With nearly 200km of shoreline taking in beaches, volcanic hills, a national park and protected wetlands, Lake Balaton is the perfect holiday destination for one and all. It’s the largest lake in Central Europe and sits on the western side of Hungary – 2 hours’ drive from the capital Budapest – and is a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike.
For those who like to unwind in style, sailing on the lake is a popular pastime, while for those who enjoy keeping active there are hiking trails in the Balaton Uplands National Park. The hilly north shore is filled with vineyards providing plenty of opportunity to sample some local wines, and there are 13 Michelin-recommended restaurants situated within easy reach of the Lake.
We caught up with the chefs at three of these restaurants – Gabriella Szikra of A Konyhám Stúdió 365, Richárd Csillag of Lokal47 and László Jahni of Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded Kistücsök – to find out more.

Pajta, Hungary: The MICHELIN-Starred Restaurant Born in a Barn
Tucked away in the scenic Őrség National Park, near the Austrian-Slovenian border, Pajta is redefining rural dining with its exquisitely prepared, locally sourced cuisine. As well as being the most remote countryside restaurant in Hungary to hold One MICHELIN Star, it comes complete with stunning wooden lodges and a forest sauna that allow you to be at one with nature.

The MICHELIN Key for Hotels: Global Reveal, New Awards Coming Soon
The MICHELIN Guide will announce its 2025 Key selection in a first-of-its-kind global event this fall, revealing new Keys and new awards for the world’s most outstanding hotels.

A Road Trip Around Ancient Hungarian Wine Country
Where to stay, where to eat and what to do in the Tokaj-Nyíregyháza touristic region

Everything You Need to Know About the Michelin Key for Hotels
In April 2024, The MICHELIN Guide debuted a brand new distinction: the Michelin Key. In the same way that the Michelin Star recognises the most outstanding restaurants in the world, the Michelin Key recognises hotels. Here’s everything you need to know about the new distinction.