Smarni Étterem

Once part of the Royal Palace in Gödöllő, the building is located next to the House of Arts. It is a great spot before or after cultural events, and also perfect for tourists. The restaurant has a cozy vibe, and those sitting on the spacious terrace can almost feel like they are in a forest, surrounded by the park’s old trees. What makes this place special is that they run an entirely gluten-free kitchen. You would not really notice it, though, since there is still a lot of “pasta” on the menu: carbonara spaghetti, gnocchi as a side, strudel, and even burgers in buns. For dessert, along with the namesake Kaiserschmarrn, you can also try sour cherry dumplings. It is like they are actively embracing the challenge of making traditional dishes gluten-free, rather than focusing on naturally gluten-free options. This could be a real relief for those affected, as they can order anything from the menu. However, it might require some compromise from the other guests, as it is not always possible to replace wheat flour with something else while keeping the texture of traditional pasta dishes. But it’s good to see some homestyle dishes like duck gizzard stew, steamed dumplings, or the mentioned Kaiserschmarrn. The wine list is well put together, with mostly Hungarian options. Definitely one of the reliable choices in Gödöllő.