The story
From the team behind Barack & Szilva, Alma & Körte brings a fruit-inspired concept to Lőrinc Pap Square in Budapest's District VIII. The interior balances rustic charm with warmth, featuring a vintage ladder suspended from the ceiling adorned with demijohns, ceramic jugs, and wicker baskets. Guests dine at candlelit tables set with paper placemats near an open kitchen, where live guitar sets transition into soft jazz. The Gault&Millau jury awarded this Palace District spot 11.5 points for its homely, unpretentious vibe and attentive service.
The menu gathers popular and lesser-known favorites, keeping Hungarian cooking central while borrowing freely from international kitchens. A standout starter is the smoked trout from Szilvásvárad, resting on a lightly crisped galette alongside walnut-celeriac salad and beetroot. The rabbit leg arrives delicately tender with a thick Dijon mustard sauce and bread dumpling that are crisp on the outside. Garlic-and-cheese baked snails offer a delightful surprise, while desserts anchor the fruit motif with apple crêpes, fried apple rings, and crème brûlée topped with caramelized pear.
The wine list leans heavily toward Hungarian producers, selecting well-chosen bottles without being overlong. Local sparklings round out the aperitif options, while reds and whites come from regions like Arad, Szekszárd, Eger, and Tokaj. A glass of Balla Sauvignon Blanc pairs with the smoked trout, just as a Gál Tibor Pinot Noir complements the roast duck served with cholent. The beverage program features Szicsek pálinkas, sour cherry and plum ciders, and draft beers from local breweries like Fóti and Soproni.
Recognition
Ambience