There are few restaurants that we can look back on fondly from when we were children, visiting a foreign country and then go back to again as adults. Very rare. Most restaurants close down after a few years, if they’re lucky enough to stay open even that long. I had the distinct pleasure to visit Karpatia not only when I was 11 years old back in 1996, but once again in December of 2019 – when I was, eh-hem, slightly older.
Karpatia is not your average Hungarian restaurant. Having been around since the 1800s, the restaurant stayed in business for nearly 140 years, until its tragic closing in 2021 due to Covid.
But, even with its sad demise, I must pay homage to one of the coolest restaurants I’ve ever visited, and somewhere at which I can still remembering eating when I was just a kid.
What made Karpatia special is not just the delicious classic Hungarian food, or the linen table cloths and napkins. There are plenty of restaurants that offer that. What stood out about Karpatia was the architecture, and of course, the live Gypsy music that was loved by the restaurant’s guests.
The musicians would come play at your table, whether upon request or not, and with beautiful serenades you could simultaneously enjoy your traditional Hungarian food.
The wine was terrific, the service formal and fancy, and of course, the ambiance iconic.
Karpatia will be missed, but not forgotten. If they do ever reopen this landmark spot, and you do happen to visit, just make sure to let them know that Lisa sent you…
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