White Heaven has crept onto the restaurant scene in recent months after two years behind papered windows. I for one was not immune to the curiosity induced by the long construction process on such a prime corner of capital real estate. The numerous passersby who stopped to have a look as we dined in the upstairs gallery only indicates that the curiosity factor has only increased with the unveiling of a stunningly detailed restaurant and bar.
What those passersby could see from the outside, through massive glass windows, was just the tip of the iceberg, because the coolness only increases as one enters deeper into the space. A restaurant during the day’s closing hours, White Heaven is also among the top choices of the city’s refined partygoers for a nighttime lounge serving top-shelf spirits and pálinkas. Start with dry martinis at the bar or relax in the secluded lounge area. Upstairs on the mezzanine, the main dining area of the restaurant looks down onto the bar and the square of St. Stephen’s Basilica. There’s the feeling of intimacy without being entirely secluded from the general atmosphere.
During our visit we were charmed by seamless service, thanks to a cool but smiling wait staff that works in teams to eliminate any awkward serving mishaps. Needless to say they were more than capable of suggesting the proper wine, which is generally ordered by the bottle, or one of many apertifs or signature cocktails on offer. Despite being surrounded by a clearly estimable and polished international clientele, we were still made to feel as if we were being solely catered on.
For dessert, we took the waiter’s suggestion of the banana tart with piña colada and a Grand Marnier ice soufflé with fresh fruits. The former had a sweet layer of bananas and was topped with thick fudge in one of those „I can’t eat it because it looks so good” artistic designs that kept the camera shutter clicking. The words „sinfully delicious” come to mind, though sin is probably the last thing on your mind, this being „Heaven” and all. My companion reported the Grand Marnier ice soufflé to be a creamy cold version of the classic soufflé, made with rich vanilla ice cream and laden with luscious exotic (for Budapest) fruit.
The overall feeling at White Heaven is luxurious and chic, yet not in a way that inhibits you from feeling comfortable enjoying yourself. This is the type of place you can enjoy an upscale meal, prepared by a celebrated chef, rubbing elbows with Budapest’s elite and impressing your business associates with your class and style. Alternatively, a night of cocktail-sipping and celebrity watching among exotic floral arrangements and the glow of a color-changing light is sure to remain a memory. You’ll want to look your best, because you can’t take anything worldly to White Heaven.
Meg George and Daniel Freeman
Starters
Arugula cream soup with rabbit ravioli
Smoked halibut on mixed seasonal greens with pineapple chutney
Mains
Fig-mustard crusted veal loin on vegetable garlet
Medium mixed sushi set
Desserts
Banana tart with piña colada ice cream
Grand Marnier ice soufflé with fresh fruits