Sweet spots across the country where it’s worth stopping by when the weather is nice!

What exactly will we be covering?

• Castle Garden pastries and hearty breakfasts at the Dobay Confectionery in Halásztelek
• Herbal ice cream specialties at the Herbal Ice Cream Workshop in Zánka
• Award-winning flavors and terrace ice cream at Sissi Ice Cream in Gödöllő
• Panoramic views of Lake Balaton and traditional desserts at the Szalay Confectionery in Balatonlelle
• Charming countryside terraces where it’s nice to stop for a sunny afternoon

In addition to the two locations in the capital, you can also sample the phenomenal pastries and cakes of Dobay Confectionery in the garden of Malonyai Castle in Halásztelek. The delicacies lining the counter are crafted according to the values of traditional confectionery, using premium-quality ingredients and modern technology. Browse through the fruit-filled desserts, creamy dream slices, and colourful cake specialties, and once you’ve found your favourite, sit out in the castle garden or on the terrace and enjoy the nice weather!

In addition to the premium selection of pastries, the ice cream and drink menus are also worth mentioning – and you can even pick up some sourdough bread. And if you’d like to start your day here, Dobay Cukrászda offers a sumptuous breakfast selection: generously filled sandwiches, hearty hot breakfasts, mouthwatering strudels, and Italian coffee specialties round out the menu. The establishment is family- and dog-friendly, and it’s also an ideal venue for corporate and social gatherings.

One of the most beloved ice cream shops in the Balaton Uplands is the Herbal Ice Cream Workshop in Zánka, where additive- and dye-free ice creams are made from natural ingredients, primarily herbs. In addition to the divine sea buckthorn, lavender, or pistachio scoops, you can also sample unique flavour combinations such as Balaton Summer, Dörgicse Zserbó, or Caramel Cheesecake. Added bonus is that all fruit ice creams are gluten-, dairy-, and lactose-free.

From the terrace of the Main Street workshop, you can admire the stunning panorama of Hegyestű while enjoying your ice cream. But it’s not just worth stopping here when you’re craving a refreshing dessert: the selection of wines and fruit juices is also noteworthy, and since several hiking and biking trails pass nearby, the Herbal Ice Cream Workshop makes for an ideal rest stop during an outing. And if you’re spending a few days in Zánka, it’s worth staying at the charming Fészek Restaurant and Hotel where, in addition to hearty breakfasts, you can also sample the popular “Káli pizzas.”

Hello Hungary’s tip: In addition to the ice cream shop in Zánka, starting in the summer of 2026, you’ll also be able to taste the divine herbal ice creams in Balatonfüred, on the Aranyhíd promenade. For the latest updates, be sure to follow the Herbal Ice Cream Workshop’s Facebook page!

People certainly don’t just pop into Sissi Ice Cream’s locations when they happen to be passing by. Anyone who has tasted the ice cream specialties dreamed up by founder and owner Andrea Koncz will almost certainly want to come back for more scoops. The counter at this Gödöllő ice cream shop features more than 40 flavours: from classic favourites to dessert-inspired specialties and refreshing fruit ice creams, all the way to Sissi’s personal favourites. It’s worth trying the bolder flavour combinations as well, such as The Nutcracker, Caribbean Chocolate, The Treasure of Persia, or the latest award-winning flavour, The Charm of Lake Balaton.

At the Gödöllő ice cream shop, you can sit out on the town’s main square and enjoy the moment, but the Sissi Ice Cream Shops in Balatonakarattya and Veresegyház are also worth a visit. In the lakeside town, a scenic stroll with ice cream in hand is almost unmissable, while in Veresegyház, the cozy terrace is the perfect spot for a little rest.

If you’re visiting Balatonlelle, it’s worth taking a stroll along the pier and relaxing on the cozy terrace of Szalay Confectionery, located next to Kedvesem Bistro, where you can enjoy special pastries while taking in the panoramic view of Lake Balaton. Reviving the traditions of the town’s legendary confectionery dynasty, the shop’s desserts are made according to 150-year-old family recipes: in addition to the walnut-chocolate Károly cake and the crispier Székely cake, you can also sample modern, French-inspired pastries.

The elegant, turn-of-the-century-style patisserie is also a great choice for breakfast, so you can even spend a peaceful morning by Lake Balaton here with a coffee and a pastry, lounging on the promenade leading to the pier.