Essência and Salt Restaurants are both new additions to the selection in Michelin Guide Budapest 2021 and bring the total number of One MICHELIN Starred restaurants in the Budapest gourmet guide to seven.
@Essência Restaurant Budapest; @Michelin Guide Budapest 2021
Budapest offers a wonderful choice of restaurants, of many different styles.
The MICHELIN Guide Hungary team announced that two restaurants have been awarded a MICHELIN Star: Essência and Salt, both of which are new to the 2021 Michelin Guide’s selection.
Essência Restaurant Budapest is run by Tiago & Éva. Chef Tiago is Portuguese, while his wife Éva is Hungarian, and the menus at this stylish and warmly run restaurant are a joyful celebration of both their cultures.
Salt Restaurant in Budapest is the brainchild of chef-owner Szilárd Tóth. The cleverly constructed and creative set menu uses plenty of techniques, like fermenting and pickling, and his strong commitment to sustainable gastronomy means we also highlight his restaurant as one of our Green ‘Initiatives’.
@Salt Restaurant in Budapest @Michelin Guide Budapest 2021
“Both these restaurants are wonderful examples of Budapest’s dynamic restaurant scene,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “They not only offer fantastic food and are doing something a little different, but they also do so while paying respect to Hungary’s culinary traditions.”’
The MICHELIN Guide inspectors also found 6 new restaurants to add to this year’s Michelin Guide Budapest. These include Hoppá! Bistro, Felix, Stand25 Bisztró, Spago by Wolfgang Puck, and Pasztell restaurants
“Budapest offers a wonderful choice of restaurants, of many different styles and in many different price bands. Some are run by homegrown chefs and restaurateurs, others by those who have gained experience abroad and have now returned to their homeland,” commented Gwendal Poullennec. “This is what gives the city its vitality and means the future is full of promise.”
Because the Guide to Budapest is now digital only, the inspectors were able to work on this selection for a longer period, which has proved vital in the face of all the challenges that the hospitality industry has had to deal with. That being said, the MICHELIN Guide inspectors used the same methodology and looked for the same standards as they do in any year – there were no shortcuts taken which would compromise the integrity of the Guide.
“The last 18 months have been extremely difficult for the hospitality industry all around the world and our thoughts remain with those who have suffered because of the pandemic,” added Gwendal Poullennec. “The MICHELIN Guide is about more than merely recognizing the top chefs; it is about bringing to a wider audience all the hard work and commitment of the restaurant industry as a whole.”
Salt Restaurant Instagram @instagram.com/salt_budapest/
Six new restaurants in Michelin Guide Budapest:
• Hoppá! Bistro – a friendly neighbourhood bistro with lots of regulars;
• Felix Kitchen & Bar – set in a striking building, whose ceiling will take your breath away. The luxurious menu sees caviar sitting alongside signature dishes and grills.
• Stand25 Bisztró – this popular spot serving skilfully cooked Hungarian classics is the baby sister of Stand, and has been re-added to the guide in its new location.
• Spago by Wolfgang Puck – the eponymous Austrian chef has brought his fun dining concept to the Matild Palace Hotel; an elegant spot everyone dresses up for.
• Rumour Restaurant – Jenő Rácz returned home to open this unique restaurant, where a creative menu is served at a counter around an open kitchen.
• Pasztell Restaurant – a smart, modern restaurant where you can watch the chefs at work in the state-of-the-art kitchen.
Essência Restaurant Budapest; @instagram.com/essenciarestaurantbudapest/
