Linda Boronkay's Budapest guide for design lovers
Linda Boronkay’s eponymous studio may be based in London, but the designer, regarded for her cinematic and craft-driven approach, was born in Budapest. It was here that her love for all things decorative began, encouraged by her architect father and her mother, an avid art collector who founded a design magazine.
Since moving to the UK in her twenties, Boronkay has worked on global projects for the likes of Tom Dixon, Martin Brudnizki and Soho House. Budapest holds a special place in her heart, though, and she has the inside track on the delights that lie beyond the Danube in its picturesque streets.
Food & drink
Café Kör, 17 Sas u, 1051 This local gem is my personal favourite – a simple, cosy and classic restaurant. @cafekorbudapest
Babel Budapest, 2 Piarista köz, 1052 An upscale twist on Hungarian cuisine (above), with a well-deserved Michelin star. The tasting menu is a 13-course symphony that entices all of your senses. babel-budapest.hu
Ensō 85 Baross u, 1082 A real hole-in-the-wall spot in the trendy 8th district, this is a ruin bar [the name for venues that occupied abandoned buildings in the city’s Jewish quarter] offering Japanese cuisine in a high-ceilinged dining room hung with paper lanterns. ensobudapest.hu
DiVino 3 Szent István tér, 1051 Right in the centre of the city, near St Stephen’s Basilica, you’ll find this bar, specialising only in Hungarian wines. bazilika.divino.hu
Where to stay
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace 5-6 Széchenyi István tér, 1051 If I was spending just one night in Budapest, I would choose a suite overlooking the Chain Bridge in this stunning art nouveau building. fourseasons.com
BrodyLand 10 Bródy Sándor u, 1088 This unique hospitality concept is very Hungarian in its creative, theatrical style. It has two venues for different types of accommodation: Brody House offers a boutique stay (above), while The Living Quarters are serviced apartments. brody.land
Art & culture
Q Contemporary 110 Andrássy út, 1062 This exhibition space and gallery inside a 19th-century villa (above) is one of the most exciting venues in the Budapest art world. The owner, Queenie Rosita Law, is committed to providing a platform for Central and Eastern European artists who came of age behind the Iron Curtain. qcontemporary.com
Mai Manó House 20 Nagymező u, 1065 This excellent photography gallery always showcases local talents. maimano.hu
House of Terror 60 Andrássy út, 1062 Hungary has survived two authoritarian regimes, and this fitting memorial to the victims presents a picture of what life was like for Hungarians then. terrorhaza.hu
Decoration & design
Ecseri 156 Nagykőrösi út, 1194 This flea market (above) goes way back (my first memories of looking at stalls were here). Prepare to go through a lot of junk to find the real gems; you’ll also need to bargain hard! It opens at 5am on Saturdays – that’s the time to discover the best things.
Hephaistos 27 Molnár u, 1056 A beautifully curated design shop that sells everything from wallpaper to smaller trinkets, all wonderfully curated. hephaistos.hu
Goamama 21 Király u, 1075 Another great concept store (above), but more for lovers of rustic style. The talented owners gather their pieces with great taste, one by one, from around Indonesia and India. goaworld.hu
Omama Antik 7 Frankel Leó út, 1025 Ring the bell and you may (if you’re fortunate) be let into this tiniest of shops that only sells jewellery and accessories. A real treasure trove awaits. omamaantik.hu
