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No one should need an excuse for a little treat now and again, be it for business or pleasure or both. For sure anyone who fancies an indulgent yet affordable lunch need look no further than here for some scrummy food served up in a classy yet comfy environment.

I had the really well-priced three course business lunch, which included Cured Salmon Trout, Kohlrabi, Pear (which can be ordered individually for 3.300 Ft), followed by Poached Sturgeon, Grapefruit, Celery (separately 4.200 Ft), and to finish off Cheesecake, Red Currant, Rye Crumble (alone for 1.900 Ft). All were top-knotch. (Prices accurate at time of publishing in 2017.)

This special set menu, which has a variety of choices to pick between, only costs 6900 Ft inclusive of VAT, subject to a 12% service charge.

As I didn’t dine alone there are many related food photos here including a shot of the Confit Lamb Shoulder, which deserves highlighting as I tasted it too and can also confirm it's scrumptiousness.

As you know Budapest has a growing group of hidden treasures, and this venue can be certainly be added to that list. It’s quite easy to find this genuine gem neatly tucked away in the heart of the fifth district. The business lunch menu is served Monday to Friday between 12-3 pm.

Drinks are priced separately, I had a splash of bubbly because it was Friday, though it doesn’t have to be, any day is good for me!

Words and photos by Russell Skidmore for XpatLoop.com

Costes Downtown
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.
1051 Budapest, Vigyázó Ferenc u. 5.
Reservations: +36 1 920 1015

More About Costes Downtown

Portuguese star-chef Miguel Vieira's professionalism guarantees the same quality here as at Costes on Raday utca.

What's different here is that meals are prepared in an open kitchen, and this more “bistro-like” venue has lower prices and a bigger capacity. Plus gastro fanatics can book a seat at the Chef's Table.