Takebayashi - Bambuszliget Japán Étterem

A pioneer of the genre in Hungary, Bambuszliget is a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar which harks back to an era when most local diners didn’t know their ramen from their katsu, let alone their katsu from a Sunday schnitzel. These days, the clientele is far better informed, but Bambuszliget remains a steadfast presence in the field. Alongside the classics, the menu offers a looser take on Japanese cuisine: California-style rolls like the sake-philly with cream cheese, sushi-club sandwiches, and even guest appearances from stars such as pad thai or panang curry. It’s one of the city’s most reliable sushi destinations, with an extensive selection and fun flourishes like the sushi boat – a vividly coiled sharing platter, perfect for group feasts. This is not a restaurant chasing the latest trends: the interior is unpretentious, the kitchen modest in its innovations. What they offer is the solid quality on which they built their name over two decades ago. On our visit, we sampled not only the sushi but also the house-made gyoza: the delicate wrapper just barely enclosed the filling, harmonious in flavour and served piping hot – almost melting on the tongue. Should you wish to raise a glass, the drinks list includes sake, Japanese gin, vodka and whisky.