They made the Cut – Meating Points in Budapest

Let’s start with a universal truth: practically everyone on earth loves meat. That means that the customer base is endless. As a result, millions of restaurants opened, while this sadly also lowered the quality of the products. We got so accustomed to these conditions, that it became normal to pay an arm and a leg in a way too fancy place or to pay relatively low prices for a McDonald steak. Fortunately, in this ruthless world, some owners and chefs wish to give us delicious food not only to increase their wealth. Few of them work in Budapest. I selected 3 that stood out.

Es bistro

Located near the shopping street Vaci utca in the Kempinski Hotel … It does sound fancy I know, nevertheless still cheaper than a few competitors, considering the quality of the service, and most of all the food. From the hot bread and butter they give you when you arrive to the Goulash soup with homemade nipped pasta, salads or a “simple” burger with goose liver it is always right on point. The menu offers a wide range of dishes so everyone will find something he likes, delicious Beef Carpaccio for a starter or a whole Sea Bass as a main course to name a few the Steak selections include Rumpsteak, Dry aged Sirloin… appealing right?

I will always remember the dry aged rib eye which was for two. The best we had in ages. Never tasted steak with lavender before, it was really surprising, somehow confusing, I did not know if I loved it or hated it. At the second bite I was converted. The smell was amazing, charred, tender I thought I was back in south of France, eating in the middle of lavender field, with a glass of red wine and listening the cicadas. Whether you are in Budapest for few days or live here this is the kind of place where you rarely are disappointed. Find Es bistro on Facebook!

Pesti Diszno

Famous for its pork dishes, Pesti Diszno is one of top restaurants in the city. Situated near Oktogon in the city center it is easy to find. During 2015 they change some of the recipes, which was a surprise to me. The crispy pork spare ribs for example were absolutely marvelous. Don’t get me wrong they are still delicious. Now if you are not that much into pork and your friends or family forced you too came celebrate grandpa’s birthday, a savory John Dory (a fish), duck leg or even a Uruguay beef burger will accommodate your hunger. The portions are smaller than some months ago and I do think it’s better, especially for my self-esteem. The great philosophe Louis C.K said once “the meal is not over when I’m full, the meal I sover wen I hate myself.” And with the quantity of food Hungarians serves You can hate yourself quit often.