HBH Sörház és Étterem — Restaurant in Egri járás

So...it was the last night of our holiday in Eger and we were looking for a wonderful farewell meal. Something really special.

Using our tried and tested method for spotting good eateries, we presumed that the fact that this restaurant was packed meant that it must be a great place to dine. The high ratings online supported us in our culinary decision making.

Alas, it was a dreadful mistake. One you should not make, if you happen to be in Eger, I humbly suggest.

The evening went like this:

We were seated, we ordered our drinks and food, and we waited. Our drinks arrived. We drank them. And we waited. And waited. People on other tables who arrived after us were served starters and main courses but there was still no sign of our dinner. We wondered if the delay was linked to the fact we'd ordered two vegetarian dishes - not a cuisine beloved of the Hungarian nation. After nearly an hour and a quarter, I managed to attract the attention of the waiter who was studiously ignoring us and asked when our food would be served. He grunted something and disappeared.

A short time later, he appeared with three of our four dishes, two of which (the veggie tagliatelle) were cold. When, later still, he arrived with the last dish (of which later), we told him about the cold pasta - which had clearly been forgotten on a counter somewhere deep in the bowels of the restaurant some significant time earlier. No apology. Not even a grunt. But he whisked them away and they returned at a decent temperature after what I presume was a quick spin in the microwave.

As far as the menu's promise of vegetables in the pasta was concerned, what I got was a single, tiny broccoli floret hidden at the bottom of the bowl. Lucky me.

Now we come to the problem with the meat soup that arrived last. The cubes in the broth that were masquerading as beef were predominantly lumps of fat. The member of the party who had ordered this dish was suitably unimpressed and ate very little of it. This and the low grade pasta dish (which tasted vaguely of washing up liquid) finished us off and we decided to cut our losses, pay up and go and get dessert somewhere else.

We asked for the bill.

When the waiter came to clear our table he seemed shocked at the quantity of soup remaining and asked if there was a problem. We explained about the large quantity of glutinous fat in the dish. He seemed scandalised at our complaint and explained in a truculent manner that we had ordered the beef, as though that explained everything. The chap who came to take our payment had clearly been briefed by his colleagues about what troublemakers we were and he processed the credit card with the good grace of a man who has just been swindled out of his life savings by his favourite uncle.

We thought about complaining but, given we hadn't had a whiff of an apology from three different waiters, it seemed unlikely that it would make much odds.

Hence this review…

I suppose what was most galling was the sense we received that it was our fault that we hadn't enjoyed the meal, not the establishment's. Which only added a tinge of weirdness to our disappointment.

Avoid this...

Walking into HBH felt like stepping into a dream—one where the food is perfect, the ambiance is warm, and only one demon lurks in the shadows. The pork melted on my tongue like a promise kept, the wine selection was curated by what I assume is a benevolent god, and the desserts could turn a hardened cynic into a believer. The service? Flawless. Almost. Enter Tattooed Tragedy, the one human rain cloud in an otherwise celestial dining experience (youngish skinny lady with tattoos on both her arms). She moved through the restaurant like she was being forced at gunpoint, her dead-eyed stare piercing through the joy of the room like a dull blade. My attempts at eye contact were met with the same enthusiasm as someone forced to do algebra at gunpoint. When she finally took our order, she sighed so loudly I thought she was going to astral project out of pure resentment. She seemed genuinely offended by my existence, as though my mere presence was disrupting her secret plot to overthrow the establishment. I’ve met friendlier alligators. Thankfully, the rest of the staff were actual angels in human form, swooping in to ensure every dish arrived with perfection. My beer glass was never empty, my every whim was met with grace, and our waiter—let’s call him Saint Gregory—deserves a raise and possibly a small kingdom. As for Tattooed Tragedy, I sincerely hope she finds her true calling. Perhaps in a coal mine, where no one will be forced to endure her tortured presence. Until then, I’ll be returning here frequently, avoiding her like an expired oyster, and continuing to bask in the restaurant’s otherwise...

Nestled in the heart of Eger, HBH Kert helység offers a delightful setting, whether you choose to dine inside or enjoy the ambiance of their outdoor seating. The atmosphere truly captures a relaxed and welcoming vibe, making it a great choice for a casual meal out with friends or family.

However, my recent experience with the food and drinks left much to be desired. I tried the "panírozott béka comb" (breaded frog legs), which came recommended by the chef, but found it disappointingly bland. The pairing with risotto did not enhance the dish, resulting in a lackluster meal with little to no flavor. Similarly, the lemonade was a letdown, with a uniform taste across different varieties that failed to refresh or satisfy.

That said, it's worth noting that others in my party were pleased with their choices. Dishes like the ribs and chicken received positive feedback, which suggests that my experience might not be reflective of the overall quality.

In light of these mixed experiences, I find myself unable to wholeheartedly recommend HBH Kert helység based on this visit. While the setting is charming and some dishes may impress, the inconsistency in the quality of food and drinks could be a concern. If you do decide to visit, you might find it worthwhile to stick with the tried and true menu options recommended by other diners. Located in the vibrant heart of Eger, this restaurant remains a popular spot, but it may benefit from some culinary...