On our first night in Budapest, Allyn and I donned our best outfits for a luxurious evening like no other. Hauling a taxi to the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, we arrived at Nobu’s first Central European restaurant.

Having not yet dined at Nobu, I couldn’t think of a reason not to experience this world famous dining empire whilst in Budapest. Taking a seat in a comfy lounge section of the restaurant, we perused the cocktail menu as dim neon lights changed from a hot pink to cool green.

A glass of prosecco to toast our first evening in a new city was much needed, whilst Allyn decided on a classic Moscow Mule with fresh ginger flavours that later complimented our Asian plates.

As we scanned the menu I struggled to see how I’d ever decide, wanting to try everything from the classic sushi selection to more extravagant dishes.

I finally chose a plate of simple tuna rolls to start, my favourite kind of sushi. They were perfectly wrapped and presented, curing my sushi craving until the last bite.

Allyn ordered the free range chicken with teriyaki, served with sticky white rice. The sauce was deliciously sweet yet not overly sickly and was complimented with a selection of mushrooms, tomatoes and onion. It was a gorgeous dish and the chicken was beautifully cooked.

To pair with my starter, I ordered an exotic sounding combination of salmon and passion fruit ceviche. It was a detailed, thought out plate of crunchy carrot, crisp onion and passion fruit seeds sprinkled over thin savoured pieces of salmon.

The dish was framed with perfectly sliced cucumber, which complimented its incredible freshening taste, yet it was also drowned in a sharp sauce that was a little too acidic for my liking.

Plates clean and glasses empty, we excited over our plans for tomorrow. Before leaving I made sure to capture the open kitchen and couldn’t resist a picture with the chefs who kindly asked me to go beyond the sushi barrier!

My quick yet delicious experience at Nobu was definitely enticing and has made sure that I’ll be back for more (sushi).

Leaving the warmth of the Kempinski hotel behind, we walked the short distance to the opulent Four Seasons Gresham Palace, glimpsing our first sight of the Charles Bridge and Fisherman’s Bastion lit up in yellow.

The Four Seasons hotel is a truly beautiful grand building and we couldn’t resist a late evening visit after being recommended one of their top cocktails by the lovely Emma. The chandelier is worth seeing in itself!

The lobby was relaxing and quiet, the sound of a pianist echoing up to the arched glass ceilings. We picked a couple of cosy armchairs in the lounge bar, looking over the cocktail menu as Moon River played in the background.

With room for something sweet, I picked a B’52, the Four Season’s luxurious take on a classic slinger mixing Grand Marnier, Kahlua, Bailey’s and homemade Bourbon vanilla ice cream.

It was beautifully creamy and sweet, a perfect last tipple before bed that I never wanted to end!

Allyn opted for a classic fruity tumbler of fresh raspberries, Kaufmann vodka and lime known as the Rojadirecta named after a Spanish expression used in soccer when a red card is shown. It was fresh and fruity, sweet but not sickly.

As the few guests made their way out of the lobby, Allyn and I finished our drinks whilst snacking on complimentary spiced nuts and olives, before deciding it was time to call it a night and make our way back to the Corinthia. Of course we couldn’t resist oo-ing over the giant Christmas tree before leaving!

Later on in our trip we made sure to return to the Four Seasons in the day, this time to explore their own private Christmas market full of irresistible luxury decorations and even a sleigh (cue the humorous photo opp).

If you are looking for a luxurious night in Budapest, I highly recommend a visit to both Nobu and the Four Seasons, particularly for a delicious take on a classic cocktail. In my next post I’ll be sharing all about our adventures in Varosliget park!

Pin for later!