Budapest’s legendary Apostolok restaurant has reopened: savour the pinnacle of Hungarian cuisine with live music
For 122 years, the Apostolok restaurant has stood as a celebrated bastion of traditional Hungarian gastronomy near Ferenciek Square, close to the foot of the Elisabeth Bridge and alongside the popular Váci Street frequented by tourists. Its recent restoration has now been completed, and the restaurant has once again opened its doors.
Apostolok restaurant’s rich history
One of Budapest’s oldest dining establishments, located on KÃgyó Street and operating since 1903, has reopened following renovation, reports MTI. At the dawn of the 20th century, in 1902–1903, János Förster established the Apostolok beer tavern in a building constructed in 1894, which today enjoys protected heritage status. Even in its earliest days, the pub stood out for its distinctive features: dimly lit booths, alcoves adorned with carved apostle heads, and a house policy emphasising sobriety and quietness.
The tavern quickly became a popular haunt, thanks to an exclusive agreement with the Pilsen brewery. It was the only place in the entire country where patrons could sample special beers such as Löwenbräu and the renowned Saint Benno ale.
Its golden age arrived during the Horthy era of the 1920s and 1930s. The celebrated writer Gyula Krúdy was a regular, capturing the establishment’s singular atmosphere in his works. He remarked that even those who did not typically drink beer were tempted by the tavern’s unique ambiance.
A refreshed venue with live music every evening
According to the management, the recent renovation has preserved the restaurant’s authentic interior. Highlights include the apostle heads decorating the booths—the restaurant’s namesakes—and the traditional vaulted arches. With the upgrades completed, the venue now offers modern comforts, live music and a terrace.
The building has been a protected historic monument since 1973, according to Pénzcentrum. The current layout dates back to 1913. The furnishings were crafted by Oszkár Gattaringer, the wood carvings by János Bartolfy, the tiling by Vilmos Schillinger and the mosaics by Kálmán Szabó.
On the menu are classic Hungarian dishes such as goulash soup, grilled duck liver, butter-fried kalács (a sweet bread), beef stew with dumplings and Somló sponge cake—a favourite among foreign visitors. The statement sent to MTI notes that the renovation aimed to blend the traditional atmosphere of this 1903-founded restaurant with the experience-seeking spirit of today’s guests. To that end, live music entertains diners every evening.
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