Városliget Café — Restaurant in Budapest

TOURIST TRAP!!

I hate to write bad reviews and usually never review at all, but this place was a legitimately terrible dining experience that I don't wish upon anyone - almost entirely because of the service.

When we were seated (Saturday for lunch, not very busy), a waiter didn't come to the table to bring water for nearly 15 minutes. When we did order, I noticed the the prices were substantially higher than the typical fare in Budapest, however, I was happy to pay knowing the prime location and seemingly classy atmosphere.

Then, after nearly an hour goes by, during which we never saw the waiter, they delivered our food to the wrong table!! My date and I thought the two dishes a couple tables down were ours and found it strange that no one was eating it, but it took the restaurant an additional 15 minutes to figure out the mistake. Then, another 45 minutes goes by because they had to re-cook our food. I had to wave down the group of waiters that were talking by the kitchen area to get any service, hoping to order a cappuccino during the now exhausting dining experience.

Finally, we received the dishes that were okay, but largely unremarkable. My chicken paprikash was rather dry.

After the meal, my date also wanted a coffee, so we ordered another flat white. 20 MINUTES LATER, THERE WAS NO SIGN OF OUR WAITER! At this point, we were just ready to cut our losses and leave, so I had to walk over to the kitchen area to ask if anyone could bring us the bill. When they came, the server still didn't mention a cappuccino, so I suppose the order never made it to the kitchen.

Oh, and they automatically added an 18% service charge to the already pricey bill. Needless to say, while the view and location was wonderful, the food was mediocre, the prices were exorbitant, and the service was downright horrid. I only write this review in hopes that management vastly improves the dining experience of this establishment for the next couple that wanders...

I really can recommend this place and I will to all my friends that wanted to visit Budapest. We stumbled upon this place by accident and it was worth it! All food that we have tried was delicious, and view from windows for lake and castle amazing. There is live music few days in a week. We liked this place so much that we wanted to make a reservation for another day. It was all good until we came that day and it turned out that they have some private dinner and person who was making reservation for us make a mistake not knowing that all place is reserved. But lady who spoke with us about it was really nice and the whole situation was handled well, they offer us some apologies and a cake which was really sweet of them. Looks like they are carrying for all customers. The only little minus was at our first visit, when we wanted to pay and we were sitting outside finished and waiting for waiter few times someone walk past as not noticing us. It was a young staff mostly and didn't respond very well to our questions regarding menu either. But everyone must lern someday. :) Finally we just went inside and asked for the bill where kind lady helped us. Anyway, if we ever come back to Budapest we will definitely visit this...

Beautiful place!!! Decor is outstanding and the views are amazing as it’s situated on a lake overlooking a castle. We came here by chance as the big bus tour stops nearby for Heroes Square. We came here just for drinks and was wowed by the location, decor and views as well as the menu choices, we booked for our anniversary the next night. We weren’t disappointed. The 2 young lads in white shirts were fantastic waiters. There was some lovely entertainment that night too which was a bonus. Food was lovely. We were there on a Thursday so was quiet but the entertainment gave a great atmosphere. Only one gripe was at 9.20 (40 mins before closing), in full view the tall manageress with dark hair (?) seemed to be clock watching as we placed an order for dessert and a coffee and she was checking her watch. She and another lady were at the bar area all night and didn’t see them smile once. Such a shame as the restaurants decor and the young guys are amazing, so it would be good if they could crack a smile and...