Doblo

Doblo is a wine bar on Dob utca in the Jewish Quarter and a convenient place in the centre to explore Hungarian wine in a relaxed, evening setting. In a district dominated by ruin bars and clubs, it offers a calmer alternative where the focus is on what is in the glass, and it is a good choice for anyone who wants to try local wines without committing to a formal tasting.

Hungary has a long and varied wine tradition, from the sweet Tokaji wines of the north-east to the reds of Villány and Szekszárd in the south and the whites of the volcanic hills around Lake Balaton, and a place like Doblo is a convenient way to sample several regions in one evening. The wine list is published on the official website, and asking staff for a suggestion based on the styles you usually enjoy is the easiest way to find something new.

Doblo is open every day: from 16:00 to 01:00 from Monday to Thursday, from 14:00 to 03:00 on Friday and Saturday, and from 14:00 to 01:00 on Sunday. That makes it useful both for an early-evening glass and as a late-night stop. Weekend evenings are busy, so it is wise to book a table through the form on the official website, which asks for party size, date and time. Prices are moderate for central Budapest.

It suits couples, small groups of friends, wine lovers and anyone who wants a quieter drink in the Jewish Quarter. If you are new to Hungarian wine, try a dry Furmint, the grape behind Tokaj's great sweet wines, or a Kékfrankos, a fresh, spicy red grown across the country. Kadarka, a lighter red traditionally grown around Szekszárd and Eger, is another local grape worth looking out for, and a glass of sweet Tokaji makes a good end to the evening.

Dob utca runs from Károly körút into the heart of District VII. Doblo is a short walk from Deák Ferenc tér, where metro lines M1, M2 and M3 meet, and Astoria on M2. The Gozsdu Courtyard, the Kazinczy Street Synagogue and Szimpla Kert are all within five minutes on foot, so it fits well into an evening exploring the area's bars.