A landmark eatery on Klauzál tér in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, old-school Kádár had served stars of stage and screen for more than 60 years before it closed in 2020. Now there seems to be signs of life in the old place, its shutters occasionally raised as workers come and go, most notably Kádár stalwart Sándor Orbán, who took over the restaurant more than 30 years ago.
Sylvester Stallone, Marcello Mastroianni and almost every famous Hungarian actor of the post-war era has eaten at Kádár, founded by Béla Kádár in 1957. Their signed photos still line the walls of this charmingly retro establishment, soda syphons placed on each table dutifully covered with a red-and-white checked tablecloth.
Equally essential to any visit here were the staff, serving authentically home-cooked dishes at affordable prices for decades.
Although it’s not clear when Kádár will reopen, the signs are that it’s not being transformed into yet another new-wave café or trendy bar. And, with Klauzál tér market next door now renovated and busier than ever, customers should return pretty swiftly – not that the Kádár ever wanted for lack of trade.
