Eat in Budapest

Businessmen discussing with serious look on their face behind the huge windows of the ground floor of this Bauhaus building overlooking the prestigious Szent István park is a typical scene during the week at Dunapark Kávéház.

The weekend is different: the place transforms into a family place offering great ice-creams, delicious cakes and refreshing cocktails to guests occupying mostly the open terrace.

For celebrity spotting, both weekend and working days are ideal.

First time visitors encounter large spaces, minimalist decoration and snobbish service.

As opposed to its look, as a restaurant the place carries the burdens of some of our worst heritage from the past 50 years: food without character, use of Vegeta  and other spices in excess and without any concept.

My overall conclusion is that during the weekend it’s a rather expensive café worth a visit but should be avoided even if you’d put it on your expenses account during the week.

 

 

 

Many believe that Hungarians are wannabe Mediterraneans. I really doubt it. Except for our passion for summer maybe, there’s little in common with any of the people around the Mediterranean– and this is particularly true as long as food is concerned (Pizza doesn’t count).

To start with, for me Mediterranean food requires fresh, good ingredients. If you’ve ever been to Hungary, you know what I’m talking about. Located 300 meters from the city’s largest market, Pata Negra definitely should have no handicap on this field. Indeed, even seafood is fresh.

After a short downfall following the hype a year after its launch, Pata Negra is back with good food, easy-going but attentive service and great atmosphere. There are few new courses on the menu and weekly/monthly specials on the board.

Nowadays you don’t need to book a table: the 4th underground line’s construction area is just 2 meters from its entrance the no way any tourist would find the place in the surrounding chaos.

After so many poorly run fake mediterranean places Budapest still has its authentic, charming tapas bar with good food, service and last but not least, wines.