Fausto's, Budapest

The original Fausto’s (I first visited it 13 years ago, and it was one of my favourite places in Bp) was a great haunt - professionally run, but with that special Italian charm - you know what I mean, you feel welcomed, and special; I walked into the fancy new one when it first opened and walked straight out again - not inviting, too formal, too smart. I am sure that food and wine is excellent, and expensive, but it hasn’t got the charm I look for in an Italian restaurant. Sorry Fausto.

Tucked well away on a side street off the main thoroughfare, Andrassy utca, Fausto’s is well worth checking out for its fantastically classy Italian food, excellent wine list, including some of the best Hungarian wines I have tried, and uber-chic decor.

Waiting staff speak excellent English and are very happy to make recommendations or discuss the menu.

This is perhaps a bit upmarket if you are in Budapest on a boozy stag-do - the clientele is more well-heeled business types - but for classy, elegant dining, it is one of the best places I have been to in Budapest.