Review: Sunny Lounge, District III Overlooking the busy Szentendrei út and conveniently placed for reaching entertainment on Óbudai sziget, Sunny Lounge adds to Budapest’s international restaurant scene with its recently introduced sushi menu. Service is friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed and modern. The brightness of the glittery lights and of the dashing colours contrasting with the darker tables, comfortable couches and potted plants make this a suitable place for both larger business groups and smaller friends’ parties. Tucked in a corner and appropriately signalled with a Hello Kitty figurine is the workbench where the Japanese chef prepares the sushi to order. The choice is ample with an extensive list of options that can be mixed and matched to preference, both in terms of ingredients and of presentation, as nigiri-style fish-topped rice rolls, temaki-style filled nori seaweed cones or maki-style filled nori rolls. If the array of choice makes decisions too difficult, there are also sets that bring together a variety of sushi. The Nigiri “Gourmand” set, at HUF 4,590, includes 12 sushi pieces with salmon, tuna, red snapper, tiger prawn, diamond prawn, octopus, scallop, flounder, salmon roe and Japanese omelette nigiri. Accompanied by wasabi, soy sauce and pickled horseradish, these are quite a mouthful. With 16 pieces, the mushi set contains all of the above plus salmon maki, and at HUF 4,000 is an equally filling and diverse set. Much of the sushi is about fish but the more American-style flavours such as the Spring California (paprika, cream cheese, celery, spring onion) or the Marita sandwich (salmon, avocado, mayonnaise and sesame seed) also increase choices. More spectacular, boat-shaped sushi sets are also available, with between 34 and 50 pieces of genuinely varied fillings. The menu revolves around sushi but starters are also available, such as delicately presented miso soup and nutty, salted Edamame soy beans. For anything sweet it is best to head over to the American diner-style part of the menu. Along with a large selection of soups, pasta, meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, Sunny Lounge also proposes a range of burgers and hot dogs before heading into brownie, cheesecake and ice-cream territory. The drinks list is extensive, more bar- than restaurant-oriented. There are plans to introduce drinks more in tune with the Japanese menu, such as saké or green tea. Price points Starters: HUF 490-2490 Sushi (piece): from HUF 330 (set): HUF 990-16,900 Wine (bottle): HUF 2,700-7,500 Soft drinks: HUF 350-750 |