- Noémi Vizi
- Photos: RECHungary
- Reading time: 3 minutes
Remíz – The Legendary Buda Restaurant Whose Story Is Still Being Written
A thriving pastry shop in the 1920s, the scene of a dramatic shootout in 1944, and since 1992 a restaurant whose expansion in 1998 was financed by its loyal guests. This remarkable place is none other than the legendary Remíz Restaurant, whose history continues to unfold to this day.
Our story begins in 1913, when the renowned pastry chef Béla Nagy began constructing a new establishment at the edge of the Budakeszi Forest. An old hunting lodge is believed to have stood on the site previously, although no photographs of it have survived. The pastry shop was located next to the terminus of Tram No. 44, at the Szépilona tram depot. The first mention of Tram 44 dates back to 1912, when it operated only between Őrház Street and the New Public Cemetery on memorial days1. The line was discontinued and restarted several times before finally being extended to Szépilona in 1924. By then, it ran from the Budapest Zoo, via Keleti Railway Station and Erzsébet Boulevard, crossed into Buda, and continued along Olasz Fasor—today known as Szilágyi Erzsébet Fasor—to its final stop at the Szépilona depot. During the peaceful years before the Second World War, families regularly took the tram to Béla Nagy's pastry shop, which quickly became one of the area's most popular destinations. Guests were welcomed by a two-storey main building, an arcaded pavilion, a summer kiosk, landscaped gardens, and even a garage for those arriving by automobile.
The establishment entered the history books because of the events of 27 July 1944. Endre Ságvári, a 31-year-old lawyer, had been actively involved in left-wing youth movements throughout his life. He embraced communist ideals and worked in support of the movement that would later bring János Kádár to power. By March 1944, the so-called "Hungarian Gestapo" had already begun closely monitoring opposition activists2. They knew that Ságvári was meeting his comrades in this very pastry shop. The gendarmes intended to arrest Ságvári and the man sitting beside him, whom they believed to be János Kádár. It was later revealed, however, that the companion was actually Lajos Szabados. According to eyewitnesses, the officers suddenly stormed the café while the group was quietly seated. Ságvári drew a revolver from his bag, opened fire, and attempted to escape3. The gendarmes returned fire, seriously wounding him. He died shortly afterwards in the ambulance. Following his death, the pastry shop was renamed the Youth Pastry Shop (Ifjúsági Cukrászda).
Over the following decades the building gradually fell into disrepair. In 1992, the local municipality attempted to lease the property. The current owners originally intended to revive it as a traditional pastry shop, but they soon discovered that guests preferred coming for lunch and dinner rather than simply for cakes and coffee. As a result, the former pastry shop was transformed into a restaurant, quickly becoming one of Buda's best-known dining establishments. Over the years, several phases of expansion and renovation shaped the Remíz into the restaurant visitors know today. Perhaps the most significant development took place in 1998, when the owners purchased an adjoining plot of land to build an event hall and its supporting facilities. While they had sufficient funds to buy the land, they lacked the capital to finance construction. Unwilling to take out a bank loan because of high interest rates, one of their regular guests suggested a remarkable solution: the restaurant's loyal customers would finance the project in advance, and the contributions would later be deducted from their future dining bills. The idea proved to be an extraordinary success. The names of these generous supporters are still displayed today on the "Founders' Brick Wall of 1998," commemorating those without whom the expansion would never have been possible. The fundraising campaign was completed in approximately one month, and the advance contributions were fully redeemed through restaurant visits within a year.
The interior design is truly captivating. Wherever you look, you are surrounded by a unique atmosphere that instantly creates a sense of warmth and comfort. One of the event rooms, known as the Card Room, was originally conceived as a private space accessible only to club members. Playing cards decorate the walls, and even beneath the glass tabletops visitors can discover decks of cards collected from all over the world. These were donated by the restaurant's loyal regular guests specifically to become part of the Remíz's interior décor. The room quickly became so popular that its exclusive, members-only concept was eventually abandoned.
Another iconic venue is the Wedding Room, decorated with wedding photographs. Around half of the pictures displayed on its walls belong to the restaurant's guests—either contributed by long-time regulars or taken during weddings celebrated at Remíz itself. Whether for family gatherings, celebrations with friends or corporate events, the restaurant offers an outstanding setting. On sunny days, guests can also dine on the terrace, which once accommodated as many as 270 people at the same time, served by a team of 55–60 staff members. Today, the terrace comfortably seats around 100 guests in a more intimate island-style layout.
Perhaps the most authentic and iconic feature has been saved for last: the Remíz tram. Because of the restaurant's proximity to the historic Szépilona tram depot, the owners had long dreamed of displaying an original tram in the courtyard. After years of unsuccessful negotiations, one of their architect friends jokingly remarked, "If we can't get one, we'll simply build one ourselves." And that is exactly what happened. They created a building section inspired by a historic Budapest tram, where guests can step inside, take a seat at a small table, and enjoy their meal in a truly unique setting.
In Dániel Csorba's short documentary film, the restaurant's manager personally guides viewers through the fascinating history and present-day life of the legendary Remíz.
If the Remíz has captured your imagination, and you would like to become part of the next chapter in its living history, contact us at hello@dandan.hu. During a personal tour, Dániel Vitáry will be delighted to reveal even more fascinating stories and behind-the-scenes secrets of this remarkable restaurant.
