PHOTOS: Matild Palace in Budapest excels at this year’s Dining Guide Restaurant of the Year Awards Gala

The Dining Guide TOP 100 Restaurant Guide has once again awarded the best hospitality establishments, luxury hotels, and professionals at national level, recognizing those who are the heart and soul of the hospitality industry.

Matild Palace excels again

Photo: Matild Palace

Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest, triumphed in several categories this year, in addition to its restaurant, Spago Budapest making the TOP 10 list this year again. The hotel was named the Best Luxury Hotel in Hungary, as it was last year, and Spago Budapest was officially recognized as the Best Sunday Brunch venue in the city. Additionally, the restaurant’s head sommelier, Imre Rácz, was honored as Sommelier of the Year for his expertise and passion for wine.

The Matild Palace – a UNESCO World Heritage site and neo-Baroque landmark – underwent years of restoration before opening its doors three years ago. Since then, the luxury hotel has received numerous international awards for architecture, interior design, and sustainability, as well as high service standards and sleep-friendliness. Its restaurant, Spago Budapest received a Michelin recommendation within six weeks of opening and has maintained it ever since.

Last year, Imre Rácz, head sommelier of Spago Budapest won the Sommelier of the Year Award in the Michelin Guide Hungary 2023. In addition to these international accolades, the hotel has now received domestic recognition, winning the Luxury Hotel of the Year award for the second consecutive year, and Spago Budapest is once again among Hungary’s top 10 restaurants.

“In this sector, we constantly face new challenges and strive to meet the high standards we set for ourselves each year. It is a great honor for us, and I am particularly pleased that the Dining Guide TOP 100 Restaurant Guide has recognized multiple aspects of our work this year. I am proud of my colleagues for their professionalism and dedication across all units of the hotel,” said Selim Ölmez, General Manager of the hotel, on the occasion of the awards.

Maintaining quality year after year requires immense hard work. Many new hotels have opened in Budapest recently, drawing attention to the capital. We are proud to succeed in this developing city and wish the same for other hotels.”

The Country’s Best Sunday Brunch and Sommelier at Spago Budapest

The ground floor of the hotel is home to Austrian chef legend Wolfgang Puck’s gastronomic concept: the Spago Budapest restaurant. Chef Puck, known for being the gastronomic master of the Oscars for three decades, presents classic dishes from national cuisines with an exciting twist.

The kitchen is led by István Szántó, an executive chef with a solid professional background trained in Michelin-starred restaurants. As part of the Spago concept, the menu always includes typical local dishes, resulting in iconic creations like Goulash Soup adapted by István Szántó, the 2022 Oscars favorite Braised Beef Cheek ‘Vadas style,’ and Somlói Galuska in ”Nutshells.”

Wolfgang Puck’s signature dishes, such as Smoked Salmon Pizza, Wiener Schnitzel, Steamed Scottish Salmon ‘Hong Kong’ style, and Wolfgang’s Favorite Kaiserschmarrn, are also featured. Last year, the restaurant’s eclectic gastronomic offerings were enhanced with a high-quality sushi selection. Since the end of March, Spago Budapest offers a Sunday Brunch from noon to 3 pm, providing a unique experience with its spectacular show kitchen, variety, and quality. Imre Rácz, Sommelier of the Year, curates the wine list with a passionate dedication and outstanding knowledge of exclusive wines.

“In this profession, constant learning and openness are crucial. For me, the most qualified professionals in the world are my guides. This award is a great honor, showing that I am on the right track and that my hard work and learning are paying off. It’s a pleasure to help my guests have a lasting experience, gain their trust, show them something new, and make them return with a smile,” said Imre Rácz.

No one needs to think twice if they are looking for a unique gastronomic experience in the city center that can satisfy all their needs.

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