There is a place in the VII. district where you can find yourselves among pink clouds in an instant, leaving the bustling streets behind. Thanks to the beautiful interior design and heavenly dishes of Vintage Garden, we truly felt like Alice in Wonderland during our visit.
In the heart of Erzsébetváros, embraced by gastro-streets, you can stumble upon a fairytale-like restaurant: Vintage Garden on Dob utca catches the eye from afar with the flower garlands framing the entrance.
However, this is just the beginning compared to what awaits you upon entering, where everything shines in a thousand shades of pastel, from the rose wall to the human-sized giant flowers.
The decoration and the menu change according to the season, but the incomparable atmosphere of Vintage Garden greets you from everywhere. By the way, the guest area isn't the only place where roses take center stage, as the drinks and desserts often evoke the most romantic flower – we'll get back to those later.
Slow start to the day
In an ideal world, you could spend a whole day here, as they have prepared separate breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, which the drink list also follows. The uniform, well-thought-out image of the restaurant is also clearly shown by the edible flowers smiling back at us from the plates.
Of course, the crowd-favorite Eggs Benedict variations are a must on the breakfast and brunch menu, while those with a sweet tooth will surely love the American pancakes and french toast. Whichever camp you're in, definitely try the rose matcha or the pink chai latte, the likes of which we haven't had the pleasure of tasting before.
Mediterranean flavor journey
The garlic-olive oil bruschetta loaded with "körözött," marinated red onion jam, smoked duck breast, and raspberry caviar forms a perfect transition between the breakfast and lunch menus; moreover, it sets the stage for the main courses as a real flavor bomb.
Following the appetizer, the pike-perch marinated in white rum and lime juice is a true summer refresher, true to its liquid counterpart, the "mojito," and with its natural flavor notes, it’s a perfect choice for those looking for a lighter dish.
The beef medallions topped with "lecsó" will be a safe choice for those who love traditional recipes, but thanks to the dill sour cream foam served alongside, it holds an exciting novelty.
If you want to head towards special gastronomic adventures, choose the roasted octopus, which, along with the grilled baby vegetables, will immediately transport you to a Mediterranean country.
Sunset from the terrace
This part of the capital is undoubtedly at its most vibrant in the late hours, so it's worth enjoying dinner and the accompanying drinks from the restaurant's terrace.
A cocktail goes great with the chipotle and pastrami sandwiches: lovers of sweet drinks can pick from well-known recipes, but we suggest you try the house signature drink creations, as the rosy, pink gin-based RoseMary and the tart Batida di Maracuja are guaranteed to sweep you off your feet.
Fortunately, you can taste the desserts available from lunchtime in the evening as well – so it's worth choosing from the place's elegant monodesserts and cake slices, where lovers of both milky and fruity flavors will find something sweet, and in some cases, even the well-known rose makes an appearance.
Although Vintage Garden is at least as famous for its rich decoration and unique photo spots as it is for its kitchen, it’s worth experiencing both in person, as you can have a unique experience like no other, which you will be talking about for a long time.