New York Cafe in Budapest
This remarkable building, commissioned in 1894 by the New York Insurance Company, the New York Palace, was designed by Alajos Hauszmann, Flóris Korb, and Kálmán Giergl. Today it forms part of the Boscolo New York Palace Hotel, following a major renovation completed in 2006. The café itself, once known as Café Hungária, remains one of Budapest’s most photographed interiors, at least in theory.
The experience starts with a jolt; a large freestanding sign beside the hostess desk displays “NO PHOTOGRAPHS.” It’s an unusual welcome in a room made to impress. What follows is less unexpected: a plain, expensive menu, a loop of stylised pop and jazz, and service that feels politely disengaged.
Architecturally, the space is undeniably grand with lavish Rococo detailing, frescoed ceilings, and gilded columns. The restoration aimed to preserve this opulence, yet the contemporary chairs and tables sit awkwardly within, more functional than sympathetic.
Most striking is what’s missing. The café was once a legendary literary salon, alive with writers, artists, and ideas. That atmosphere has unfortunately vanished, replaced by something closer to a stage set.
Nevertheless, it’s worth stopping by. Order a coffee, take in the room, satisfy your curiosity. And if you find yourself unmoved inside, step back out and look up: the wall sconces by the entrance alone are reason enough to pause.
photo © Wei-Te Wong
photo © Wei-Te Wong
New York Café
+36 1 886 6111
VII. Erzsebet korut 9-11 | District 7, Budapest, Hungary
www.newyorkcafe.hu