Budapest’s historic restaurant reopens

The history of the restaurant located at Kígyó utca 4–6 began in 1902–1903, when János Förster opened the pub dedicated to the “Apostolok” in the building designed by Henrik Schmahl in 1894. The restaurant already stood out with its special atmosphere: the semi-dark booths, the heads of the apostles displayed above the booths and the disciplined house rules, which read:

“Silence and sobriety. Open from 9 am to 1:30 pm.”

In turn-of-the-century Budapest, beer culture was booming. Beer drinking became a civic privilege, and the city’s restaurants competed for the favor of the factories. The Apostles signed an exclusive contract with the Pilsen Brewery, and then sold such rarities as Löwenbräu and the famous Szent Benno beer – which at that time could only be consumed here in the entire country.

The restaurant’s true golden age came in the 1920s and 1930s. Gyula Krúdy also immortalized the special atmosphere of the place in his writings: “in the cool vaulted ceilings, by the light of the lamps, in the twelve apostles’ booths, even those who would never have done so at other times drank beer.”

The current form of the dining room was created during the 1913 reconstruction, the furniture designs of Oszkár Gattaringer, the wood carvings of János Bartolfy, the coverings of Vilmos Schillinger and the mosaics of Kálmán Szabó can still be admired in their original beauty, the restaurant has been under monument protection since 1973.

Back to the roots

In the newly opened Apostolok Restaurant, the original spirit of the interior, the historical wood carvings, the arches, the iconic apostle-headed niches are still a defining part of the experience. Today, the restaurant once again evokes the atmosphere that has made it a legend for several generations, while also providing the comfort of modern hospitality.

Several new features await guests: a terrace in the heart of the city center, live music every evening, and the historical interior in a modern light thanks to the glass walls.

The menu at Apostolok Étterem is based on the classics of Hungarian cuisine, with dishes that have been inseparable from the legendary institution for decades. Goulash soup, grilled duck liver with thyme rosé pear and toasted butter cake, beef stew with strapacska and Somló dumplings are all on the menu.

Tags: Apostolok Étterem, gasztro, gasztronómia