If there’s a place in Budapest where you can experience the hustle and bustle of the city and moments of calm at the same time, it’s Smúz Café. They’ve come up with a fresh concept, a redesigned space and a menu that knows exactly what the trend-sensitive urban breakfast or brunch enthusiast wants. Located in an iconic setting on the side of the Parliament, not even a minute from the banks of the Danube, Smúz is a brunch spot, specialty café, cocktail bar and design experience all at once – and it does it all in a truly special atmosphere.
SMÚZ CAFÉ – A MEETING PLACE RECONSIDERED
The story of Smúz Café did not start yesterday: it has been operating since 2014, but by 2024 it had undergone a complete renovation. Initially, it started as a flower shop and a café, but today it carries on the legacy of classic Pest cafés in a modern form. The name is no coincidence: “smúz” is a term borrowed from the Pest world of the forties for a light chat – and here it is not only an atmosphere, but also a mission. The goal is to create a place where everyone can feel at home – with a dog, a bike, an easel or even hiding behind a laptop.
WHERE COFFEE AND CULTURE MEET
One of the special features of Smúz is that the world of specialty coffees is presented here in a playful way: they use 42 Coffee’s own blend, whether it’s filter or espresso-based drinks. But if you’re looking for something more exciting, you can also try their bubble or spicy-colored coffee specialties. Here you can find creative variations, such as orange-vanilla latte, caramel flat white and the eternal classic dirty chai. It’s clear that the baristas know what they’re doing – every cup is made in perfect balance.
The goal here is not coffee snobbery, but a relaxed, experience-based approach – coffee as a mood, as a social moment. Moreover, at Smúz, not only the coffee is special, but also the milk. The milk is provided by Dandelion, Vera and the other happy cows, who are residents of the Living Planet farm. These cows live in biodynamic farming, where every step is based on the harmony of nature. This not only affects the taste of the milk, but also means that by consuming it you are contributing to more sustainable and ethical agriculture. It is delicious, fresh, and completely natural.
Smúz blend 2.0 – by 42 Coffee Roastery
Smúz’s own light roast blend combines coffee from three exceptional growing regions:
- 33% El Salvador – El Cipres
Red Bourbon, Washed - 34% Brasil – Fazenda Zaroca
Yellow Bourbon, Natural - 33% Ethiopia – Kabira
Heirloom, Natural
This special blend offers clean, fruity and balanced aromas – the perfect choice for any coffee enthusiast who is open to new experiences.
Plus, it is also available in packaged form, so you can enjoy the flavors of Smúz at home.
If you’re on the go, Smúz’s coffees will accompany you, as all drinks are available to take away. Grab your favorite flat white or a spicy dirty chai and go for a walk along the Danube, explore the iconic buildings of Kossuth Lajos Square, or just grab a coffee on a busy weekday morning.
INDUSTRIAL ROMANCE – DESIGN THAT TELLS A STORY
The space is both Western European relaxed and subtly romantic: clean shapes, green plants and playful visual motifs amidst industrial concrete details give Smúz its character. The spot motif – which refers to both the domestic Dalmatian dog and the egg as a gastronomic base – runs through the design and the menu. From the terrace, not only the imposing building of the Parliament and the cityscape of Pest unfold before us, but also the iconic trams pass by, while from the interior we can observe the daily rhythm of the city. Here, design and view unite to make every moment special, making the place one of the best date or brunch spots in the city.
BRUNCH THAT CONNECTS WORLDS – FROM BREAKFAST TO DINNER
Smúz’s menu is not just a collection of trendy brunch dishes – it’s a stylish journey through the flavors of the world, where every item is light, creative and conscious use of ingredients. Among the breakfast dishes, the English muffin with poached eggs and avocado cream is a reimagining of the brunch classic, while the Eggs Royal with salmon and hollandaise sauce brings the flavors of casually elegant weekend mornings. The salmon bagel with cream cheese is both fresh and filling, and the vegan and gluten-free fruit granola will be a favorite of those looking for a light, yet tasty breakfast.
There’s no reason to compromise during the day or night: the traditional goulash soup comes with a hot English muffin, while the bagel variations – with sous vide duck or beef – cleverly balance the border between street food and fine dining. The hummus bowl with poached eggs or falafel is a light yet nourishing option, and the spicy warmth of the shakshuka is perfect for a cooler afternoon. If you’re craving something truly filling, there’s the homemade bun smash burger with cranberry jam and fries, the classic chicken paprikash gnocchi, or the deep-fried chicken breast with sweet potatoes and homemade sauce.
Smúz tells a little story in every dish – whether it’s a quick lunch, a long brunch, or a light dinner with wine.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SWEET PLEASURES…
Smúz’s desserts are not only delicious, but also visually stunning. The classic apple strudel with vanilla ice cream brings a nostalgic warmth, while the vegan flodni and vegan chocolate soufflé served raspberry sorbet gives a modern twist to tradition. The lemon cream and strawberry tiramisu is light and fresh, and the macaron is always the perfect end to a brunch – or just worth a visit on its own.
COCKTAILS, WINES AND COLORFUL DRINKS – BECAUSE AT SMÚZ CAFÉ, THE EVENING COUNTS TOO
Morning, noon or night, Smúz always offers drinks that match the mood of the moment: as the sun goes down, the place doubles as a wine bar and a cocktail venue. The wide wine selection, creative spritz variations, signature cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks are equally emphasized – they work with a smart, tasteful and extremely trend-sensitive drinks menu. This place doesn’t want to be more than what it is: relaxed, stylish, high-quality and inclusive.
We recommend the Smúz Crown Jewel G&T, which comes with citrus freshness, grapefruit and rosemary flavors, and is served in a dramatic smoky dome, or try the Espresso Martini, which is crisp, smooth, and just as enjoyable as a cocktail should be.
Photo – Smúz Café
If you like relaxed elegance, places decorated with green plants and good taste, where the city shows a different face a little – then Smúz is for you. If you are looking for mornings that start slowly, but are rich in flavors, atmosphere and views – then too. Or if you are just looking for a place where you can chat a little in good company, over an exciting brunch and a colorful coffee – then especially.
Smúz Café
Address: 1055 Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 18.
You can reserve a table via this link.
Photos: Lepsik Norbert – Brunch Budapest