Visitors to France are frequently impressed by the incredible pastries and other culinary delights that are available almost anywhere in that eminently cultured country. Here in Budapest, there are already many French-style bakeries, confectioneries, and cafés, but there has not been a place that combines all three types of eateries - until now. Amber’s French Bakery & Café opened at Fővám Square this summer, with an owner who was inspired to open such a place during his Gallic journeys.
Combining a café, bistro, bakery, and confectionery, Amber’s is located at a busy area by the southern end of Váci Street in downtown Pest. One might think that this central location equates with high prices because of the thousands of tourists roaming through Fővám Square – but this is not the case. Amber’s is not here just for the summertime tourist season, but all year. For example, in the fall they await students of nearby Corvinus University with breakfasts, snacks, and slices of scrumptious cake.
A bank used to operate in this building at Fővám Square, but now it houses one of the Frenchiest places of the city. Upon entering, we can already see that even the interior imitates motifs of the French countryside: white and brown dominates the color palette, and the mortar was obviously smeared on the walls with a spatula.
The homey feel is enhanced by the huge wall clock in one corner, and by the fireplace in the other. There are no tables or chairs in the direct vicinity of the counter, so the curious customers can comfortably take a look at everything without stepping on each other.Speaking of the counter, the first thing to catch our eye are the colorful pastries, and the small “cavity” in the wall, full with the baked goods – naturally, including the classic French baguette. The latter is obviously the specialty of Amber's French Bakery & Cafe, and like all baked goods here, it is made with flour that a mill produces especially for them.
A French place would not be complete without croissants – even though this is originally an Austrian invention – which are made with real butter instead of margarine, and stuffed with all kinds of goodies, including almonds. For breakfast, we either choose this or a pistachio-chocolate pastry with orange juice, or with a long latte. If you are on a diet or would just like to skip sweet things, we recommend the salty peanut pie, the rich cold or hot sandwiches, and Amber’s lactose- and gluten-free products.
The latter “-free” indicator is not entirely true, but certain ingredients are definitely reduced in the recipes of the confectionery and bakery. The store also features a show bakery.
The most unique, or shall we say exclusive products can be found in the confectionery section, like the Opera cake or the raspberry-pistachio cake. In addition, we are pretty sure that that Budapest’s largest éclairs can be found in Amber's French Bakery & Café.
