The veil has been lifted on the legendary restaurant’s next big launch: Gundel is ushering in a new era for Hungarian ball culture. Following the hugely successful summer evenings of music and dancing, they are now preparing to breathe new life into Hungarian ball culture this winter: with the Gundel Ball, they are creating a social event that honours tradition whilst embracing a modern spirit, where everyone can experience the unique world of this prestigious restaurant.

Over the course of its more than 130-year history, Gundel has weathered two world wars, followed by nationalisation, before the change of regime brought new vitality to its walls. The restaurant was once a meeting place for the Hungarian elite and international celebrities, and later hosted diplomatic events. Today – as its motto proclaims – it belongs to everyone.

A peaceful atmosphere with a modern twist

The new group of owners, who took over in 2021, have made no secret of their aim to restore Gundel to its former status as a key hub of social life. This is reflected in the menu, which features classic dishes adapted to the modern era, as well as in the restaurant’s events, where human connection once again takes centre stage as a counterpoint to the fast pace of the online world.

It is in this spirit that the Gundel Ball will take place on 7 February 2026, combining the elegance and etiquette of traditional balls with the fresh vigour and excitement of the modern age. The event is, on the one hand, a tribute to the past and, on the other, the beginning of a new chapter.

„Without understanding and cherishing the past, we have neither a future nor a present,” says Jenő Magyary, managing director of Gundel Restaurant. „The world is rushing by, but when someone comes in here, we’d like them to at least take their foot off the accelerator for a while and lose themselves in the moment.”

The theme of the Gundel Ball – „Among the Stars” – symbolises the experience of discovery, light-heartedness and festive splendour. Here, every guest can experience the evening as an active participant in „the universe of light”, where charity also plays a part. The splendour is elevated to new heights by unrivalled gastronomic dishes built upon the Gundel legacy – under the guidance of corporate chef András Wolf and executive chef Róbert Vérten. In addition, guests will have their first opportunity to meet Károly Gundel, brought to life digitally, who thus symbolically returns to the iconic building.

The community-building power of dance

„These days, the individual is often in the spotlight – which can be inspiring, but sometimes it also drives us apart,” says Mariann Pintér, Marketing Director at Gundel. „A ball and dancing work in exactly the opposite way: they bring us closer together. It’s not about how well you can dance, but about having a good time.”

Those who wish to take more confident steps can prepare at Andrea Keleti’s Dance School – and the opening Viennese waltz will be choreographed by Andrea herself. At the ball, a dance band will play in the Erzsébet Hall, whilst Imre Rakonczai’s piano playing will set the mood in the restaurant, and a DJ will provide a modern musical experience in the wine cellar. There will be no dance programme; instead, a guest calligrapher will create personalised mementos. The Gundel Ball is not about nostalgia – it is a celebration. A celebration of culture, of community, and of the tradition of Hungarian hospitality. An evening that demonstrates that true elegance is timeless and still possesses the power to bring people together today.

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