Located in the heart of Budapest, on Király Street, is the city’s newest brunch restaurant, Barhes Budapest, offering a fresh and unique brunch experience for both locals and tourists. The beginnings of Barhes Budapest were not without challenges, as the team set their dreams on a new foundation following an unfortunate event. After Bálna Terasz closed its doors in 2024, the team didn’t give up and soon after, they created a new, Mediterranean-inspired brunch spot in the heart of the city.
The restaurant’s namesake is none other than the famous Jewish braided bread, the barhes (also known as challah), which is not just a supporting role here, but clearly the star! The restaurant team has created their own artisanal barhes bread, which Szabi Szabadfi makes for the bistro. This bakery is paired with authentic flavors like Jewish eggs made with duck fat, but modern brunch classics like Eggs Benedict are also on offer.
We regret to inform our dear readers that the restaurant featured in this blog post has since closed its doors.
Thank you for your understanding and we hope that you will soon discover new exciting places on our website!
The birth of the Barhes Budapest
The story of Barhes Budapest began with a tragic moment. The team behind the beloved Bálna Terasz was forced to close their restaurant at the end of 2024, which was a blow to everyone. However, instead of letting this hardship define them, the team gathered their energy and passion to start something new. They found a vibrant new location in downtown Budapest where they could share their love of brunch with us.
Thus, Barhes Budapest was born – a new chapter full of creativity and, of course, delicious food.
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What is Barhes?
The name “Barhes” refers to the famous Jewish bread, challah, which is an integral part of many Jewish traditions. This sweet, soft bread is the centerpiece of the Barhes Budapest menu. The Barhes team has created an artisanal Barhesz bun that beautifully complements both traditional and modern tastes.
Historically, barhes has its roots in Jewish culture and has been a staple of Shabbat and holiday meals for centuries. The bread is characterized by its rich texture and slightly sweet flavor, and is often made in braided patterns to symbolize the unity of the community. At Barhes Budapest, this traditional bakery is placed at the center of attention, perfectly fitting into the brunch concept and Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Mediterranean cuisine and tradition
The restaurant creatively combines local and international flavors, reflecting the richness of Mediterranean gastronomy as well as local Hungarian and Jewish traditions. Here we do not encounter kosher dishes, but dishes that emphasize freshness, creativity and colorful flavors.
The menu is full of international favorites like Eggs Benedict, toasts and salads. You can also discover Middle Eastern specialties like shakshuka or falafel sandwiches. For those who want to try local specialties, try the sholet or flodni. The restaurant caters to all needs, whether it’s a hearty breakfast, vegetarian dishes or creative use of vegetables.
Reinterpreting brunch classics
Barhes Budapest offers the classic barhes in both sweet and savory versions, combining tradition with modern flavors in a unique way. Sweet barhes variations, such as the one richly spread with Nutella, dazzling with the rich aroma of pistachios, or the version evoking the sweet-salty harmony of salted caramel, offer the perfect breakfast treat or dessert. The savory dishes are similarly creative: toasted barhes stuffed with burrata or smoked salmon bring elegant, fresh flavors, while baba ganoush or Jewish eggs offer a special gastronomic experience with a modern reinterpretation of barhes. All dishes are based on the soft, rich texture of barhes, creating a unique experience for brunch lovers.
Eggs Benedict is one of the most popular brunch dishes, but at Barhes Budapest we don’t get it on our table in the usual form.
Instead of a traditional English muffin, the barhes provides the perfect base for poached eggs and rich hollandaise sauce. These can be ordered with a variety of toppings: smoked salmon, avocado, olives, beetroot hummus, capers, or even spinach and sautéed mushrooms.
Special main courses offered by Barhes Budapest
The main courses of Barhes Budapest combine Mediterranean gastronomy with Jewish and Hungarian culinary traditions, providing an exciting and unique experience. The dishes are rich, characteristic, and every bite presents guests with a new taste experience. Shakshuka is a classic of Mediterranean cuisine: eggs slowly cooked in a spicy tomato sauce served with fresh bread are both healthy and delicious. The cholent, an iconic dish of Jewish cuisine, is a slow-cooked, hearty dish with beans, meat and potatoes, with a deep respect for tradition.
One of the most exciting items on the menu is the Fried Chicken Barhes, where crispy fried chicken and soft barhes bread create a perfect harmony. The vegetarian offering stands out with the falafel barhes, packed with beetroot hummus and tahini, which impresses with its freshness and homemade ingredients. These dishes are not only nutritious, but also stylish, perfectly matching the passion for brunch, while providing a lasting experience with their unique flavors.
Barhes Budapest is also the perfect choice for a light meal or shareable delicacies, available in the form of various mezze and salads. These richly flavored dishes are ideal for an appetizer or a gathering with friends. The silky texture of the Jewish egg is enhanced by the rich duck fat, which provides a truly special experience when paired with fresh bread or vegetables. The Mediterranean-inspired baba ganoush, with its smoky eggplant cream, or the colorful hummus made with beetroot, is the perfect accompaniment to fresh pita or vegetables. One of the most exciting items on the menu is muhammara, a creamy, spicy dip made of roasted red peppers and nuts, which is especially worth spreading on barhes bread.
For those who prefer lighter dishes, salads offer fresh and healthy options. The Mediterranean-style dishes are made with seasonal ingredients and are full of exciting flavors. The beetroot feta salad, for example, combines the sweetness of beets with the creamy, slightly sour character of feta cheese. It is also served with olive oil and fresh herbs to ensure that every bite is perfectly balanced.
No meal is complete without dessert, and Barhes Budapest’s diverse menu offers the perfect ending. Refreshing smoothie bowls and classic Hungarian sweets and pastries are guaranteed to satisfy every taste. The smoothie bowls offer healthy and fruity options, such as a tropical mango-pineapple variation or sweet peach chutney with vanilla yogurt and crunchy granola. For lovers of traditional desserts, flodni is a must-try. This layered cake with poppy seeds, walnuts, apples and plum jam is an authentic Hungarian sweet that is justifiably popular on Jewish holidays. Each dessert provides freshness and satisfaction as a worthy end to the meal.
The treasures of Barhes Budapest’s bar counter
The drinks menu at Barhes Budapest is as impressive as its menu. Behind the large, stylish bar, a well-stocked drinks menu awaits guests, with premium cocktails, wines and specialties. Cocktail enthusiasts can choose from classic flavors to modern, creative blends that are the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Coffee lovers are also in for a treat: the menu includes superfood lattes and special matcha drinks that are guaranteed to brighten your day.
And the story doesn’t end there – Barhes Budapest will soon be introducing its bottomless brunch offering, which is a relative newcomer to the Budapest gastronomic scene. We can’t wait to try this exclusive experience! If you’re curious, click here for details.
Barhes Budapest is the place where traditional flavors and modern creativity come together to reveal a new, exciting gastronomic world. In the heart of the city, with a unique atmosphere and fresh, mouth-watering dishes, visitors who are looking for a truly special meal are welcomed.
