5 Spectacular Dining Experiences to try in Budapest, Hungary, for the love of food, fine wine and celebrate all five-senses in this unique land of wonder.
5 of the Most Memorable Restaurants in Budapest

Színház utca 5-9, 1014 Budapest
(36 1) 489 0236 Facsimile: 489 0235
E-mail: rivalda@nextra.hu
Rivalda is a restaurant in the castle district in Buda that has a Mediterranean twist with hints of classic French cuisine and other propensities to use other world influences at the same time, taking from the freshest and tantalizing of all Hungary's most seasonal ingredients. Rivalda opened its doors in May of 2000 and is situated on the ground floor of an 18th century monastery which once was home to the Catholic order of the Carmelite Monks. A romantic atmosphere with posh decor that blends both traditional style with a modern streak. Rivalda is a Hungarian word which means “to be in the spotlight”, the courtyard is made of cobblestone and at night the small tables are lit by candlelight. The co-owner of Rivalda is a Hungarian-Canadian named Agnes Weninger and the Chef and other co-owner, György Gunst, specializes in modern European cuisine. Once a cook for Gundel and the Hotel Inter Continental, Gunst did some varied work in Switzerland, India and South Africa. At Gundel, Gunst mastered the delicacy of goose livers. The menu is changed three to four times a year, they have crisp, cool summer salads and lamb is one of the house specialties, grilled foods, meat and fishes, fresh game is a regular staple, vegetarian specialties like caramelized endive and a wide-selection of over 45 fine Hungarian wines, Tokay and Palinka and deserts of high quality along with some of the best coffee in town makes this a worthwhile dining experience. Live music nightly from jazz to piano. There is a small private banquet hall and an excellent catering service. Open daily from 11:30am until 11pm.

Hilton Budapest
Hess Andras ter 1-3
H-1014
(36 1) 488 6600 Facsimile: 488-6644
Email: hiltonhu@hungary.net
With a panorama view over Pest and the Danube, the Dominican restaurant in the Hilton Budapest is an elegant and excellent choice for stellar food, magnificent views and service. The furnishings are rather old fashioned but it offers some of the best of Hungarian and international cuisine. The lobby bar is a great place to go to enjoy soft music at the end of the day for a drink or snack. There is the Faust Wine Cellar which is reminiscent of the atmosphere of the early church times when Dominican monks made their precious wines in the exact same cellar. Wines are of Hungarian and European variety. Chef Istvan Juhasz heads the kitchen and delivers everything from the aristocratic lobster hand-picked from the hotel's aquarium to the most basic salad and soup with elegance and perfection. A good place for fish, the food is fresh and cooked with the utmost delicacy. Some of the best lamb in all of Central Europe comes out of this kitchen, be sure to make your reservation by the window when you call. Expect a fresh rose if your a lady when leaving the dining room.

Ördögarok ut. 80
1029 Budapest II
(36 1) 398 7127 Facsimile: 397 2742
Email: info@nancsineni.hu
www.nancsineni.hu
Owner of Nancsi Neni, Frigyes Schädler, has dedicated his seafood restaurant to his Hungarian sea-faring roots, although not really a seafood restaurant. The name means Grandma Neni. The menu is rather extensive and the choices are difficult to make as they are interesting and inventive. Schädler's vision was a place where people could go and eat and feel at home and it certainly does feel that way much like you'd envision a traditional peasant inn. It is nestled in the Buda hills and can be reached by tram ride and it is near the “Children's Railway” a popular tourist and local attraction. With a great deal of clientele visiting the restaurant regularly it appears to be a retreat much like you'd find on the Balaton shores, the terrace is beautiful in fall and summer and it is a quiet, relaxing hideaway. You'll find duck liver instead of goose here, a specialty bean soup, Guinea-Fowl or Smoked Trout. Some people come for the John Dory, a fish that residents love or the Fogas (local name for pike-perch) which when fished out of Lake Balaton will be certain to taste splendid. There are meat choices from Cordon Bleu to Boiled Beef in Hunter's Sauce and a real confit of duck or a Crispy Duck Leg, made by a well trained Chef schooled in French cuisine. There is a kitchen garden with flavorful vegetables that get thrown into the popular Hungarian “Goulash” as well as in other dishes, and a wine list that serves the menu gloriously. Try a glass of wine from the Schädler family from their vineyard in the region of Balaton. You may use the internet under the shadow of the restaurant's 100 year old trees and there is a playhouse every Sunday on the playground with a helper named Andy from the Greenhouse kindergarten.

Vigadó tér 3
1052
(36 1) 411 0933
Email: spoon@spooncafe.hu
Take in the city lights at nighttime with both style and many a gastronomical delight at Spoon Cafe & Lounge. Spoon has a 75 meter long three-deck boat with two restaurants, an open terrace on the top deck, a convertible winter garden, 5 bars and an Oriental bar underwater. It is located near some of the main hotels in Budapest, the Inter-Continental, Marriott, Sofitel, Gresham Palace on the Danube river near the parliament. A chic restaurant in town where things are often happening and hot. The scenery and the food are classy and monumental. Sushi and Sashimi dishes are made by hand in public for the guests to observe. All ingredients are of the freshest premium quality. Chef Zsolt Beke is happy to make suggestions for his customers and boasts a fabulous tapas, octopus and Foie Gras.

Városligeti tó (City Park)
1146 Budapest
(36 1) 422 0222 Facsimile: 422 0072
Email: robinson@t-online.hu
www.robinsonrestaurant.hu
Within the confines of city park, otherwise known as Városliget, there is a large lake upon which one of the lake's small islands houses Robinson Restaurant. In this fairytale-like hidden away treasure, cross a short wooden bridge to get inside to taste the creations of an almost two decades of fine service and food. Take in this romantic venue for any date or just for enjoying eating out doors, this traditional Hungarian yet eclectic selection of foods all the way to exotic Asian dishes is an attraction loved by children and families too. Choosing from either a table outside or indoors, there is food for vegetarians, an open terrace with a Mediterranean style and live Latin music. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Warren Beatie, David Copperfied and Lionel Richie have been a few celebs who've taken to the scene. There is a view of the Fine Arts Museum, Heroes' Square and Vajdahunyad Castle. The menu is four pages long and has a strong influence in the Mediterranean cuisine, much like the menu at Spoon's as Chef Zsolt Beke (voted Best Restauranteur of the Year 2004) is in charge of both kitchens, both of which are owned by Arpad Laszlo. A nice representation of seafood and great starters. The Grilled Goose Liver has a prime reputation and is prepared with balsamic and lemon grass. Try grilled Garlic King Prawns or Fogas, otherwise known as pike-perch from Lake Balaton. Have a glass of Törley or pick from any other of one of the richest wine lists in Budapest with reasonable prices. Always booked, call in advance to make your reservations!
Hunglish.org