Hi 😊 I’m Kitti, Budapest guide, and if there’s one thing I really believe in, it’s that exploring a city is not just about the sights, but about the tastes, the moods, and that special feeling of just being somewhere good. Well, that’s what I’d like to pass on to you – and while you’re here, let me tell you about one of my favourite places that I heartily recommend to all tourists (and secretly locals): the Rose restaurant.
When I first entered the Rose, I had the feeling I had stepped into an elegant film set – but in the heart of Budapest. The name is no coincidence: everything is pink, soft, romantic and yet very stylish. But don’t be alarmed, this is not the kitschy, overdone pink world, but a tastefully imagined space where every detail counts – the glow of the lamps, the silky textiles, the friendly smile that greets you and the scents that instantly set your imagination in motion.
And speaking of smells, let’s talk about food, because what else do you go to a restaurant for if not to make your stomach happy? Rose’s cuisine is exactly what you’d expect from such a special place: a balance between exciting novelty and comforting classics. The menu changes frequently, but every time you’ll find something you won’t soon forget. The chefs really know their stuff – the presentation is artistic and the flavours… well, it’s like you’ve been served a more fabulous, delicious version of Budapest.
One of my personal favourites is the slow-roasted lamb loin, served with rosy mashed potatoes and pomegranate jus – a real flavour bomb! And if you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, the rosewater-scented goat cheese salad is also a fantastic choice. And for dessert, you have to try the homemade rose ice cream – I’m not kidding, you won’t find it anywhere else in town.
What else I particularly love about the Rose is the atmosphere. It’s at once elegant and friendly, quirky yet homely. You can sit in for a romantic dinner, but you can also have a girls’ lunch. If you’re in town as a tourist, this is the place where you can feel a little bit like you’ve been born into the magic of Budapest. And if you ask me, that’s what it’s all about – not just seeing the city, but experiencing it.
The service? Absolutely impeccable. Not too intrusive, but always present. They can sense when you’re in conversation, when you want to ask a question, and when it’s time to get the bill. You rarely see such attentive, laid-back professionalism – and that’s why I keep coming back.
So if you’re ever in Budapest, please don’t just run the obligatory laps – bridge, castle, spa, then head home – but allow yourself the real experience. Walk up to the Rose, book a table and let this place enchant you. And while you’re there, give me a little thought – because I might be showing another group around the city while I’m preparing dinner at the Rose. 🌹
Will you join me next time?
Kisses, Kitti
