An unexpected oasis, complete with a palm tree, on an otherwise less than appealing street, Rosé Restaurant & Bar provides a welcome addition to an area lacking in good restaurants. The warm red walls and dark wood furniture paired with creamy white arches make for a pleasant atmosphere that will help you forget the nearby busy intersection while enjoying some tasty flavor combinations.
While Blaha Lujza tér and the section of ring road on either side of it are busy places, and often on the way to wherever you’re headed, it’s always a question of where to get a good meal nearby, without having to wander way off track. Rosé is helping to solve that problem.
In addition to the cozy restaurant on the main level, the establishment also has a small lounge area downstairs for having a drink with friends on comfortable couches, without feeling like you are sitting in the middle of a restaurant. What’s more, we were told that Rosé will soon open a wine cellar and bar in the downstairs area, making this a potentially great nightspot.
But we were there to visit the restaurant for a late lunch. Un-crowded at the time, we were seated by the window and attentively served. Surely busier in the evening hours, it is good to keep in mind that one can easily get a seat around lunchtime.
Having browsed the menu of continental dishes with an Italian influence, I decided on a starter of crostini with scented tomato puree, while my dining companion chose the mushroom soup with thyme served with parmesan shavings. My toasts were a light way to start, and the tomato was more chopped than pureed, which I found preferable, and dressed with balsamic vinegar. The soup was creamy and about what one would expect from a mushroom soup.
The selection of entrees includes plenty of meat dishes, ranging from pork to poultry to lamb and steaks. There is also a selection of fish dishes, including prawns and salmon, but strict vegetarians may find themselves with few options. Most of the salads also include meat, but there are pasta dishes without.
I chose the namesake, “Rosé Duck Breast” which was served with honeyed walnuts in a basil flavored strawberry sauce. The server recommended potato puree as the accompaniment, and I found his suggestion to be an excellent pairing for the flavors of the dish. The duck was pink and tender, and the sweet sauce and bites of tart strawberries made for a unique and delicious combination.
Choosing an equally interesting dish, my companion opted for the tiger prawns with cayenne pepper on a bed of spinach tagliatelle. From my side of the table, the smell was tempting, as the whole prawns were brought to the table. I was told the pasta was very good, as were the prawns themselves.
Having enjoyed our entrees, we were feeling satisfied, but still interested in a bite of something sweet. While the blueberry mousse sounded interesting, we were again directed by our server, who insisted that the tiramisu was the best. Having been right on before, we took his suggestion again, splitting a tiramisu between us. The dessert came to us on two separate plates, a detail I appreciate, both elegantly dressed. The tiramisu was creamy and flavorful. Beside it, we each took a cappuccino to finish off our overall pleasant meal. The coffee was quite good and paired nicely with the sweet tiramisu.
Our experience at Rosé was positive, while relaxed. It is the type of restaurant that would make for a fine dinner when you are looking for something good to eat out without all the fuss of an elaborate restaurant. The dishes themselves are creative and flavorful, reflecting a care for the food.
Meg George
Starters
Crostini with scented tomato puree
Mushroom soup with thyme served with parmesan shavings
Mains
“Rosé Duck Breast” served with honeyed walnuts and basil flavored strawberry sauce
Tiger prawns with cayenne pepper on a bed of spinach tagliatelle
Dessert
Tiramisu
Capuccino
Ros
é Restaurant & Bar
1072
ácfa u. 24.
Tel.: +36.1.322.5426
