Since opening its doors in 1914, Déryné Bistro has been a favourite glitterati hangout. Serves coffee, drinks and food, even to mere mortals.
While not exactly a well-kept secret, Déryné Bistro has so far avoided the crowds of tourists seen elsewhere in Budapest. Its main customers are locals and international high-flyers, including artists, celebrities and thinkers. This means that the bistro has retained an authentic atmosphere.
To go with this atmosphere is good food. The chefs describe their menu as “simple, sexy, comfortable”. Fish is a strong point. So is bread, with an onsite bakery churning out fresh sourdoughs. Customers have often praised the exceptional service, as well as the general feel, with chic interior design and unusual music, often live. And judging from the online comments, the “Duck Benedict” is well worth a try.
All that said, the menu is being shaken up, so you might be pleasantly surprised at what you find. Some of the more intriguing new dishes include octopus salad, wild boar paprikash, and túrógombóc, a classic Hungarian dessert.
Even if Déryné hasn’t become a tourist hive, it can still get extremely busy at peak times. Booking in advance is a wise move here. If you do come when it’s very busy, and the food is slow to come out, the waiters will often provide additional wine and prosecco. Not bad.
Address
Krisztina tér 3, Budapest, 1013