Spíler and its little sister Spíler Shanghai have long been popular urban dining spots in Budapest’s Gozsdu Udvar. Now, a third Spíler has set up on the Buda side by the MOM Park mall, with a rock’n’roll theme. We tested the menu and the drinks.
The new Spíler Buda bistro is similar to its two stablemates but its theme is a lot more rock’n’roll, sneaking a slice of buzzing Pest nightlife to the more serene Buda side.
The interior is fire-red and funky. Led Zeppelin, Guns’n’Roses and the Rolling Stones play to chattering diners, while Marshall speakers, instruments and music memorabilia adorn the walls. Even proprietor Roy Zsidai has put his own guitar on display.
Without wishing to seem churlish, we have to say that it does feel a bit like a Hard Rock Café, although wooden surfaces and an abundance of plants somewhat soften the hardcore style. The summer will also bring about a huge green terrace at this prominent retail corner.
The rock theme extends to heartier dishes, too: the burger and steak selection is quite impressive. If Ozzy ever drops in, he probably won’t be ordering avocado toast, more like beef tartare with capers, Australian rib-eye steak or BBQ ribs.
The menu also offers lighter bites such as vegetarian lasagne, crunchy cuttlefish, broccoli and green-pea dips.
The desserts brought the selection of Jamie’s Italian to mind a little bit, and we found them a bit too gooey, more recommended for real sweet tooths.
As you can expect at a Spíler, this new outlet is also justifiably proud of its drinks selection: the New World wines, cocktails and gin & tonics are noteworthy. A DJ spins discs on Thursdays.
In a locality bereft of bistros, Spíler Buda allows you to warm up for a night out or just unwind, filling a much-needed gap in the market.
Spíler Buda
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Address: District XII. Alkotás utca 53
Open: Mon-Wed 8am-11pm, Thur-Fri 8am-midnight, Sat 11:30am-midnight, Sun 11:30am-5pm.
