The Rosemary

£11 - £25 / European, Hungarian, Vegetarian options

178 New Cross Rd, London

Awards

Excellent Goulash 2024

Opening hours

6PM-10PM

Sunday 12PM-9PM
Monday Closed
Tuesday 6PM-10PM
Wednesday 6PM-10PM
Thursday 6PM-10PM
Friday 6PM-10PM
Saturday 12PM-10PM

Authentic Hungarian Cuisine Amidst Artistic Charm

Amidst London's bustling dining scene, The Rosemary Organic Hungarian Restaurant emerges as a captivating standout—a soulful homage to Hungary that hints at the comfort akin to a welcoming embrace. Nestled away from the standard fare one might expect near Goldsmiths, this quaint establishment dishes out authentic Hungarian revelry. Upon entering, diners are enveloped in a tapestry of warm wood paneling, eclectic pottery handcrafted by the owner, and lush greenery that almost nudges you to unwind and linger a little longer. An evening here feels decidedly personal; thanks to Mihaly, the charismatic owner whose dedication paints the entire experience into something akin to visiting a beloved relative's home.

Here, the menu honors tradition, offering a delightful culinary journey through Hungarian flavours—from tender organic beef stews that evoke hearth-warmed bliss to a noodle game that even my steadfast diet couldn't resist. It's not an endless array, but what is plated bursts with hearty authenticity, worthy of leisurely Sunday afternoons. For the oenophiles, the wine list warrants loosening the belt a notch more with its intriguing mix of indigenous selections like Kekfrankos and Furmint—an adventure on their own. While they might run out of pancakes on bustling nights, it strikes as a nod to the restaurant's palpable warmth and spontaneity, rather than indifference. Live folk music dances softly in tune with the eating soiree, subtly coaxing diners to step with undeniable Hungarian zest. A tribute to nostalgia and culinary craftsmanship, The Rosemary reminds us that remarkable dining isn't just about mouthfuls of innovation; it's reliving stories happy enough to tell through taste. — Clarissa Cuisinier