Gundel, Budapest

The restaurant way too expensive for what you get. You don't get a friendly attitude from the servers. It is not worth the money, food mediocre. The place has a nice atmosphere, very formal it's not where you can just walk in and have a casual dinner in an elegant ambiance.

There is absolutely nothing special about this restaurant with the exception of the prices. We ate there this June and we very very disappointed. Food was not Hungarian at all, no spices, no salt, cold, and portions rather small. My fish/forgash=pike was a cut of about 2 inches by 3 inches, and my "hungarian" pea soup was about the size of a capuccino cup. The desert - famous Gundel's palacinka- was a quarter wedge of about 3 inches. I could barely taste the walnut filling and the chocolate tasted like rejected jello pudding. Awful! The bill for 4 of us that included a bottle of wine came to 90 thousand forints which is equivalent to about $450 dollars. The bill when presented already included 12% service charge as claimed on their menu; we added additional 10% which gave about 23.5% tip. The waiter did not even say 'thank you". They have a dress code; a jacket for men. It was not enforced. There were two tables where men wore casual clothing and one table where the guys sat in t-shirt/rugby shirts and jeans. It was middle of the week and the restaurant was less than half full. Bottom line? You will find a better more authentic restaurant serving excellent Hungarian food for fraction of the price. Gypsy music included. Gundel is not worth the visit unless it is on your irrevocable"bucket" list

Dined here recently. The ambiance was everything I expected but the food--extremely expensive--ranged from good to just okay, nothing special at all. Also, we had packed a suit for the occasion to conform to their dress code and were not happy to see several tables with people dressed in jeans and t-shirts. If they have a dress code it should be enforced! Over all--disappointing and not worth the money.

The service was very slow, they forgot some of the items, when asked they were rude. The chocolaten palchinta was cold... I would never go back, there are many great restaurants in Budapest for that price.

Celebrated my husband's 40th birthday there. Was absolutely fabulous and romantic. We were even treated to a tour of the establishment. Our love for Tokaji wine is still going strong after our experience.

I had heard good things about Gundels and so was looking forward to dinner there... Sadly, we had far better food elsewhere in Hungary ( Pecs , Villany,and Kesckemet) at a fraction of the cost. There is no denying that the place IS impressive and the service sometimes flashy...But , and a big but, the food was only so so and the waits between courses long and tedious...My party had ordered the fixed menu whisch sounds amazing but only a couple of the courses really stood out...to make matters worse we were conned into ordering a ridiculously expensive glass of champagne before our meal that put us in ill humour from the start. This is the kind of place fat cats take their clients for an expense account dinner...It WILL cost you and for the money you can eat far better elsewhere.

Having heard of Gundel for a lifetime... my father having been its head chef many many years ago, I looked forward to the Charity Brunch I was to attend there. I'm sorry to say that I was shocked. Much of the food was soggy, lifeless; the turkey was not only dry but RARE (hello?) and obviously uncooked! and, though I realize that turkey is not a Hungarian specialty, I expect that any chef or layperson might know that it should not be served RARE. (disgusting) Their side dishes and deserts were excellent. Relatives in Budapest were shocked to hear that the great Gundel's would serve such fare. Perhaps this restaurant only maintains its high standards when one attends as an individual guest... In other words, it sounds great to visit as an individual diner but don't have Gundel's cater your next event!

I have read about this restuarant in books. All have praised this as a five star dinning experience. "Budapuest's fanciest and most famous restaurant...maybe Eastern Europe's--BEST!"...I must admit... the menu was wonderfully prepared, with many delightful classic dishes, served with the finest wine. What a grand evening, complete with a Gypsy orchestra...Simply Exquisite! A 'Must Do' list when in Budapest!

I go through Budapest quite often and whenever I do make sure to get there on a Saturday so I can go to Gundel's on Sunday. Normally, this restaurant is out of my price range, but Sunday is a different matter. On Sundays they provide a moderate priced buffet which is delicious and well worth the travel. In the beginning you have your choice of bloddy mary or orange juice (I think champagne might be one of the options). After that it is your choice of succulent starters, main plates and desserts. All this while listening to someone play on a grand piano. Normally people stop by after going to church. Hint, do not dress scraggly. However, you're not going to the opera either. I feel kind of guilty letting everyone know about my little secret. But, why not share? Can't wait to go there this Sunday as I am going to Budapest, once again, tomorrow. If you do go, hope you enjoy the experience as much as I have and will for many years to come. NOTE: As an adult diner I am pleading with all those who have children to not destroy my brunch with anyone under the age of 15. Or anyone,for that matter, who would spatter, spit, run around and make lots of noise. I understand people want to have kids. But that is no reason that others should suffer their noise and banter while paying to enjoy a good meal. I would recommend not to bring your little ones as this is not the type of place where their presence will be welcome.

Better food can be found elsewhere in Budapest, but not in such grand surroundings or with such attentive waiters. This is traditional Hungarian cuisine at its very grandest. There are quite modestly priced set menus, but you should really eat the grand dishes like goose liver. If you go to the grandest restaurant, why not splash out on the grandest food. I don't really think it is very suitable for vegetarians. Wear a tie!