GOLDEN HORIZON – CHEF LEVENTE LENDVAI’S SUMMER NARRATIVE TASTING MENU

Summer has reached its full intensity above the city, bathing the breathtaking Budapest panorama from the 28th floor in radiant, shimmering sunlight. Throughout the summer months, VIRTU's kitchen places the purest energy of the season and the nostalgia of cherished summer memories at the heart of its story. Levente Lendvai's summer narrative celebrates the finest treasures of the gardens, the iconic meeting of water and landscape, and the warmth of family kitchens – all presented with VIRTU's signature modern elegance and the deepest respect for tradition and the authentic nature of exceptional ingredients.

The gastronomic journey begins with a starter that is rich in texture yet remarkably refreshing. Carefully pressed, tender suckling pig offers a deep, savoury character, perfectly balanced by the garden-fresh vibrancy of a young shelled bean salad. Freshly grated horseradish completes the composition with its lively, piquant intensity, instantly awakening the senses in the warmth of summer.

The next course presents a bold fusion that brings together Hungarian culinary traditions and the elegance of the seaside. The comforting creaminess of a sour cream kohlrabi soup is unexpectedly elevated by the delicate salinity of black mussels, evoking the freshness of the Adriatic coast. Crisp green apple adds bright acidity and vibrant fruitiness, lifting the richer flavours into the refined world of contemporary fine dining.

The main course brings a harmonious meeting of the sea's saline character and the clean, earthy flavours of the land high above the clouds. Perfectly cooked European seabass, with its moist, snow-white flesh, is accompanied by an exceptionally smooth and elegant cauliflower purée, whose silky texture enhances the fish's delicate character. The dish is completed by a light, vibrant millet salad, adding freshness and a balanced contrast that perfectly complements every bite.

To conclude the story, the most beloved flavours of childhood evoke the atmosphere of carefree summer evenings. Homemade cottage cheese-filled dumplings, served with juicy apricots, create a timeless harmony of flavours. Their rustic character is enriched by fragrant, nutty browned butter, while a delicate drizzle of floral elderflower honey provides a silky, sweet farewell to this seasonal menu.

Appetizer

Pressed pork, Summer Shelled Bean Salad, Fresh Horseradish

Soup

Kohlrabi soup with sour cream, black mussels and green apple

Main Course

European Seabass with Cauliflower Purée and Millet Salad

Dessert

Apricot dumplings served with browned butter and elderflower honey