The absolute heart of the city centre—the area spanning Deák Square, Astoria, and Kálvin Square—is teeming with exceptional places to eat and drink. It’s hardly a surprise; this is the primary hub where domestic travellers exploring the capital rub shoulders with weekend “ruin pub” hoppers and British stag dos fresh off the plane. For restaurateurs, setting up shop here is a safe bet, provided they can stand out from the crowd.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the very best pizzerias in this compact but bustling neighbourhood to help you decide where to grab a slice. As for which one serves the “best pizza in Budapest”—we’ll leave that final verdict to you!
Neverland Pizzeria: A Bold Twist on a Classic (Dohány utca)
As mentioned, there is no shortage of great dining options in the city centre, so the real question is: who manages to rise above the rest? Neverland, located right between Deák Square and Astoria, does this in two ways. First, there’s the unique concept. You might already know the Neverland name from their high-end escape rooms or premium cocktail bar. In 2024, they added a Pizzeria to the mix, benefiting from the reputation for quality they’ve built over the years.
Then there is the second “secret weapon”: the dough. While Neverland serves Neapolitan-style pizza, they’ve added a contemporary twist by using sourdough. It’s a bold move that has paid off handsomely. Not only is the crust healthier and easier to digest than a traditional napoletana, but the flavour profile is deeper and more complex. Combined with top-tier toppings and the impeccable service they are known for, many argue this is the finest pizza in the city, even beyond the narrow streets of the centre.
Manu+: The Guardians of Tradition (Vámház körút)
While Neverland embraces the “twist,” MANU+ sticks firmly to its guns regarding authenticity. Run by the same team behind the famous Pizzamanufaktúra, they moved their Neapolitan operation to Vámház körút (just a short walk from Astoria) in 2024. Their philosophy is “simplicity done perfectly.” Using a traditional wood-fired oven, their pizzas cook to perfection in about 60 seconds. The result? That iconic “leopard-spotted,” soft crust that usually requires a flight to Naples to find. The vibe here is fast-paced, authentically Italian, and very laid-back—it’s not about white tablecloths; it’s about the flavour.
Digó: The Outdoor Vibe (Erzsébet tér / Kazinczy utca)
Having built a stellar reputation in the VIP sections of Hungary’s biggest festivals, Digó is now a household name for quality Neapolitan pizza. Whether you visit their spot at Erzsébet Square (in the shadow of the Ferris wheel) or their base on Kazinczy Street, quality is guaranteed. Digó’s strength lies in minimalism. They believe “less is more,” using only the most essential, premium ingredients. It’s a particularly popular choice for summer evenings when all you need is a great slice and a chilled drink to soak up the city’s pulse.
Pizzica: The Roman Slice (Nagymező utca)
Though a short walk further up from Deák Square, Pizzica is a must-include. Here, you won’t find round pizzas; instead, they serve Roman-style “al taglio” slices, baked in rectangular trays and cut with scissors. This spot perfectly captures Budapest’s bohemian side—it’s small, crowded, full of life, and adorned with contemporary art. The base is thicker than the Neapolitan variety but incredibly light and airy with a crispy bottom. Look out for creative toppings like truffle, potato, or speciality Italian salamis.
Belli di Mamma: Award-Winning Elegance (Akácfa utca)
Located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, Belli di Mamma stands out for its sheer elegance. Unlike the more “grab-and-go” spots, this is a place to sit down and enjoy a proper dinner. It is arguably the most sophisticated restaurant on our list, but its quality is also world-class: it has consistently been ranked among the top 50 pizzerias in Europe in recent years.
How to choose from the selection?
If you want to try something unique but superb: Head to Neverland for their signature sourdough base.
If you are looking for the most authentic Neapolitan experience: Manu+ near Astoria is your best bet.
If you just want a quick but high-quality slice on the go: Pizzica is the place.
If you want a complete evening experience: Again, Neverland is the top choice. You don’t just come here for the pizza; you can also enjoy premium cocktails and world-class escape rooms.
Overview
As you can see, you are spoilt for choice in the heart of Budapest. This list only shows the best of the best the city has to offer, but these spots near Astoria and Deák Square are the ones truly worth your time. Neverland is a particular standout for those looking to pair an exciting sourdough pizza with world-class cocktails and an award-winning escape room experience. Click the button below to secure your table at the city centre’s best pizzeria!
