A couple of years ago, a Michelin Starred restaurant sounded like a dream for Budapest… a distant dream. But then something happened, and the gastro-revolution began.
New supreme-quality restaurants started opening every other day, and people started to care. By 2010, that distant dream had become a reality: Costes was awarded Hungary’s first Michelin Star. Since then, four other restaurants have won this Nobel prize, and here is a guide to choosing the one that best suits your taste.
Costes was an old dream of Károly Gerendai, who you may know as the man behind the legendary Sziget Festival. He always wanted to put Hungary on the tourist map, and a big part of this plan was to develop gastronomy. He chose Miguel Vieira as executive chef of Costes and the rest is history. The Costes team says their most important values are the following: quality without compromise, masterful flavors, artistic presentation, attention to detail, mindful service, a pleasant atmosphere, and an informal and calm fine-dining experience. What else do you need?
Where: 1092 Budapest, Ráday utca 4.
2. Costes Downtown – the not so little sibling
Costes was only the beginning. In 2015, Gerendai opened his second restaurant, the little sibling of Costes, Costes Downtown. But the sibling grew up really fast: Costes Downtown earned its Michelin Star in 2016. This is the 24th best restaurant in the world and the 14th in Europe. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all made in an open kitchen, so if you are interested in the cooking process too, this the place for you. The mood is more casual, but every course is a work of art.
Where: 1051 Budapest, Vigyázó Ferenc utca 5.
3. Borkonyha (Winekitchen) – the most Hungarian cuisine
The name is expressive: Winekitchen is famous for its selection of wines. The restaurant has more than 200 bottles on the menu, all of which complement the amazing Michelin Star-quality food. Executive chef Ákos Sárközi created the menu according to the philosophy of the French bistro combined with the traditions of Hungarian gastronomy. If you want to try a good, yet modern Hungarian dish, Winekitchen is the perfect choice.
Where: 1051 Budapest, Sas utca 3.
4. Tanti – tradition with a modern twist
Tanti has an interesting place on this list. The restaurant is inside a shopping center, and it has a more affordable lunch menu as well. The idea is to be a family-friendly restaurant with Michelin Star-quality. Their cuisine combines traditional and modern techniques and technologies to give their guests a new experience of a familiar taste. It’s different to the others, casual and cozy, making it the best choice for younger guests, particularly given the fact that the executive chef is only 28 years old.
Where: 1124 Budapest, Apor Vilmos tér 11-12. (Hegyvidék shopping center)
5. Onyx – the restaurant where a Bocuse d’Or winner was born
Last, but not least, Onyx. Onyx was the second Hungarian restaurant to earn a Michelin Star. It’s not cosy or casual. Onyx is pure perfection and elegance. The sous chef is Tamás Széll, who won this year’s European final of Bocuse d’Or. He has now left to concentrate on the world final. The executive chef is his girlfriend and teammate Szabina Szulló, who goes with him, but their heritage stays. Onyx is a rendezvous with tradition and evolution in the heart of Budapest.
Where: 1051 Budapest Vörösmarty tér 7-8.
