CSŰR. a bisztró

Just over 20 kilometres from Nyíregyháza lies Lake Levelek, a magnet for day-trippers and anglers alike. On the lake’s eastern shore sits Levelek Guesthouse at Egeres Farm, part of a broader lakeside complex that also includes a campsite and holiday lodges. Attached to the guesthouse is CSŰR. the bistro, open not only to overnight guests. Both the restaurant and the accommodation blend modern and traditional elements with poise, evoking a contemporary rustic idyll. The kitchen draws inspiration from classic peasant fare and ingredients, but with bold, sometimes surprising pairings in nearly every dish. Take the catfish fisherman’s soup: its creamy, dense broth is mouth-watering in itself, but the real twist comes from the seared octopus secreted within. This unexpected addition lends both a gelatinous richness and a new, playful texture to the old classic. Seasonality is showcased through ingredients like Jerusalem artichoke—still criminally underrated—served four ways alongside meltingly tender beef tongue, another rarity. Service is relaxed and down-to-earth. While the wine list is on the short side, it offers worthy pairings for the food, and the house-made lemonades and cordials provide plenty of appealing alternatives. When it comes to spirits, the drinks menu champions a local artisan pálinka selection from the surrounding Nyírség region. Such is the lure of the region that Levelek is well worth the detour—perhaps even an overnight stay. But even the food alone makes the journey worthwhile.