Here at FUNZINE, we’re always set to deliver you the hippest, the freshest on the gastro map of our beloved B-town; all the classics and the off-beat hidden gems, but our last Resto Xploration was an unexpected discovery indeed. We headed to the (perhaps not so down under) Don Pepe Restaurant in Budaörs.
Honestly, I thought that they wouldn’t be able to show me anything new, as I was already well schooled in the art of your bog-standard Don Pepe home delivery pizza. I was prepared for a good old Songoku Pizza and a túrógombóc (cottage-cheese-like dumplings), the ultimate trademarks of Don Pepe. Just a short car ride to Budaörs (Have you noticed the breathtaking autumn-colored hillsides? Ahh…), and there we were. Already, the building itself looked very inviting; there’s a little wooden entrance terrace and walls covered with natural-feel stones. Upon entering, you arrive to a warm-colored, friendly ambience with a pinch of Mediterranean style. As we walk around to find a comfy nook, I’m taken by the atmosphere; wooden furniture and pastel colors dominating the place, some Mediterranean chill-out music in the background, couples, families having their dinner talking, laughing. And children. They’re not sitting next to their parents, distressed and bored, waiting for their food. Nope. Don Pepe’s kids’ corner is full of magical-fascinating toys, and aye, even a small mock-kitchen, so the master chefs of the future can start training there while they’re waiting. There’s an ideal balance to the place, you can find perfect spots for a family eat-out, a romantic dinner, or even a business lunch.
As I quickly flick through the menu, I’m feeling quite embarrassed by my initial presumptions. As we get to know from the network chef himself, Zsolt Papp, Don Pepe re-designs its menu annually; while they keep the all-time-faves in (like the must-try raspberry cream soup or the Turkey XXL), they update their selection along the freshest gastronomic trends, plus, every year, they include a special range – this year it’s Greek cuisine (as for authenticity, Zsolt worked in Greece and learnt the recipes from Greek housewives). No need to worry, though, Don Pepe still kept 31 different kinds of pizzas on their menu. And, in case you get bored, each restaurant has a different, weekly changing menu to choose from. Its name, Don Pepe, would suggest that they’re mainly Italian; however, as I look through the menu, I spot all kinds of Mediterranean culinary impacts, maybe even a hint of Magyar, as well. The great thing about it is that everyone might find something according to their taste buds’ current wish. You might find a real gourmet dish, but for those after a nice home-made feel dinner, there are simpler choices, as well. In case, you’re into calorie-counting, you don’t have to make do with the usual salad, either. Their Light Pizzas are made with low-fat toppings, whole-meal flour and wait for it, light mozzarella specially made for Don Pepe by Hungary’s Szarvasi Mozzarella.
Although being ultimate fans of Don Pepe pizzas (Did you know that there’re only two people who know the secret recipe of their pizza bases?), my dining companion and I opted for pastas. But not before the antipasti, of course. My friend (wisely) chose goat cheese filled mushrooms with pesto and balsamic vinegar; the harmony of tastes made it a light, ideal starter. I ordered cheese quesadillas, from last year’s Mexican range, that became so popular that they had to keep them on the menu. No wonder.
And then came the pastas. Penne Portobello, my choice, was a penne dish with duck, mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce. A shockingly pleasant experience, I must say. I was preoccupied enough with my dinner to forget to ask my dining companion’s opinion of her pick, but I guess, her mmm-ing was good enough proof that her salmon tagliatelle was top-notch. After our dinner, we both felt like washing it down with a glass of nice white wine. Not only do Don Pepe have a great wine selection, they have their own wine cellar (available to rent), as Don Pepe is in partnership with Szatmári Winery, a small family business.
Either for a good eat-out with friends or family, or for times when you just feel like staying in and ordering a nice meal, Don Pepe, it seems, is an all-rounder.
From the menu:
Soups and Starters
Cold Strawberry Cream Soup
Bruschetta
Salmon with Reddish Mousse
Cheese Quesadillas
Pastas and Pizzas
Penne Portobello (penne with duck, mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce)
Salmon Tagliatelle with parmesan and ruccola
Main courses
Roasted duck breast with caramel peach and rosemary potatoes
Steak Tagliatelle Gorgonzola
Desserts
Creme Brulee
Cottage Cheese Dumplings