It may sound like an unusual combination, and you’re right, it is. If you find yourself arguing over the choice of these two things, though, or you’re simply with someone who feels like eating loads more (or less) than you, the essentially combined T.G.I Friday’s and Planet Sushi at Oktogon may be the remedy to many an argument.
T.G.I. Friday’s
1061 Budapest, Oktogon tér 3.
Tel.: +36.321.8739
www.fridays.hu
While the two restaurants function separately, they’re under the same ownership. They’re also right next door to each other. As a result, it’s possible to take a seat on the upscale burger joint’s terrace and order from both menus. It’s also possible to order from Friday’s’ menu while you’re in the sushi bar – you just need to ask for one.
At this time of year, though, we’d recommend grabbing a seat on Friday’s’ terrace, which, even if it does have the busy crossroads and the 4/6 tram as a view, is better than sitting indoors when it’s sunny outside. You don’t need us to describe Friday’s – it’s an American chain restaurant serving carbon copies of food and drinks the world over. The portions, too, are American in scale. You also don’t need us to tell you it’s not gourmet, but for some over-sized comfort food or a taste of home, it hits the spot for many.
Take your pick from sticky wings, sticky ribs, deep fried macaroni cheese, steaks, loaded potato skins, a few salads and lots more meat – super sized and, continuing the theme, often sticky. Their signature Jack Daniel’s sauce drenches much of the hefty fare, and burgers here can rise to the height of a small child. As we found out. As can their substantial salmon steaks – also drenched in a sacciferous whiskey dressing and likely providing enough Omega 3 for a whole family.
As you’re not heading in for Michelin stars, a highlight of Friday’s is their cocktail selection, and the talented guys who serve them here. Flairer Attila Farmasi recently returned from T.G.I. Friday’s’ Bartender World Championship in Dallas, where he impressively bagged third place after being up against 7,000 competitors. Cocktails here are, again, huge. And they’re reliably good, all freshly mixed and the menu’s, you’ve guessed it, massive, and includes their signature Long Island Iced Tea, which was invented by the Friday’s chain.
From the Menu
Starters
Friday’s Three for All:
3,500 HUF
Chicken Fajita Nachos:
2,100 HUF
Mains
Cajun Fried Chicken Salad: 2,500 HUF
Baby Back Ribs:
3,750 HUF
Jack Daniel’s Steak:
5,550 HUF
Desserts
Mocha Mud Pie: 1,150 HUF
Planet Sushi
1061 Budapest, Oktogon tér 3.
Tel.: +36.413.7830
www.planetsushi.hu
The neighboring sushi selection’s also wide-ranging, and again, all made fresh on site. And the quality’s pretty good. There are some really great maki rolls on offer in particular, and servings of soy, wasabi and ginger are generous. Desserts are also surprisingly good. Cocktails differing from next door are also on the menu, and include sinful sounding options like hot rum, banana and coconut juice. There’s also a large range of Japanese liquors to choose from.
In stark contrast to the meat and carb dominated menu of Friday’s, so-called fitness maki are on the menu here, which are a selection of crispy vegetables and either chicken, prawn or asparagus wrapped in rice paper and served with a number of different dips, including creamy roe and potent lime. The fact that all the sushi is prepared fresh, shows. Noodle dishes, soups and salads are all also there, large in number but less state-side in proportion.
Combine all of the above on Friday’s’ street-side terrace. Head there any day (apart from Fridays and Saturdays), between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., for a 50% discount on all cocktails. Grab some drink-side snacks or a whole feast, to kick-start a night out in the city. The location makes it easy to jump onto the tram or the metro, or walk to night spots nearby. We wouldn’t advise attempting much action after a Jack Daniel’s Burger, though. On Mondays, head to either restaurant for 50% off a pretty extensive, selected food menu. Do the maths, and that makes Monday night a great cheap eats and cocktails night.
From the Menu
Genso salad – Smoked eel, avocado, tofu and cherry tomatoes with unagi sauce and sesame seeds: 1,650 HUF
Nabe Udon – Suimo broth, udon noodles, salmon, prawns, squid, tofu, chicken, vegetables adn shitake mushrooms: 2,250 HUF
Philadelphia Chik Rolls (Maki Sushi) – Avocado, salmon, rice, cream cheese, unagi sauce, mayonnaise, flying fish roe: 1,350 HUF for four rolls.
Domino – Chocolate roll with fresh fruit and almonds coated in creamy sauce: 1,550 HUF