Review of Mazel-Tov in Budapest

Tucked away in Budapest’s lively Jewish Quarter, Mazel Tov is a dining experience that instantly transports you. With its open courtyard, soft string lights, and the hum of easy conversation, this restaurant manages to be both relaxed and electric, the kind of place where the scent of charred spices and freshly baked pita fills the air long before the food arrives. What follows is a celebration of flavour, texture, and balance that feels both comforting and vibrant.

We began with a beautiful spread of mezze  a sharing experience that captures the heart of Mediterranean dining. The Crispy Spiced Sweet Potato Fries arrived first, golden and perfectly seasoned, paired with a bright Amba mayo that added a tangy, almost tropical note. The Roasted Cauliflower Florets, dressed in miso tahini and sprinkled with black sesame and pomegranate, were a revelation, nutty, slightly smoky, and lifted by bursts of sweetness from the fruit.

The Seasonal Hummus and Roasted Red Pepper Hummus were equally memorable. The latter, made with charred kapia peppers, had a beautiful depth and warmth, enhanced by parsley tahini, honey-thyme heirloom tomatoes, and a scattering of pine nuts for texture. Served with soft, freshly grilled sourdough pita, it was the kind of dish that demanded a slow, indulgent pace, each bite layered with colour and flavour.

For mains, the Chicken Shawarma Plate was everything you’d hope for: juicy, perfectly spiced chicken thigh fillet with a whisper of smokiness, paired with a vibrant beetroot salad and crisp Yemeni cabbage. A drizzle of tahini tied it all together, while the warm pita served alongside made it impossible not to mop up every last bit.

The Grilled Salmon Steak, meanwhile, was cooked to perfection — crisp on the outside, tender and flaky within. The citrus cauliflower cream was unexpectedly light and fragrant, complemented by marinated and chimichurri cauliflower that added both tang and herbaceous freshness.

Each dish at Mazel Tov felt like an invitation to share, to linger, to enjoy. The balance of spice, texture, and colour showed a deep respect for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern traditions while adding a distinctly modern Budapest flair. It’s a restaurant that feels alive: communal, generous, and effortlessly stylish.

Address: Akácfa u. 47, Budapest 1072, Hungary

For more information and to book click here.

Words and photos by Stephanie Sowaha