Chez Daniel - Provence in XIXth century downtown Budapest

Author: admin  |  Category: Recommended for tourists, Restaurant review

Review

Once entering the restaurant you are chez lui indeed: the small 2-floor house is located in a downtown residencial district stuck between much larger buildings but the house reflects the character of the neighbouthood and the owners did not change mch of the spaces since transforming this residential building into a charming French restaurant. The courtyard is small but very pleasant to stay in when the weather’s nice but the interior, the former rooms of flats is less friendly: they’re dark, hardly decorated at all and the toilets occupy the central area.

You must not be extremely lucky to get a table during lunchtime: we were the only guests on this late August sunny day. Perhaps the evenings are different but then you’re less likely to be served by Daniel himself. Her wife and Daniel were both present during my two visits and they’re friendly, nice people who make you feel like you’re at their home, with their dog taking central attention within the family. The easy-going, family atmosphere is supported by nice, but not outstanding French food with Provence’s influence being dominant.

The seafood and fishes are daily adjusted to the market’s offering, but the rest of the menu has been more or less unchanged for the last 3 years the waiter tells me.

Characteristics:

French provincial with short menu of simply made meat, seafood and some vegetarian offering

Ambience:

Provence in downtown with family atmosphere

Peer group (style): 

Articsoka perhaps because of the architecture and neighborhood, but not really

Peer group (quality):

A38

P/V:

Average, the courtyard and atmosphere helping a lot. The food itself is a bit overpriced.

Meal price (HUF):

HUF 2 000 (starters) - HUF 4 000

Food Score (0-10):

6-

Service Score:

6+

Overall score:

6

Pros:

Nice courtyard, good atmosphere, nice owners, fresh material

Cons:

Interior spaces, food is not too sophisticated

Outstanding:

Rhubarb pie wasn’t bad. Escargot.

Who goes:

I can only guess: French expats, France-lovers, families