Our visit to Szaletly for a special occasion was met with a mix of highs and lows. Opting for the degustation menu, we were excited to experience the creativity and flavors the restaurant is known for. However, the overall execution left us wanting more.

One of the first issues we encountered was the lack of consistency in service. Throughout the evening, we were served by four different waitstaff, which disrupted the flow and personal touch of the experience. Additionally, we found ourselves needing to ask them to slow down the pacing of the courses. A six-course menu, especially one with intricate dishes, requires time to savor and appreciate. Rushing through with minimal pauses between dishes can overshadow the effort and complexity put into the meal.

Another challenge was the lack of clear communication about the dishes. With a 12-item menu, it can be difficult to recall every component, and we had to ask the staff to clarify each dish as it arrived. A more seamless explanation or printed guide for the courses could have made this aspect more enjoyable.

As for the food, there were highs but also noticeable misses. The pumpkin soup, for instance, was overly oily, with leek dominating the flavor profile, leaving little trace of pumpkin. I had read similar feedback previously but assumed it was a one-time issue—unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. The desserts, while visually stunning, leaned excessively on sweetness, lacking balance and nuance.

Paying €130 for two at a Michelin Guide restaurant is undeniably a competitive price point. However, when the service and pacing don’t match the quality of the food, even a “reasonable” price can feel steep. A degustation menu is about the overall journey, and if the experience falters, it risks diminishing the enjoyment of even the best dishes.

While Szaletly has potential and some truly delicious creations, the rushed service and inconsistencies prevented it from being the memorable evening we had hoped for.