Spago Budapest by Wolfgang Puck

The Austrian-born American celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck plumped for Budapest as the location for his first European restaurant. Situated on the ground floor of the emblematic Matild Palace, a defining landmark of the city centre, the restaurant aims to bring the essence of California to Budapest. Befitting the grandeur of its ambience, the interior is sophisticated and cosmopolitan, with lavish furnishings, a striking bar, elegant wine coolers, and vast windows that flood the space with natural light. The chilled-out Californian vibe is best savoured on the terrace during the warmer months. The wine list embraces a global selection while also featuring notable Hungarian bottles, and the craft cocktails and mocktails add a creative flair. Executive chef István Szántó expertly translates the culinary philosophy of Puck’s international restaurant empire into the Budapest Spago, blending the gastronomic heritage of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy with some of the world’s most celebrated cuisines. The menu highlights star ingredients such as Italian burrata, Scottish salmon, Hungarian buffalo and mangalitsa pork, with subtle Asian influences interwoven throughout. The goulash soup we tasted was a fusion take on the classic, brightened by green coriander and celery, with slow-braised and sautéed beef cheek and toasted spaetzle adding depth - full of flavour and effortlessly moreish, it set the tone for the meal. The elegantly plated chicken suprême featured crisp skin and refined seasoning with a hint of Asian influence, elevating this French-inspired cut beyond expectations. The veal jus, prepared in the tradition of haute cuisine, was silky, smooth, and glossy, with an intense richness - further enhanced by the addition of mushrooms. Meanwhile, the velvety potato purée from ratte variety, with its subtle nutty notes, honours Joël Robuchon, adding another layer of sophistication to the dish. With its premium pricing, Spago is best suited for business meetings or special occasions, where the exquisite setting and outstanding cuisine create a truly memorable dining experience.