Budapest’s first ever Michelin star. I did myself and this restaurant a disservice by going here after I went to Stand earlier in the week. It was a totally unfair comparison. Of course it did not live up to Stand but there were still some standouts. The scallop dish was really phenomenal as well as the refresher course of cream cheese (which I unfortunately forgot to capture) – both were super complex and layered. I also really loved the lamb – it was super delicious but also felt like something I’d like to eat on the couch in my sweatpants on a rainy day. It was cozy and homey but also elegant. I’m on the fence about whether I like that on a fine dining menu.
I did really appreciate the textural balance achieved with every dish – that was stellar. But overall (again esp compared to Stand), Costes felt like it lacked a cohesive journey. My interpretation of the story was a nod to many different countries w a Hungarian flair (Mexico, Japan, Iran, the Subcontinent, France) but idk if that’s what they were going for. Each dish on its own tasted good but as a full menu, it felt disjointed. I also found some of the plating a little kitschy especially the butterflies and jelly rings. Very attentive service though.
7 course tasting was about $150. I also got 2 glasses of wine and some tea with dessert. Total around $230. They do offer wine pairings, I just opted for a modified version for myself.
by superslakher
Dining and Cooking