Tihanyi Vinarius

Old abbey walls, distinctive flavours and enchanting Tihany views

Tihany has a quieter, enchanting side, away from the bustle around the abbey. Here Belső-tó glints between green hills, and a building more than two hundred years old welcomes guests among the vineyards. This is where you find Tihanyi Vinarius, where history, wine and modern Hungarian cooking meet to create a distinctive experience.

Thick stone walls, wooden beams, a thatched roof and atmospheric interiors are worth a visit in themselves. The panoramic terrace overlooks Belső-tó and the Tihany hills, making it easy to forget the rest of the day’s plans. A glass of wine, a beautifully set table and genuinely delicious food: it is hard to imagine a more pleasant Balaton afternoon.

Two hundred years of history over a glass of wine

In 1822, the Vinarius building served as Tihany Abbey’s cellar and press house. Huge barrels lined the old wine cellar, and thick walls and impressive barrel vaults still preserve the atmosphere of earlier times.

The building gained new life as a restaurant in 2019. Today, the carefully restored historic setting offers elegant yet welcoming hospitality, while the old cellar hosts wine activities and special events.

Take a little look around the building too: there is more to discover here than what is on the plate. Stones, arches and old cellar spaces all tell something of Tihany’s past.

Hungarian favourites with an intriguing twist

In the Vinarius kitchen, familiar Hungarian flavours meet fresh ideas and modern presentation. Even a classic dish can surprise while preserving everything we originally loved about it.

Catfish with curd-cheese pasta and paprika jus (HUF 6,190) is a real temptation: tender fish, the pasta’s soft richness and a full paprika sauce make a particularly appetising pairing. For something more distinctive, venison with porcini sauce, polenta and sour cherries (HUF 7,290) offers an exciting interplay. The game’s deep flavour, porcini’s earthiness and the cherries’ fruity tartness whet the appetite at the thought alone.

Among meat-free dishes, roasted cauliflower with beetroot, pomegranate and hazelnuts (HUF 4,490) deserves attention too. Browned cauliflower, sweet beetroot, pomegranate’s fresh tang and crunchy hazelnuts promise a playful composition. (October 2026)

A 12% service charge is added. Find the full selection on Vinarius’s official menu.

Wines that suit a Tihany sunset

Wine naturally has a special role in a former abbey cellar. Alongside favourite Balaton Uplands wineries, Vinarius’s list includes Tokaj specialities. Csopak Olaszrizling, Dörgicse Furmint, Tihany Pinot Gris or a distinctive red? Choosing can itself be a pleasant part of the evening.

For something refreshing, explore the abbey cordials, unusual fruit drinks and locally inspired beers too. Lavender abbey wheat beer, for example, can bring a distinctly Tihany touch to your glass.

Browse the full selection on the official wine and drinks list.

Michelin-recommended cooking in a historic setting

Tihanyi Vinarius also features among the Michelin Guide’s recommended restaurants. The prestigious food guide praises both the historic setting and contemporary Hungarian cuisine, paying particular attention to a lavender dessert suited to the venue’s character.

The kitchen readily draws on traditional Hungarian recipes while seasonal ingredients and modern techniques open new possibilities. Herbs from its own garden create an even more direct connection between the surrounding landscape and the dishes on the plate.

A lunch that can easily become an entire afternoon

Vinarius is a particularly good choice for a romantic lunch, anniversary dinner or gathering of friends you want to make special. The panoramic terrace and historic interiors offer two very different yet equally appealing moods.

In fine weather, request a terrace seat, where Belső-tó and the Tihany hills can make the meal still more special. The old cellar holds interest for those drawn to both wine and Tihany’s history.

Why try it? Because Vinarius brings together what is lovable about the Balaton Uplands unusually beautifully: centuries-old buildings, wonderful scenery, distinctive wines and exciting Hungarian dishes. There is no need to rush. Pour a little more, look towards the lake and enjoy being there.