Bruno Gelateria Opens in Downtown Budapest: Your New Favourite Gelato Stop

If you’ve ever wandered the streets of Budapest on a warm afternoon and found yourself desperately craving something cold, creamy, and utterly Italian, Bruno Gelateria has just made your life significantly better. The beloved gelato brand, which has been quietly winning over Budapest’s sweet-tooth crowd since 2021, has opened its newest location right in the heart of the city — and it might just be the most comfortable scoop stop in town.

From Neighbourhood Gem to City Staple

Bruno Gelateria first opened its doors on Kolosy Square in the Óbuda neighbourhood back in 2021, and it didn’t take long for word to spread. The quality was immediately obvious — this wasn’t the kind of gelato you grab from a tourist trap and forget about ten minutes later. Shortly after, a second location appeared in Újlipótváros on Hollán Ernő Street, followed by a branch in the southern city of Szeged. Now, for the 2026 season, Bruno has taken the leap into the city centre, and the new address is one that visitors will find very easy to work into their Budapest itinerary.

Where to Find It

The newest Bruno Gelateria — officially named Il Bruno Dolce & Caffè — is located at Jókai Street 1, in the 6th district, just a few minutes’ walk from Oktogon, one of Budapest’s busiest and most central squares. A quick note for first-time visitors: the building is a large block, so don’t be fooled by the house number alone. The entrance sits a short walk from the street corner, and since the place is so new there isn’t even a sign out front yet — but it’s well worth tracking down.

Sit Down, Spread Out

What sets this new location apart from a typical gelateria is the sheer comfort on offer. Rather than grabbing your cone and heading straight back out, you can actually settle in here. The ground floor offers seating, and above it a spacious gallery level gives you the perfect perch to enjoy your gelato at a leisurely pace — very much in the Italian spirit of dolce far niente. A terrace is also in the works, with permits currently being processed, so the experience is only going to get better as the season progresses.

The Gelato Itself

Everything is made in the kitchen of the original Kolosy Square location and brought fresh to all branches, so the quality you’ll find on Jókai Street is exactly what regulars in Óbuda have been raving about for years. A single scoop — or “kenés” as it’s called in Hungarian, referring to the signature spread-style serving — weighs in at 50 grams and costs 630 forints. If you’re feeling ambitious, a generous 250-gram portion (the equivalent of five scoops) is available for 3,150 forints, though fair warning: that’s a challenge even dedicated gelato enthusiasts approach with caution.

According to Noémi, the manager of the Jókai Street branch, the undisputed crowd favourite is the dark chocolate and raspberry combination — bold, fruity, and deeply satisfying. Pistachio is another consistent bestseller, rich and nutty in the way only well-made Italian gelato can be. For those who prefer something lighter, the mango and other dairy-free fruit flavours offer a refreshing, palate-cleansing alternative, while the milk chocolate varieties are indulgent enough to stand in for a slice of cake.

Beyond the Gelato

Bruno isn’t just about gelato, either. The café menu includes desserts and coffee, making it an ideal spot for an afternoon break between sightseeing. The Viennese strudel at 1,290 forints and the pistachio cannolo at 750 forints are both excellent companions to a well-pulled espresso. And if you want to combine the best of both worlds, the affogato — a classic Italian treat of a scoop of gelato slowly melting into a shot of espresso — is available for 1,250 forints for one scoop. It’s one of those simple pleasures that the Italians perfected long ago, and Bruno does it justice.

Worth a Visit

Whether you’re staying nearby in the 6th or 7th district, or simply passing through Oktogon on your way to explore the city, Il Bruno Dolce & Caffè on Jókai Street is the kind of place that turns a quick detour into a genuine highlight of your day. Authentic Italian-style gelato, quality coffee, beautiful pastries, and a relaxed space to enjoy them — all just steps from some of Budapest’s most vibrant streets. Expect a terrace to follow soon, and expect this spot to become very popular, very fast.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Budapest or a returning regular who thought they already knew all the best sweet spots in town — this one deserves a spot on your list. Pop in for one scoop. You probably won’t stop at one.