The smell of food coming out of the restaurant will take you back to childhood, for instance when your parents walked you to the food market on Sunday mornings. You will find the origin of that delicious smell displayed on the huge revolving spits roasting poultry. Yes, this is Hilda’s specialty, serving roast chicken, duck, and turkey, in the Lipótváros neighborhood.
Nearby, a large mosaic fresco depicts a waitress in Art Deco fashion. If you happen to crave for something else than meat, the restaurant also serves lactose-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian dishes, as well as a breakfast menu.
Looking for authentic flavors, Hilda exclusively uses local and organic products. The restaurant’s success owes a lot to this philosophy, not to mention the unique setting: a 17th-century building conceived by Jozsef Hild, the famous Hungarian architect who designed St. Stephen’s Basilica.
| Address | Nádor u. 5, Budapest |
| Telephone | +36 30 430 9810 |
Erzsébetváros, the old Jewish Quarter, invites walking day and night – this is where the party is in full swing in all the romkert (“ruin bars”). Cross Gozsdu Passage, a row of six courtyards, lined with restaurants and bars where you will be spoiled for choice for an appetizer.
Just steps away, Macesz Bistro will invite you to discover the flavors of an Eastern European brasserie, combining Jewish and Hungarian recipes revisited with a contemporary sauce. From lamb goulash to egg shakshuka and duck breast served with typical cabbage cream, the menu stirs the appetite. With white tablecloths and bistro chairs, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
On the walls, mirrors of all sizes are found alongside silver trays. Further on, there is a child’s rocking horse swinging from the ceiling and the hooks of the coat rack are composed of tableware. The decor is a reflection of the treasures of this traditional, innovative cuisine with multiple influences.
| Address | Dob Utca 26, Budapest |
| Telephone | +36 (1) 787 6164 |
The Farm has the usual “skeleton” of a romkert (ruin garden), one of these “ruin bars” typical of the city, built around a courtyard. But the resemblance ends there. The walls of this gastro-pub are dressed in bright white, while old farm utensils (saws, hammers, spades) give an almost minimalist touch to the whole. And it is chic.
Diplomats, ex-pats, and locals come to enjoy a cocktail, known as Jack by the regulars. He likes nothing better than working with ‘real’ fruits associated with high-quality spirits. In summer, Jack tours the small producers whose strawberries, raspberries, or currants he freezes, which then brightens the grey of winter.
A kiwi or a dried apricot comes to rest on the rim of your glass. With or without alcohol, plates of cheeses and cold meats can accompany his creations from the nearby farms. How could it be otherwise when the bar is called “Farm”?
| Address | Ó utca 14, Budapest |
| Telephone | +36 30 622 7500 |