Essência

What’s the vibe? 

Essência is, essentially, a love story, between Portuguese chef Tiago Sabarigo, who worked at Michelin-starred Costes Downtown in Budapest, and Éva Jenei, whose CV includes top luxury hotels around the world. The food (and the vibe) reflect their roots and their relationship.

What are the prices like?

If you’re here for dinner, Essência isn’t cheap as the kitchen operates according to a five- or seven-course tasting menu with wine pairings, meaning you’re looking at around €140 a head. Pop in at lunchtime, however, and you can select from a short selection of starters at around €20 and mains at around €30. 

What should I order? 

Octopus is a regular starter at lunchtimes, well cared for in Tiago’s capable hands, but for classic Hungarian, go for the duck liver. Serious carnivores should go for the aged beef rib-eye as a main. The evening tasting menus change daily but cod and lamb ensopado are firm favourites.

What’s worth visiting nearby? 

You’re in Budapest’s gastro and business hub, meaning you’re close to St Stephen’s Basilica as well as the Danube riverfront. For a nightcap or pre-dinner apéritif, on the parallel street of Hercegprimás utca, the Aria Hotel is topped by the panoramic rooftop High Note Skybar.

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