Kicsi Csóka, below Szépkilátó, delivers exactly what you hope for from a good Balaton garden bistro: it is close to the beach and cycle path, yet a little removed from the waterfront’s noisiest stretch. This relaxed spot beneath the trees works equally well for a quick stop or a leisurely dinner.
Tamási Zoltán drew on years of experience at the family-run Party Csóka to build his own, smaller-scale bistro. Alongside the regular menu, frequently changing blackboard specials give the kitchen’s more creative side room to play: Asian-inspired soups sit comfortably beside Balaton street food, smoked dishes and carefully presented bistro plates.
The standout is buffalo tartare in a marrow-bone ‘boat’, which won Beach Dish of the Year in 2025, while Kicsi Csóka was named Discovery of the Year that same year. Made with buffalo meat from Zalaköveskút, the tartare comes with potato gratin, horseradish foam, a celeriac crisp, anchovy, capers, fermented cucumber and homemade mayonnaise — not a simple snack-bar dish but a genuine culinary detour.
With a small team and seasonal operation, it is worth arriving patiently at busy times and calling ahead. In return, you get an appealing, personal place where an award-winning dish and a blackboard ramen share the same easy-going Balaton setting.
Worth a taste
Buffalo tartare in a marrow-bone ‘boat’
The 2025 Beach Dish of the Year: buffalo tartare from Zalaköveskút with potato gratin, horseradish foam, a celeriac crisp and pickled accompaniments.
Local tip
Check the blackboard too
Regularly changing blackboard dishes supplement the fixed menu; this is where ramen or a new seasonal experiment may appear.
The BalatonEats meal plan
How to put your meal together
- 01Buffalo tartare in a marrow bone
The award-winning signature dish, with potato gratin, horseradish foam and crisp, pickled accompaniments.
- 02The current ramen or Asian soup
One of the most exciting directions on the blackboard — depending on the season and availability that day.
- 03Dzsoki's lángos
A distinctive dish showing the venue's Balaton street-food side; check whether it is currently available.
What guests say
What stays with guests?
A mix of cyclists, beachgoers, local regulars and couples on a culinary outing.
Based on the setting, recent guest reviews and professional recommendations focused on Balaton.+
What brings people back
- Award-winning signature dish; creative, seasonal blackboard specials; a peaceful, shady garden; convenient access from the beach and cycle path.
!
Good to know before you go
- A small team, so service may slow at peak times in high season; opening hours can vary seasonally.
Photo credits
Images provided by the user.
