Budapest Restaurant
 

Hi,

We only have one night in Budapest for a great dinner out (and it happens to be my birthday). Any recommendations for a memorable night with great Hungarian food and atmosophere? I have been thinking of either Gundel or Vadrózsa? What is your "must do" restaurant in Budapest? Thanks!

Gundel's is "it".

For some other dining experiences that I have enjoyed, have a look at my website and follow the Budapest links: http://www.iol.ie/~draoi/

It may not be "traditional" but IMO, the best restaurant in Budapest is Tom George right near the 4 Seasons.

My husband and I ate at at Gundel in April. We received a credit at this restaurant as part of a promotional rate through the Hilton. We enjoyed the experience for what it was: a grand, traditional-style dining experience. The dining room's traditional decor helped set the mood; it made us feel as though we had turned back the clock 75 or 100 years. Although Gundel is grounded in tradition, it has updated its menu and its decor so that it's not tired at in appearance or flavours.

We thought the food was quite good, albeit a little expensive, and the service was excellent. A quartet played music throughout the meal and, surprisingly, we enjoyed it a lot. (Usually, I don't like live music during meals because the sound usually overpowers the conversation. Here, however, the musicians played at just the right sound level and their enjoyment was infectious.)

Our only regret is that we ended up sitting beside a vapid, English-speaking woman who talked non-stop through the entire meal to her dining companion. I felt like her irritating voice was drilling a hotel in my brain and she just wouldn't shut up ...

I'd definitely pick Gundel if it were my birthday! Gundel was discussed here recently. This thread might be helpful.
Have a wonderful trip and birthday! :)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35007870

I would recommend Begolyvar or The Owl's Nest Restaurant, located behind the Fine Arts Museum, is owned and operated by the women in the family that own and run Gundels. That is to say, the wives, mothers, daughters, and nieces are the chefs, mme. d', and waitresses at the Owl's Nest and the menu is exactly the same!! We had an outstanding and abundant six-course tasting menu WITH WINES, for under $100 for the two of us.

I would regard the Owl's Nest as a good backup if you can't get a table at Gundel's. It's a bit less grand, somewhat less formal, and notably less expensive. The menu is of the same type as that in Gundel's, but it did not occur to me that it might be exactly the same; I suspect that it is not.

But for a special occasion, I would still vote for Gundel's. Gundel wrote the book for Hungarian classic cuisine. It lends almost literal support to the idea that the restaurant is the epitome of Hungarian fine dining.

Herself and I will be going to Budapest soon. Step 1: book flights; step 2: arrange accommodation; step 3: reserve a table at Gundel's ([email protected]).

Cafe Kor was great. You need reservations, and prices are very reasonable. On the 4 Seasons recommended list under casual dining. Not casual however by our terms, and we couldn't believe the prices since it was a hotel recommendation.

We just got back a couple of weeks ago and would definitely recommend Rezkakas. The food and service was excellent and there is a trio (piano, violin & chello). Our guide and hotel suggested this over Gundel's. They do have a web page rezkakasrestaurant.com
I understand Cafe Kor is also very good but from what we saw (we were not able to get in) it is more casual and contemporary in design.

Rivalda, on top of Castle Hill. Excellent food, appropriate live music (it was a jazz saxophonist). Suggest reservation:www.rivalda.net