The 157-year-old Gerbeaud Cafe in Budapest, Hungary is one of the most prestigious coffee houses in Europe. We learned about this cafe from one of our travel books, and since I LOVE sweets and desserts, of course, we had to pay a visit!
Emil Gerbeaud who came from a Swiss confectionery family took over the cafe in the 1800s and expanded the selection of offerings which included butter creams, Parisian cremes, hundreds of short cakes and candies. He added new cakes to the menu and introduced modern confectionery techniques.
The cafe stood out amongst all the coffee houses in 19th century Budapest due to its elegant decor. It has an old charm feel with its ceiling stucco created in the Rococo style of Louis XIV of France. The grand crystal chandeliers were inspired by Maria Theresa of Austria. Together with the fine wood paneling, lavish brocade wall covers, and marble tables, it exuded a style that drew people from the highest social status.
As we were sitting in this grand space, we imagined what life was like at this cafe back in the day when royalties and foreigners paid their visits.
I absolutely love pancakes and crepes, so I ordered the Gerbeaud pancakes. They are traditional Hungarian thin pancakes with walnut cream filling, chocolate ice cream, apricot ragout and chocolate sauce.
Darren ordered the Somlói sponge cake – raisins steeped in Tokaj Aszú, with Valrhona chocolate sauce, whipped cream, sprinkled with chocolate crisps.
Even though the cafe is considered a tourist spot, we still had a wonderful experience and would totally go back again!
Gerbeaud Cafe
Budapest, Vörösmarty tér 7-8
1051 Hungary
+36 1 429 9000
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