poets and writers, becoming the most renowned café in Budapest.
During the communist era, the building was nationalized. Later, in 2001, it was purchased by the Italian hotel chain Boscolo Hotels. After undergoing extensive renovations, it was reopened in 2006, now featuring 107 luxury rooms and the iconic café on the ground floor.


What You Can Enjoy Here
At this café, besides coffee drinks, you can indulge in dishes from both Hungarian and Italian cuisine.
The prices are not low, but the experience here is definitely worth it:
- Cappuccino/Latte Macchiato – 7.5 euros
- Lemonade – 7 euros
- Hot Chocolate – 8.5 euros
- Burger – 18 euros
- Salad – 16.5 euros
- Soup – 9 euros
- Dessert – 9 euros
For reservations, menu details, and more, click here.



Love,
A.C.