Robinson Restaurant, Budapest

Viewed from a distance, gourmet restaurant Robinson looks more like a fairy land than any contemporary Hungarian establishment. Advertised as an ‘island restaurant,’ this Budapest City Park stronghold is really more of an ‘isthmus’ restaurant – the ‘island’ can be reached from the mainland via a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it footbridge.

Geographic nuances aside, Robinson undeniably beckons to passersby with soft lighting, signs advertising forralt bor (the Hungarian standard: mulled wine) and promises of refuge from the icy Hungarian winter.

Stepping inside feels like stepping into another world; I had to remind myself that I was, in fact, still in Hungary. With orange and red accents invoking feelings of warmth and a layout that cleverly creates sensations of privacy in a fairly small space, Robinson offers a stark contrast to the white walls and fluorescent-lighting functionality of most attempts at modernity in this up-and-coming city.

An extremely gracious and attentive staff completes the sensations of comfort and welcome that make Robinson such a desirable place.

Opened in 1989 as one of the original post-Communist ventures, Robinson has only perfected its art form over the last twenty years. In contrast to the frequently nondescript or ‘olde world’ style restaurants dotting the Budapest cityscape, Robinson feels like the complete package – modern, tasteful, and inviting décor, gracious and attentive staff, deliciously executed and artfully presented food, and, on weekend nights, the soothing background noise of local classical musicians.

As if this weren’t incentive enough to return, Robinson’s extensive patio offers a teasing glimpse of what things might look like when not covered in ice and snow.

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by Olivia Holcombe
Gloobbi Travel

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