Jamie's Italian Budapest

Jamie Oliver delivers a dose of dolce vita – with a British twist – to one of the Buda Castle District’s most enchanting streets. Anticipation reached fever pitch ahead of opening – and understandably so. It’s not every day that an international celebrity chef arrives in Hungary, even if under a franchise. The location is enviable, facing Matthias Church, with a parasol-shaded terrace along the cobbled street. The interior is stylish, though the red leather banquettes lend a note of gastropub comfort rather than trattoria charm. The carbonara with peas and asparagus may raise eyebrows among purists, but such border-crossing is quintessential Jamie Oliver – a hallmark echoed across the menu. The tomato soup proved a study in simplicity done well: finely judged acidity, vibrant flavours, with Italian flair. The Sicilian-style prawn linguine is the ideal choice for shellfish connoisseurs – generous prawns in a white wine and tomato sugo, crowned with a whole giant king prawn in its shell. The tiramisù, that litmus test for any Italian restaurant, was the weakest link: despite a hint of alcohol, the texture was regrettably dry. Redemption came in panna cotta, its soft vanilla tones complemented by the sweet-tart tang of blackberry. The menu reflects the British chef’s culinary credo: a passionate embrace of Italian cuisine, invigorated by bold, often playful, use of vegetables. Prices reflect the high-profile name and the alluring setting – but in return,diners are served a slice of the Jamie Oliver experience.