Tata in Hungary – castle, lake life and gastronomy

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: September 2026 | Tata is a small Hungarian town on Lake Öreg, about seventy kilometers from Budapest. We came here on a day trip and encountered castles, autumn colors and a much calmer pace than in the capital. In addition, a real gastronomic surprise awaited us at the Platán restaurant.

Tata in Hungary

Tata is a town in the Hungarian region of Komárom-Esztergom, in the north-west of the country. Located about 70 kilometres from Budapest, it took us about an hour to get here by car from the capital, along with a group of bloggers on a press trip.

A rural idyll

In Tata, a rural (and currently rainy!) idyll. Around 23,000 people live in the town and it is remarkably peaceful as you stroll around the low houses, old stone walls and autumn-coloured trees.

Tata Castle

Tata actually has a castle that dates back to the 14th century. Its heyday was in the 15th century, when Kings Sigismund of Hungary and Mattias I Corvinus used the house as a summer residence. The castle was later burnt down by the German House of Habsburg, but was rebuilt. The Hungarian noble family Esterházy lived here for a long time, contributing to the romantic style of the castle.

Lake Öreg in Tata

We walked a distance and always had the big lake next to us. The lake is called Öreg, which incidentally means "old lake". There were lots of ducks swimming here and above all we saw lots of large fish jumping up through the surface of the water. In fact, I don't think we have ever seen so many large fish in a lake before.

Platán in Tata – from rural restaurant to Michelin stars

One of the stops during our day in Tata was the Platán restaurant, beautifully situated near Lake Öreg. Here we had a lunch that would prove to be one of the great experiences of the day.

When we visited Platán, chef István Pesti had recently left Budapest to focus on gastronomy in the Hungarian countryside. The venture would prove to be a real success. Over time, Platán developed into several operations, with the fine dining restaurant Platán Gourmet being awarded two Michelin stars.

However, in the summer of 2026, a chapter in history closed. After eleven years, István Pesti left Platán and on July 31, Platán Gourmet ceased to be a permanent fine dining restaurant. Platán Bisztró and other parts of the business still remain, while the Gourmet venue is intended to be used for special gastronomic events.

Our tasting menu at Platán in Tata

During our visit we were treated to a fantastic tasting menu of Hungarian flavours in a modern twist. The first two courses, salmon that almost melted in the mouth and foie gras with pumpkin, was probably the best.

Then came onion soup with a beautiful and crispy side dish, pasta with mushrooms and fish, and ”pig foot” with beans and kale in a fantastically delicious sauce. The meal ended with a surprising dessert, to say the least.

With the food we got to try several Hungarian wines from different parts of the country. Hungary produces both red and white wines, and over the years we have become particularly fond of several of the whites. This time too we got to try some really good wines, including Tokaj wine.

READ MORE: Hungarian food - specialities of Hungarian cuisine

Wine tasting at the Hernyák winery in Etyek

On the way back to Budapest we stopped at the Hernyák vineyard in Etyek. This farm is only half an hour from Budapest (or a bit more depending on the traffic), but still it feels really rural and quiet here. Here we were fantastically well received by the female owner, who runs the farm together with her husband and son.

The small family-run business produces both red and white wine, and we liked several of the wines we tried. But perhaps it was just as nice to come here for the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

The family also has cows and makes its own cheese. Despite the fact that we absolutely not had some space in the stomach, we managed to taste a little. Very good! We can highly recommend a visit here if you have the opportunity!

More to see and do in Hungary

Of course, there is more to see and do in Hungary. Here you will find more tips and reports:

• Things to do in Budapest
• Restaurants in Budapest
• Pécs
• Wine regions Villány