Legendary Kádár Canteen in Budapest reopens with almost the same menu it closed with 5 years ago!
Budapest’s iconic eatery, the Kádár, is finally reopening on Klauzál Square. Károly Gerendai, founder-owner of the Costes Group, and his team have been working for years to bring back the exact same experience that made generations fall in love with the place since its opening in 1957: honest Hungarian cuisine, communal tables, and the inimitable atmosphere of Kádár.
From a cholent debate to reopening
Although Gerendai was never a regular guest, he had a personal connection to the restaurant: “In my circle of friends, there was always a debate about whether the cholent at Fülemüle or at Kádár was better. I usually voted for Fülemüle, so many tried to convince me to taste Kádár’s version. That’s how I came here more often and saw what a devoted fan base it had. Over the past two years, I’ve spoken with countless former regulars, and they made it clear that Kádár was more than just a popular eatery—it was part of their identity.”
Not a nostalgic restaurant, but Kádár itself
The goal was never to create a new place with Kádár’s name, but to revive the original restaurant. “The first and most important point was that we genuinely wanted to reopen Kádár. Not just a restaurant on Klauzál Square called Kádár, but the real Kádár.”
For that reason, every decision was made with minimal change in mind. While the kitchen and technical systems had to be completely rebuilt, the restrooms modernised, and even the neighbouring apartment purchased to provide enough space, the original design was preserved wherever possible.
Reconstructing the menu from memories
Many of the old recipes were incomplete, so they relied on the memories of long-time guests. “In the old recipes, it might say ‘one spoon of sugar,’ but not whether it meant a coffee spoon, a teaspoon, or a tablespoon—which makes a big difference. Some ingredients are no longer available, and old stoves worked differently, too. So, we turned to the memories of former guests to recreate the flavours as authentically as possible.”
The starting menu will be nearly identical to what Kádár once bid farewell with. Over time, the menu will expand, gradually bringing back the classic daily specials. Takeaway service will return soon, and home delivery may also become available later.
Communal tables, old traditions
One of Kádár’s unique features has always been its communal tables—a tradition that continues today. “You’ll be able to reserve tables in advance, but if two people are sitting at a four-person table, don’t be surprised if others join them. That’s part of the Kádár experience. We’re probably not the best spot for discreet business lunches or marriage proposals,” Gerendai said.
New additions: Breakfast and dinner
At first, the eatery will only be open for lunch, but later it will serve breakfast and dinner as well. “Breakfast won’t be a French croque monsieur, but classic Hungarian options: fried bread, scrambled eggs with sausage, or boiled frankfurters. Dinner will feature the same dishes as lunch—these meals are just as enjoyable in the evening.”
Respecting the past, comfort in the present
The guest experience will combine past and present: authentic interiors with photos of celebrities and regulars on the walls, communal tables, but also card payment, online reservations, and modernised restrooms.
More than just an eatery: A legend
For more than six decades, Kádár operated with an unchanged philosophy. While poor practices often dominated in the hospitality sector, here, quality and guest-centred service were always the norm. “That’s why Kádár became a legend. It was an eatery where food wasn’t made from leftovers, but from quality ingredients, and the goal was always for the guest to leave satisfied.”
By the 2000s, alongside the loyal regulars, tourists had also discovered the place, and Gerendai believes there will be demand again: “I’ve never experienced this much anticipation before opening a new restaurant. People stop me on the street or at gas stations asking, ‘When will Kádár finally open?’ That’s a clear sign that old guests are eagerly awaiting its return.”
Gerendai also highlighted that taxi drivers once made up a significant portion of the clientele, so they reestablished ties with Főtaxi before reopening. To celebrate, the company parked a classic Lada (Zhiguli) in front of the restaurant to evoke the atmosphere of arriving from Buda in such a car back in the day. The team expects drivers to recommend the eatery to their passengers and to stop by themselves for a meal, just as they used to.
Key information about Kádár’s reopening
- Location: 9 Klauzál Square, Budapest
- Opening hours: Lunchtime initially, later also breakfast and dinner (11 AM—5 PM from Tuesday to Saturday)
- Pricing: Friendly, accessible to a broad audience
- Menu: Original dishes, gradually expanded with classic daily specials
- Traditions: Communal tables, authentic Kádár atmosphere
- Reservations: Half the seats available online, half reserved for walk-ins (kadaretkezde.hu)