Last year the Castle District welcomed a revitalised culinary gem. Fekete Holló, or Black Raven, retained its historic name and signage while undergoing a complete transformation. The owners sought to create a traditional Hungarian eatery where locals and tourists alike could enjoy authentic home-style cuisine amidst the charming ambience of checkered tablecloths.
With a rich history spanning over two centuries, Fekete Holló has served as both a residence and a catering establishment. A short stroll along the recently renovated Országház utca will lead you to iconic landmarks such as the Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church.
A historic gem reimagined
The building at 10 Országház utca, constructed around 1785, has a storied history as a restaurant dating back to the 1930s. At the tender age of 20, a man called Pál Alpek opened his first eatery here, then in the 1970s, the establishment became a beloved tavern frequented by students, writers, poets, and young intellectuals. The building's distinctive cast-iron sign is a tribute to one of Hungary's most famous kings, Matthias the Just and his family.
Temporarily closed during the pandemic, the restaurant reopened in autumn 2023 with a renewed purpose. While preserving the building's ambience, Hungarian dishes, and the restaurant's core essence, significant improvements were made. Fekete Holló isn't merely a restaurant; it's a place of prestige, often the first introduction to Hungarian cuisine for foreign visitors to Buda Castle.
The restaurant's atmosphere is reminiscent of a classic bistro, with cast-iron chandeliers adding a touch of nostalgia, but the interior and the kitchen have been modernized with 21st-century technology. The air-conditioned indoor space features two private rooms for smaller groups, blending modern elements with traditional charm.
When weather permits, guests can enjoy the outdoor terrace with views of Matthias Church. The small, checkered-clothed tables and the building's historic ambience evoke the classic catering era of Buda.
Fekete Holló offers a truly authentic Hungarian culinary experience, featuring traditional dishes alongside contemporary delights. Beyond the standard fare, the restaurant also serves exceptional Hungarian wine spritzers, artisanal craft beers, and coffee. Learn more about the history of the spritzer on the informative leaflets accompanying the cutlery.
New additions to the menu
Since its opening, Fekete Holló's menu has expanded to include more exquisite dishes. In addition to traditional favourites, diners can now savour specialties like homemade duck liver pâté with apple and onion chutney served on toasted brioche. The creamy duck liver pairs perfectly with the sweet, salty, sour, and spicy chutney, creating a delightful explosion of flavours. The kalach, baked in their own factory, is incredibly rich and buttery.
For those craving hearty Hungarian fare, the Hortobágyi chicken pancake is a must-try. This classic dish features a savoury blend of paprika, sauce, and tender chicken. If you prefer soup, the pork bean goulash and farm chicken soup offer a taste of grandmother's cooking, served in charming red pots or pans.
The roasted duck leg is a standout main course, served with delectable braised cabbage pasta made with homemade noodles and cooked in goose or duck fat. The duck leg is perfectly cooked, with crispy skin and succulent, tender meat. Other meat-based options include beef stew, sztrapacska (a Slovak dish consisting of potato dumplings often topped with sheep's cheese, bacon, and sauerkraut), and lecsó with roast sausage (Hungarian's ratatouille, a thick vegetable ragout).
For a lighter yet equally satisfying meal, the catfish paprikash is a fantastic choice. This dish features tender catfish fillets coated in a flavourful paprika sauce, topped with sour cream and homemade noodles.
The restaurant also offers a variety of traditional pottages, which can be customized with various additions like meatloaf or fried sausages. We highly recommend spinach with fried eggs, a creamy and garlicky dish that evokes the comforting flavours of home cooking.
When it comes to dessert, Fekete Holló does not disappoint. In addition to pancakes and Zuki's homemade ice cream, guests can indulge in the iconic Somlói sponge cake, a layered dessert featuring various types of sponge cake, cream, and toasted nuts.
Fekete Holló attracts visitors and locals alike, so if you're looking to indulge in authentic Hungarian flavours, this restaurant is a perfect choice. Fekete Holló doesn't reinvent the wheel in terms of presentation or flavour, but it offers a truly home-style Hungarian experience that will leave you full and content.
CONTACT details
Fekete Holló
(Cover photo: Forgács Zsuzsi – We Love Budapest)
