ABOUT US
Downtown Classic Cafe and Restaurant
What does the meeting of progressive and classical values mean at Centrál?
Centrál Grand Cafe reinterprets Budapest’s historic café culture through modern gastronomy and social experiences. Central Grand Café and Restaurant located in the heart of Budapest is not only a historical site, but also a timeless coffeehouse, which combines the heritage of the past with the dynamism of the present really well. The coffeehouse, founded in 1887, has been a place for all the cultural and literary greats to create and inspire the following generations. But how can a historical café like this still be so relevant and enticing in the present day?
The preservation of classical values
The elegance of Central’s interior, the ceiling height, the giant windows, the chandeliers and the decorative rooms all bring back the upper-middle class milieu. The atmosphere of the café and the building itself is preserving the splendor, where one can stop for a moment and fly back in time. Besides shielding and presenting the classic values, Central pays great attention to the flavors of the traditional Hungarian cuisine, of which dishes are made from the most excellent ingredients.
The progressive approach
What makes Centrál Grand Cafe modern?
Central does not only look into the past, but also the future. Our innovative kitchen rethinks traditional recipes with modern techniques and a fresh point of view. Besides the classical courses, one can also find progressive, internationally inspired dishes as well in our gastronomical selection, which are created according to the taste of the present age.
The playful presentation of duality.
This playful duality shows itself in every detail: in the collision of the old and the new, in the interior and on the menu as well. At one table we can see a classic Eszterházy cake, at another a modern, flambed mákos guba. The elegance of the past meets with the vibrant energy of the present, creating an environment that is both comfortable and inspiring at the same time.
Why is our café and restaurant relevant today?
Central remains up to date, because it is able to renew over and over again, while staying loyal to its origins. From the literary evenings to modern cocktail parties, the programs of the café keep reflecting the needs and interests of the present age. This harmonical unity between old and new makes Central Grand Café a place in which every generation finds an event enticing and worthwhile.
Gastronomy and hospitality
What kind of gastronomic experience does Centrál offer?
On the menu besides the easy bistro cuisine typical of parisian and budapestian Grand Cafés, we can also find progressive, unique courses in a “comfort food” style. Among these are the remarkable breakfast- and brunch selection with unique pastries, eggs Benedict, classical and extraordinary egg dishes, and also an all-day soup, main course and snack selection. This makes it possible to find our own style at any time of the day, at any occasion or event. Let it be a friendly- or business meeting, a Sunday family lunch or a Friday-Saturday piano bar dinner.
Desserts
Why are Centrál’s desserts special?
In the past more than 137 years Central has been famous for its desserts, so it became one of the main components of the menu. Our sweet secret is the years of experience in confectionery arts and the cafés own confectionery workshop, which guarantees that all our desserts are made from excellent quality, fresh ingredients. The master confectioners working in our workshop are constantly working on new ideas and techniques, so that besides the classical recipes we can serve new, innovative desserts as well to fascinate our guests. In the selection of sweet delights great classics and their modern challengers win the favor of our guests together. Besides the original version of the Eszterházy cake one can find modern, creative desserts as well, which tempt us with an astonishing flavor and appearance. The harmony between the past and the present, offers an unforgettable experience for all our sweet-tooth guests. The cafés iconic desserts have become an iconic piece of our menu over the years and maintain representing the highest standard.
Champagne & Cocktail Bar
The bar of Central Grand Café can be described the best as casually elegant, sensually playful and sophisticated. We can enjoy contemporary coffees and extraordinary cold and hot drinks all day. Opposing the historical Grand Cafés, refreshing, cooling drinks are vigorous, among which one can find the iconic and modern favorites as well. From the early evening hours we give in to the Grand Café feeling accompanied by piano music, where the champagnes offered by the great French houses and houses signature cocktails come into the spotlight.