An inside look at an iconic Hungarian brand: a meeting with the management team at Gundel, who keep a heritage spanning more than 130 years alive through their work, which shapes the future day in, day out – from the kitchen to events and the guest experience.

There is a name that every Hungarian knows, and which is spoken with respect in many parts of the world: Gundel. The restaurant, which has been welcoming guests in the heart of Városliget for over a century, remains more than just a culinary experience – it is a living heritage where the past, the present and the future come together in unparalleled harmony.

But what is it that keeps a brand with such a rich history going day in, day out, amidst the challenges of the 21st century? Who are the people responsible today for ensuring that the Gundel name remains synonymous with tradition and constant renewal? The editorial team at Forbes was given a glimpse behind the scenes: we spoke to the leaders at Gundel who, working behind the scenes, manage the operations of this iconic restaurant – and are shaping its future.

„Gundel is not about nostalgia, nor is it a mere showpiece – it is a living, vibrant brand”

„Everyone has a story about Gundel; indeed, many people regard Gundel as an elitist restaurant. We, however, believe that Gundel belongs to everyone, as Károly Gundel did not create this place solely for a privileged few, but opened its doors to all Hungarian and foreign guests – be they craftsmen or senior officers. ”The true value of Gundel lies in the community, and in the people within it – whether they are guests or staff,” says Jenő Magyary, managing director of Gundel.

Under the current management, the restaurant has been given a new lease of life: whilst upholding the brand’s values, it remains open to changing customer needs, technological innovations and social responsibility.

„For me, Gundel is a community where we all work to make everyone feel at home. We don’t offer luxury, but rather attention, care and lasting experiences – a warm, accessible restaurant experience where tradition and human connection go hand in hand. As a manager, my role is to strengthen this ethos and provide a platform for the talent and dedication that breathe life into Gundel day in, day out,” he adds Jenő Magyary. 

Classics inspired by the Gundel recipe heritage – chefs who create value

Gundel’s kitchen is led by two exceptional professionals: András Wolf, corporate chef, and Róbert Vérten, executive chef. The essence of their work is not merely to preserve the Gundel 130 not only the treasures of its annual collection of recipes, but also the fact that, building on these traditions, it offers delightful Hungarian dishes tailored to modern tastes.

„Gundel classics, such as Gundel pancakes, Kárpáti pike-perch, chicken paprikash or chicken soup are not merely nostalgic items on the menu, but a living heritage that we prepare every day with care and responsibility,” says András Wolf.

Gendel no longer operates in the fine dining category, but as a renowned Hungarian restaurant that builds on the staples of the national cuisine. The „National 11” This series of dishes celebrates precisely this heritage: it pays tribute to the dishes that have endured thanks to the work of Gundel’s founders, and which have defined, across generations, what Hungarian flavours mean to us.

„Every single plate embodies a respect for the past and a desire to offer today’s guests genuine pleasure and an unforgettable experience. This is what makes dining at Gundel more than just a simple meal – it is a personal encounter with the finest traditions of Hungarian gastronomy” – wrote Róbert Vérten, executive chef.

More than just a building: events and catering in the spirit of Gundel

Gundel is not just a restaurant, but also an iconic event venue and a professional catering service – not only in Budapest, but throughout the country. Márton Benkő, the Director of Events According to him, Gundel’s value lies in its ability to authentically blend classic elegance with modern hospitality – both within the restaurant’s walls and beyond. „The Gundel Catering ”The essence of it is that we aim to provide a fully-fledged experience even where the building itself is not present – be it a castle, a museum or an open-air event. We believe in the details: from planning to service, everything is just right.”

Whether at the Gundel Palace, Bagolyvár or an external venue, the aim is always to ensure that elegance, quality and a guest-centred approach are fully realised – whether it is an event for 20 people or a gala dinner for several thousand.

Many people think that traditional hospitality is outdated or stuffy – yet with every single event, we demonstrate that classic elegance is not a thing of the past, but one of the most valuable assets of the future. ”Few service providers today are able to strike this balance with such consistency and style – at Gundel, this is not merely a possibility, but a guiding principle,” says Márton Benkő.

A master of organisation – where every detail counts

For the high-quality organisation of the events Péter Dömők, Banquet Director at Gundel is responsible. His presence is a guarantee that every event will run smoothly, on time and to the highest standard.

„Guests usually only see the end result – the beautifully laid tables, the prompt service, the perfectly timed schedule. My job is to ensure that this all runs smoothly and professionally every single time – from behind the scenes,” says Péter Dömők.

The aim is for the organisers and guests to be able to sit back and relax and enjoy the event – whilst a truly professional team takes care of the details.

A brand we feel an emotional connection to – redefining the guest experience

For Gundel’s revamped brand communication Mariann Pintér marketing director is the one who, beyond culinary heritage, places the guest experience, emotional connection and community events at the heart of their communication.

„For me, true success isn’t measured by the number of campaigns, but by our guests not only enjoying their stay, but also feeling re-energised – through experiences, connections and memories. So that they return to us, not just for special occasions, but as part of their everyday lives. We work to ensure that Gundel is not just a well-known name, but also a much-loved brand – one associated with experiences, stories and personal memories – a kind of constant, warm-hearted meeting place at various moments in life” – says Mariann Pintér.

Set to return in a new format in 2026 Gundel Ball is also the result of this way of thinking: whilst retaining its classic elegance, it takes the form of a contemporary, communal experience – year after year. The prelude to the ball is the summer evenings of music and dance It was a series that clearly demonstrated that Gundel is capable of offering precious moments for every generation – with live music, dancing, a light-hearted culinary experience and moments of joy.

„Gundel is now a venue where community experiences are created – cultural programmes, themed wine dinners, as well as events that champion social causes. These are the occasions when our guests do not just eat, but really connect with us.”

„The aim of the Gundel brand is for the experience to begin even before the guest walks through the door – and to remain with them long after they have left. It is this care, attention and quality that, in the long term, foster not only guests but also loyal brand followers,” adds Mariann Pintér.

The link to the guest experience – when a partner becomes a family member

At Gundel, a business relationship does not end after an event – in many cases, that is where it really begins. László Czink, the company’s customer relations manager It does not merely work with partners: it builds relationships, fosters trust, and, year after year, personally monitors the progress of the companies, organisations and brands that choose Gundel.

„We’ve been working with many of our partners for years. After a while, I come to know not just their names, but also their habits, their celebrations and their colleagues. By then, we no longer regard them as guests, but as members of the Gundel family. It is this warmth and attention that make our collaboration truly personal. My job is about building loyalty amongst returning customers – and ensuring that Gundel is not merely a prestigious venue for them, but a reliable haven where they always feel their needs are understood. For me, „customer relations” isn’t just a role, but a daily commitment, genuine attention and long-term thinking – all based on human connections,” says László Czink.

A vocation, not a job – the philosophy of restaurant managers

Responsible for day-to-day operations restaurant managers, László Terék and Gábor Horváth They don’t just coordinate; they are genuinely present in day-to-day operations. They are the ones who work in close proximity to the guests, know the regulars’ favourite tables, and respond sensitively to every subtle change, mood and piece of feedback.

Gundel is not merely a restaurant, but a living, breathing space where the guest experience hinges on the tiniest details – and where every day brings a new opportunity to look after our guests.

„Working at Gundel isn’t just a job, it’s a vocation. It’s a living institution where something important happens every day – and where every guest counts,” says László Terék. „I see my team as a theatre company taking to the stage: every member plays a key role.”

According to Gábor Horváth, in the hospitality industry, it is the little details that make for perfection: „Thoughtfulness, flexibility and kindness – these are the ‘invisible’ elements that make guests return. For us, this is the norm in our day-to-day work.”

The Master of Sweet Heritage – Gundel’s Patisserie

Gundel would not be complete without its iconic world of desserts – and today, this extraordinary universe Györgyi Dudok, pastry chef its creator and guardian. Pastry-making has always played a key role at Gundel, as there is no better way to round off a guest’s experience than with a perfectly crafted sweet treat.

„Gundel’s desserts are not just flavours, but memories – a legacy that has been known and loved for generations,” says Györgyi Dudok. Gundel classics featured in the ‘Nemzeti 11’ selection, such as the famous Gundel pancakes, Rákóczi cottage cheese cake and Somlói galuska, remain on the menu today – but with a modern presentation and a fresh approach. The essence of Györgyi’s work is balance: remaining faithful to the heritage whilst preserving the power of surprise and experience. The Gundel patisserie thus not only evokes the past, but also adds new punctuation marks to the sweet sentences of Hungarian gastronomy – on every single plate

A vision for the future, rooted in our heritage

„Gundel not only was, but always will be – because it embodies values that transcend time and passing trends. We believe that this legacy can only be continued through our joint efforts: with our staff, guests and partners – all those for whom Gundel is more than just a restaurant,” concludes Jenő Magyary. 

Gundel remains one of the shining beacons of Hungarian hospitality to this day – a brand that represents both value and opportunity. And the current management knows that this legacy must not only be preserved, but also kept alive.