ÉS Bistro Budapest
Kind of a big dill
The bistro you need to try in Budapest.
It’s true the meals are quite expensive, but for a high end bistro I think it’s normal. The food is exquisite and really it’s worth it. Of course you can’t go there every week, unless you can afford it, but once in a while for a romantic dinner it’s a really great place. Kinda look like an old French Bistro. Every time I went there, I think 3 or 4 times in 4 years, It was so damn good, when you arrive you got hot bread and fresh salty butter with black pepper, don’t make the mistake to finish it all, save some for the meal. With all our visits we’ve tried few dishes like the grilled Sea Bass, Marinated pork ribs, burger, pork belly, They were all cooked and serve to perfection and with a great sense of style. But the true hero there, what we really enjoyed me and my love was the Lavender dry aged rib eye. This was the best I had in Budapest so far, sired and cook beautifully. The waitress asked us how we liked it, my girlfriend loves meat medium rare, and I like it better well done. So we decided to let the Chef decide what’s best for this one. He chose medium rare which honestly is a hard thing to have in Budapest. Usually if you order medium rare you can see the waiter pull a face "OH dear we’re Fu$#@”.
My god this steak which was for two was the best Beef we had in ages. I never tasted steak with lavender, so at first it was really surprising, somehow confusing, I did not know if I loved it or hated it. And the second bite came. I LOVED IT. The smell was amazing, I thought I was back in south of France, eating in the middle of lavender field, having a glass of red wine and listening the cicadas.
The desserts are like the rest of the menu. We had some once or twice. The “Somloi” Hungarian creamy cake and Chocolate mousse for example. I have to say for a dessert it was way too much. Delicious yes, but too much. After finishing my mousse I wished my girlfriend could push me so I would roll back home. I like to end a meal on a lighter note, so even for me it was a lot.
Hats off to the Chef. I can’t wait to go back to ES Bistro. If you are in Budapest or plan to come it should be on your list.