We know Budapest like the back of our hand, yet it does not cease to amaze us. It is considered one of the most gorgeous metropolises in the world for a reason. One sunlit afternoon, we walk down to the Danube bank to embark on the queen of romantic dinners, summer-night cocktails and memorable events: the iconic Spoon the Boat. Iconic because it goes back a long way, but it recently got a well-deserved facelift, resulting in a refreshed interior, a brand-new kitchen, brilliant dishes, and splendid cocktails. You can even sip on an Aperol Spritz in a sunroom or on one of the massive terraces. The extravagant boat might be stationary, but it comes with breathtaking views wherever you turn: you can marvel at the Buda Castle, the illuminated bridges, and the Várkert Bazár.
Spoon the Boat has been an iconic venue in Budapest for more than 20 years now. But here is a fun fact: it had been a simple cargo ship before it transformed into the high-end event space and restaurant we see today.
Fall in love with Budapest all over again
Spoon has foremost been an event space in the past few years, but it recently opened its doors to the public. The attractive and fancy looks remained, but its gastronomic offer got refreshed, with the addition of dishes known in the world of fine dining and an à la carte menu.
'Spoon the Boat is an extravagant and over-the-top restaurant, terrace and lounge, offering a loveable and straightforward cuisine. The goal is to create 'unmissable moments' for guests, which they can happily look back on later. These experiences are created with top-notch service and a unique panorama.' - said the management team of Eventrend.
'Spoon the Boat is an extravagant and over-the-top restaurant, terrace and lounge, offering a loveable and straightforward cuisine. The goal is to create 'unmissable moments' for guests, which they can happily look back on later. These experiences are created with top-notch service and a unique panorama.' - said the management team of Eventrend.
At Spoon, you can not only enjoy a spoonful of high life but fall head over heels for Budapest (again). Thanks to its 360-degree-panorama, you can marvel at the Buda Castle, the bridges, the Danube Promenade, and the Várkert Bazár.
Cocktail on the terrace, dinner in the sunroom
Spoon definitely has a place on the ultimate Budapest bucket list. Whether you embark with your best friend, spouse, family, or business partner, you will make long-lasting memories.
What makes the place truly emblematic, besides the location and the views, is its size: guests can enjoy 1600 square metres of space. Summer is fast approaching, but thanks to the huge windows of the two covered spaces and the small lounge area, you can make the most out of a visit, even on a windy, cloudy day.
From spring to autumn two panoramic sundecks open up for us to chill on.
'The most precious part of Spoon is the terrace, as it is an excellent choice for events from weddings to business lunches. While indulging in the gastronomic delights, you can also appreciate the harmony created by the Buda Castle and Chain Bridge.'
'The most precious part of Spoon is the terrace, as it is an excellent choice for events from weddings to business lunches. While indulging in the gastronomic delights, you can also appreciate the harmony created by the Buda Castle and Chain Bridge.'
The magical sunroom, enveloped by glass from all sides, is hidden between the two terraces. Thanks to its heating and cooling system, guests can enjoy it any time of the year. Not to mention the breathtaking views it comes with.
Culinary adventures and a legendary chef
When you embark Spoon, you can't help but start gushing over the views. But after that, go on to explore the gastronomic treats too. Defined as a cosmopolitan 'fine bistro', Spoon blends traditional Hungarian and contemporary international cuisines. The menu is short, but dishes are made of top-quality ingredients and get served quickly. Besides, the bar offers a separate menu and snacks, besides its wide selection of wine, beer and cocktails.
The head chef is Ádám Kovács, who learned basic culinary skills from a famous French chef. He then polished his knowledge at Bábel, where Michlen-starred István Pesti was his master. He used to work at another brilliant restaurant, Felix Kitchen and Bar, which he considers the most exciting challenge of his life. And now, Spoon is where all his experiences translate into outstanding creations. His motto is one we could not agree with more:
'Always do what you truly love and you will flourish.'
'Always do what you truly love and you will flourish.'
International dishes, Hungarian specialities, and splendid cocktails
Traditional dishes, such as goulash soup, are part of the menu, but then you come across something surprising and fresh such as Torchon Foie gras, which is paired with pistachio sponge and blueberry coulis. Soups have a beautiful mixture of cultures too: take the Asian-inspired pho, which comes with Hungarian chicken breast.
If you crave something lighter, go for the Ceasar salad enriched with crunchy bites. Vegetarians will appreciate tofu teriyaki, but you can't go wrong with the spinach-salmon pappardelle either.
Hungarian speciality chicken paprikash is also on the menu, evoking childhood memories for locals. And we have to say it might have been the best we have tried at a restaurant so far.
If you would just nibble while having a cocktail, try the snacks, such as a David Chang sandwich or Piri-piri shrimp.
And if you are a fan of desserts, don't leave without having the panna cotta or chocolate mousse - both resembling an art piece in a glass.
We spent a beautiful afternoon on the boat, with creative dishes, colourful cocktails, and stunning views. All topped with a dash of extravaganza. It is an experience you should not miss out on while in Budapest.
