While many restaurants claim to represent the style of contemporary Budapest, there are very, very few that truly reflect the grandeur and classic European style. Búsuló Juhász is one such place – a pinnacle of the city’s history.
The metaphor is apt indeed, as the restaurant and multiple inviting terraces, located near the top of Gellért hill, easily take the top spot for best view in the city. The restaurant is also celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, making it one of the few lasting institutions of the pre-war period.
Such experience is evident in all aspects of the dining experience, from impeccable place settings, highly-professional and knowledgeable service, refined yet unobtrusive décor, excellent musicians and a vast range of services. Such a high-class affair need not be overly exclusive; indeed the restaurant often caters events and occasions ranging from business seminars to weddings to concerts to children’s birthday parties both in-house and elsewhere.
Suffice to say our food was excellent – sumptuous and creative reimaginations of Hungarian and international country cuisine, presented with flair and no shortage of confidence. Several dishes are specialties of Chef András Czernon and likely unavailable elsewhere in the city. For discerning tastes, there are 50 kinds of pálinka and many other spirits on offer, and the restaurant will even provide wines of any vintage upon advance request.
From the winding taxi (or bus) ride to the restaurant to the picture-perfect view to the enchanting gypsy trio playing every evening to the delightful cuisine, dinner at Búsuló Juhász is a memorable experience. Romantic even during the daylight hours, this would be the perfect choice for a special dinner. If you’re a traveler, it also comes highly recommended as an unforgettable symbol of Budapest’s storied and unique history. Make your reservation today and bon appetite!
Foreplay
Salmon tartar in parmesan potato-trumpet with crudités
Iberian ham with melon pearls, ruccola and green fig
Wine: Nobless Chardonnay, Csaba Malatinszky 2005
Frosty temptation
Mango soup with mint and cold vanilla pearls
Special Day’s fall
Chili-limed huge shrimp tails with St. Jacob seashell and Dijon rice pie
Wine: Somlói Risling, Laposa Cellar 2005
Roasted beef steak on an iron plate, with goat cheese hat and rolled string beans in prosciutto
Wine: Egri Bikavér, Csaba Demeter 2002
Wine: Egri Bikavér, Csaba Demeter 2002
Sweet surprise
Cinnamon bread basket with caramelized fruits and vanilla custard
Wine: Late-picked Furmint, Bodrogkeresztúr 2000