Through Four Seasons' Eyes Budapest - IMEX America

Wine Bars
Urban vintages
136
DiVino
(V. Szent István tér 3;
www.divinoborbar.hu)
A few steps from the Basilica
and Szent István tér, DiVino
draws a crowd of urban
professionals and passing
tourists who fill the tables
out front on warm summer
nights. A slick interior of matt
black and light wood and
appropriately dim lighting,
provides the setting for
sipping vintages from over two
dozen Hungarian winemakers
including Gere, Tibor Gál,
Dúzsi, Konyári and István
Szepsy junior. Staff are always
on hand to make suggestions.
The kitchen serves up cold cuts
and imported cheeses, and
heartier fare.
Dobló Wine Bar
(VII. Dob utca 20;
www.budapestwine.com)
One of the first of the new
wave to arrive on the city’s
burgeoning wine bar scene,
Dobló has enjoyed a growing
following since opening two
years ago. This venue in the
heart of the Jewish Quarter
features high, vaulted ceilings
of bare brick and fine wines
from over 50 Hungarian
winemakers. Take a seat at the
bar or one of the handful of
tables and nibble on artisanal
cheeses and cold cuts as you
sip your wine. For those
who prefer stiffer drinks,
traditional Hungarian spirits
and cocktails are also available.
The soundtrack is soothing,
often in a jazzy vein.
Drop Shop
(V. Balassi Bálint utca 27;
www.dropshop.hu)
Also known as the Tasting
Zone, this smart and modern
space a short stroll from the
Danube offers 60 wines by
the glass and several more
by the bottle to consume on
site or take home. The bythe-glass
selection changes
daily and features mostly
imports although a handful
of top Hungarian wineries
are also represented. Drop
Shop’s stark design is in
line with the latest trends:
matt charcoal and polished
concrete contrasted with a
bright splash of lime green
by the bar counter. Standard
wine bar fare includes smoked
meats, cheeses and olives, as
well as paninis. Knowledgeable
and friendly servers are
always happy to make
recommendations.
innio
(V. Október 6. utca 9; www.innio.hu)
One of the hottest venues in
town, innio usually fills to
capacity on weekends with
crowds spilling onto the street
in warmer months. You’ll be
hard-pressed to find a table
unless you book ahead. Roughhewn
concrete, exposed brick,
comfy leather couches and
a large central bar comprise
the decor while dim lighting
and soulful DJ music create
a warm and welcoming
atmosphere. They offer about
40 wines by the glass with
about half of those arriving