A grand breakfast Budapest style was on the menu in the opulent New York Cafe, celebrating 120 years as “the most beautiful coffee house in the world.”
Strolling along the Grand Boulevard (Erzsébet körút) in Budapest one morning, we thought we’d opt for a “grand breakfast Budapest style” in a historic coffee house. An understated reference to a stop and gawk on the circular bus route map convinced us we should at least check out the incongruously named New York Cafe. Little did we realize.
Entering the cafe’s vestibule is to be transported back to 1894. Budapest was celebrating La Belle Epoque in arts and letters. The Hungarian economy had been bolstered by three decades of dualistic Hapsburg monarchy.
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- Going back in time
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- Vestibule area
In this location, the New York Life Insurance Company completed construction of a wedding cake palace as its Hungarian headquarters, and the building’s cafe was an immediate sensation. Legend has it that writer Ferenc Molnar (“Carousel“), was so delighted with the first day’s heady experience, he threw the cafe’s keys into the Danube so that it would always remain open.
Photo: newyorkcafe.hu
Photo Credit: newyorkcafe.hu
Boscolo Hotel Group, who purchased and renovated the entire building in 2006, describes New York Cafe as the hotel’s “beating heart.” The ceiling frescoes were painted by Gusztav Mannheimer and Ferenc (Franz) Eisenhut. The cafe is illuminated by Venetian chandeliers which enhance the sparkle and polish.
Local and international intellectual celebrities flocked to the New York Cafe in its heydey. Editors of Nyugat, a prominent cosmopolitan literary journal, had offices here in the building. Alexander Korda and Bela Lugosi were regulars. Nowadays, whether you’re a local celebrity or an ordinary traveler, you are served with an impeccable flourish befitting your glamorous surroundings.
Photo: newyorkcafe.hu
Our Hungarian Breakfast
Elegant bites with coffee
Our “grand breakfast Budapest style” felt so opulent in these surroundings. To be honest, we didn’t really concentrate on the food as much as we did the ornamental details. From table to ceiling, each element of our experience was designed to complement this beautiful space. Smiling faces, a bit scarce on every day Budapest residents going about their daily business, on guests and staff alike attested: you can’t not like the New York Cafe.
A grand piano player, of course
Coming from Vienna, we’d seen pomp and grandeur, but it had felt lofty and out of reach. In the New York Cafe, we felt welcomed and encouraged to enjoy the lavish atmosphere as a thing of beauty, rather than importance. Truly the best breakfast Budapest may offer.
Photo: newyorkcafe.hu
Photo: newyorkcafe.hu
While the New York Cafe is rated by some as expensive, we felt our breakfast was fairly priced, coming in at less than $40 at the time of this writing, including champagne.
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An-Sofie Rombouts
Monday 24th of August 2015
Hi !! I'm going to Budapest in September and this looks amazing !! SO i was wondering if you had to make reservations to get breakfast ??
Thanks for all your shared information !!
Betsy Wuebker
Thursday 27th of August 2015
Hi An-Sofie - No, we did not have to make a reservation. You should be able to walk in and be accommodated, particularly in the mid-morning. :)
Donna Meyer
Monday 6th of April 2015
Thanks for this post, Betsy. There's a chance I may be in Budapest later this year. If that happens, I will definitely check out this place, at least for a coffee and a sweet. It looks like an unforgettable experience.
Betsy Wuebker
Thursday 9th of April 2015
Hi Donna - You will not regret it! It really is unforgettable. If you do get to Budapest, make sure I tell you about our favorite Hungarian Jewish restaurant for dinner!
Is the Blue Danube Really Blue? - Passing Thru
Saturday 20th of September 2014
[…] Grand Breakfast Budapest Style […]
Josie
Monday 4th of August 2014
Hi Betsy, I felt like I was with you on your eloquently-described morning visit to the New York Cafe. Cafe, indeed! Ain't it grand when a bite of food can be elevated to such a level? Lucky, lucky you -- and thanks for sharing it. Wishing you safe and happy travels always and all ways, Josie
Betsy Wuebker
Monday 4th of August 2014
Aloha Josie - you're absolutely right. What an experience.
Doreen Pendgracs
Monday 4th of August 2014
Wow, Betsy! That looks like quite the place. I guarantee you will never forget that breakfast. Those kind of memories are indeed priceless.
Betsy Wuebker
Monday 4th of August 2014
Aloha Doreen - you are so very right!