Halvödör

In Balatonszemes, you can stroll right up in your flip-flops to what looks like a simple snack bar, but inside and out, tables await. A big sign out front makes their message clear: “Eat more fish!” Forget the old-school fried fish in paprika flour, this place goes way beyond the usual buffet fare with a fresh and creative menu. Of course, they have got the classics like catfish soup and grilled fish, but you will also find gourmet soups, veggie stews, and clever twists on Hungarian favourites like stuffed cabbage made with catfish. There are even Mediterranean and Asian-inspired dishes like cod curry, which add a surprising flair to this lakeside fish bistro. They also serve fogas (pike perch), one of the most beloved local fish, and it is good to know you can get it here on the south shore. Oh, and the name of the place? It is witty, too!