Essência Restaurant - Tiago & Éva

Essência Restaurant is located in the heart of Budapest, offering a unique gastronomic experience envisioned by Tiago, a Portuguese chef, and his Hungarian wife, Éva. The restaurant's goal is to blend the classics of Portuguese and Hungarian cuisine with modern haute cuisine, providing guests with an unparalleled culinary journey.

The story of Essência began in May 2015, when Tiago and Éva met through their shared dreams and passions, bringing their vision to life by creating a restaurant that blends childhood memories with contemporary culinary techniques.

The restaurant aims to showcase the essence of life and food while offering guests an even more special experience with personalized hospitality and a cosy atmosphere.

Concept and Philosophy 

Tiago, a chef from the city of Évora, learned the art of cooking in a family environment and gained experience in top international restaurants. These include the Ritz Four Seasons in Lisbon, Petrus by Gordon Ramsay in London, Texture Restaurant & Champagne Bar, and Costes Downtown in Budapest. The core of Tiago’s culinary philosophy is the perfect balance of different flavours and textures, which characterizes every dish he creates. His passion and expertise ensure that each dish is delicious and aesthetically pleasing.

Éva, passionate about hospitality since childhood, gained significant experience working in international luxury hotels. Together with her husband, they created Essência Restaurant, where Éva, as the Private Dining and Reservations Manager, is responsible for ensuring a unique and high-quality guest experience. Her role is to provide each guest with a personalized experience that reflects the warm and friendly atmosphere.

Portuguese and Hungarian Encounters 

The menu at Essência Restaurant combines the flavors of Portuguese and Hungarian cuisine, offering an à la carte selection for lunch, while dinner is exclusively available as a tasting menu. The restaurant's extensive wine list is also noteworthy, featuring some of the finest representatives from various wine regions and styles. The premium-quality wines are selected to ensure that every meal is a unique experience.

Essência offers a unique experience on Budapest’s gastronomic scene, where the classics of Portuguese and Hungarian cuisine are fused with modern haute cuisine. The elegant and harmonious environment, along with personalized hospitality, ensures that every visitor enjoys a memorable and special dining experience.