Indulge in delicious Hungarian cuisine, reinvented with a contemporary twist. From classic dishes to seasonal specials, the menu offers something for everyone. And during the festive season, don't miss their special takeaway mulled wine – the perfect winter warmer as you stroll through the illuminated streets. So, why not escape the crowds and discover this hidden gem? 21 Restaurant in the Buda Castle district is open year-round, even during the holidays, ensuring a warm welcome and a memorable dining experience.
Hungarian classics and winter highlights
You can't beat a bowl of our legendary goulash soup with dumplings or a plate of chicken paprikash with buttery dumplings. These timeless dishes have been delighting guests for years, and it's no surprise they're still firm favourites.
However, they're not resting on their laurels, as chef Róbert Horváth has whipped up some exciting new seasonal dishes.
Their new superfood salad is a healthy and delicious mix of pumpkin, beetroot, kale, pumpkin seeds, orange dressing, and quinoa, topped with either chicken or goat's cheese.
21's Hortobágy chicken pancake is another must-try. The pancakes are crispy on the outside, filled with a delicious mix of mushrooms, duck liver, and peas, and topped with paprika sauce. Another new addition is the iconic Bácskai risotto with meat, a creamy and indulgent risotto topped with pork cheek stew, fried paprika, and confit tomatoes.
Their lamb shank is a winter warmer, slow-cooked to perfection and served with a comforting apple and parsnip puree, winter vegetables, and a rich red wine jus. Duck lovers can indulge in crispy roasted duck legs, paired with walnut noodles and a tangy orange sauce.
Vegetarians can opt for pumpkin risotto with pumpkin and crumbled goat cheese. And for the sweet tooth, the Somló dumplings (a world-famous Hungarian dessert, sponge cake dough with chocolate sauce) are still on the menu. But if you're craving something new, try their plum pie with cinnamon ice cream or the decadent goose leg cake (basically a delicious chocolate cake named after the shape of a goose's leg) – a chocolate lover's dream.
Get into the holiday spirit
Start with a comforting bowl of Hungarian chowder with homemade pasta and carp fillet or indulge in a creamy chestnut soup with ginger yoghurt and sweet potato crisps. For fish lovers, they offer salmon tartare with marinated beetroot and horseradish cream, or catfish fillet with sausage crumble, barley, and sour cream. If you prefer meat, their duck liver brûlée with homemade brioche and ginger plum chutney or crispy duck legs with purple cabbage strudel and baked cinnamon apple puree are the perfect starters.
Venison dishes are a true winter treat. Try the hearty bear stew, a Transylvanian specialty served with mashed potatoes, or the delicate rosé deer backbone with beetroot and creamy pumpkin puree. To finish your meal on a sweet note, choose between the indulgent chocolate soufflé with caramelised walnuts and orange sauce, or the rich chestnut purée with rum, honey, and homemade whipped cream.
The festive cheer continues into the New Year! From 31st December, the Christmas menu will be replaced with a delectable New Year's Eve offering. Indulge in veal tartare with marinated vegetables and spicy sauce, red lentil cream soup with smoked pork meatloaf, and beef tenderloin with wild mushroom sauce. Vegetarians can savour truffle ravioli with parmesan foam, while sweet tooths can delight in chocolate soufflé with Turkish hazel sorbet. These culinary delights will be available throughout January.
Contact details
21 Restaurant
(Cover photo: Kaunitz Tamás – Zsidai Group)
