New unique Austro-Hungarian bistro in Budapest invites guests on a journey through time — PHOTOS
A new bistro in Budapest’s Castle Garden Bazaar reinvents Austro-Hungarian cuisine with a modern twist. Blending Viennese and Hungarian traditions, it offers an elegant yet welcoming dining experience near a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Ida, the Austro-Hungarian bistro
VG reports that Ida, a modern bistro celebrating tradition, has officially opened at the Castle Garden Bazaar in Budapest, strengthening the culinary ties between Vienna and Budapest. Paying homage to Austro-Hungarian gastronomy, the restaurant blends historical influences with contemporary flavours. Named after Franciska-Ida Lafite, the Graz-born wife of architect Miklós Ybl, Ida, beyond being an outstanding dining spot, serves as a tribute to the Monarchy’s rich culinary heritage. Situated at the gateway to a UNESCO World Heritage site, the bistro invites guests to savour the timeless elegance of Austro-Hungarian cuisine in a refined yet welcoming setting.
About the concept
Ida’s cuisine offers a refined reinterpretation of classic flavours, blending elegance with informality. Designed by Dániel Andrusch, with executive chef Dániel Katona and kitchen management by Csaba Rácz, the bistro brings together the best of Viennese hospitality and Hungarian culinary traditions. The interior, crafted by András Hitka, respects the historic Ybl-designed building while maintaining a welcoming and unpretentious atmosphere. With its generous one-dish meals, rich stews, traditional main courses, and distinctive desserts, Ida has quickly earned a place on Budapest’s gastronomic map, just steps from the Michelin-recommended Felix Kitchen & More.
As Budapest’s first Austro-Hungarian Bistro of Peaceful Times, Ida aims to establish itself as a key player in the city’s vibrant food scene. The philosophy behind its kitchen is to evoke cherished childhood flavours while elevating them to technical perfection. The bistro aspires to feel timeless, as if it has always been part of the city, seamlessly blending tradition with fresh innovation. Whether for a quick lunch, a classic dessert with coffee, or an intimate dinner, Ida seeks to be a memorable culinary destination for both locals and the growing number of international visitors exploring the Hungarian capital.
Hungarian gastronomy on the rise
Hungarian hospitality is thriving, with international recognition growing alongside the country’s expanding number of Michelin-starred restaurants. Since Costes earned Hungary’s first Michelin star in 2010, the nation’s culinary scene has flourished, reaching 12 Michelin-starred establishments in the 2024 guide. Ida is a promising star of Austro-Hungarian gastronomic traditions and a blend of classic cuisine and modern refinement.
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