Beloved Hungarian Restaurant in Budapest Shutting Down After Many Successful Years

Published: November 20 2023

After many successful years, the beloved Petrus restaurant in Budapest has announced its permanent closure. The restaurant, known for its French-influenced cuisine and Michelin Bib Gourmand nominations, will close its doors in the middle of November.

While the responsible chef, Zoltán Feke, did not provide specific reasons for the closure, it is speculated that the decrease in tourism this year may have played a role. Although Budapest's restaurants near tourist attractions have been doing well, the overall decrease in tourism and the financial struggles faced by locals due to inflation may have impacted the restaurant's income.

The closure of Petrus highlights the challenges faced by the restaurant industry, particularly in tourist-dependent areas. With decreased tourism, holiday destinations like the Lake Balaton region have experienced a slow start to the summer season. Restaurants relying heavily on tourist income are particularly affected by the lack of visitors.

Despite the closure of Petrus, Zoltán Feke has expressed his intention to continue his culinary career. While there are no specific details provided, he stated that there will be a continuation, albeit in a different location with a slightly different approach, while maintaining the eternal French line.

While saying goodbye to Petrus is undoubtedly sad news, Budapest still offers a vibrant dining scene with numerous exciting options to explore. Check out our article on a brand new restaurant in Budapest for an opportunity to discover a fresh culinary experience in the city.

What is the Petrus restaurant in Budapest? The Petrus restaurant is a popular French-influenced restaurant located in the ninth district of Budapest.

Why is the Petrus restaurant closing permanently? The chef, Zoltán Feke, announced on Facebook that the restaurant is closing permanently. While he did not provide specific reasons, it is speculated that decreased tourism and the impact of inflation on local spending may have contributed to the closure.

How many times has the Petrus restaurant received a Michelin Bib Gourmand nomination? The Petrus restaurant has received a Michelin Bib Gourmand nomination eight times.

When will the Petrus restaurant close its doors for the last time? According to Blikk, the Petrus restaurant is scheduled to close its doors for the last time in the middle of November.

Is Zoltán Feke quitting the culinary scene after the closure of the Petrus restaurant? No, Zoltán Feke stated on Facebook that he is not quitting the culinary scene. He mentioned that there will be a continuation elsewhere, with a slightly different approach, but the French culinary influence will remain.

What is the impact of decreased tourism on the restaurant industry in Budapest? While the Petrus restaurant's closure may have been influenced by the lack of tourists, the article suggests that restaurants located near tourist attractions in Budapest are still doing well. The decrease in tourism is more prominently felt in holiday destinations like the Lake Balaton region.

Are other restaurants in Budapest experiencing financial difficulties? The article states that restaurants in Budapest are doing well as long as they are located near tourist attractions. However, it also mentions that many Hungarians have cut back on expenses due to inflation, and tourism is the main income source for most restaurants.