Archívum Étterem és Kávézó

Baross utca 10
Pest South, VIII, Kalvin ter (M3), 2min

Archívum occupies an enviable spot in the city, right in front of the Ervin Szabó library. The tables spread out across the square (more of a triangle, really), with a colourful view down Reviczky utca and none of the tourist overkill that comes with the city’s pedestrianised zones.

The restaurant itself is at basement level, cosy and informal, so just stopping in for a coffee wouldn’t be frowned upon. A hotch-potch collection of tables gives a natural, organic feel.

The menu, in English and Hungarian is not the lengthiest but is nevertheless, reasonably ambitious: my catfish in ginger-butter sauce, I can testify, was delicious and great value, at under two thousand forints with side included. Vegetarian options too, are numerous. There is also a daily lunchtime three-course menu at an astoundingly cheap 850Ft – but beware that quality is compromised accordingly.

Waiters and waitresses were friendly and polite, enjoying my feeble attempts at asking in Hungarian. I can add ‘honest’ to that, since I mixed up my sixes and sevens and would have left a ridiculous tip, if the waiter hadn’t stopped me.

Archívum is classier than a basic cafe or bar, but has held on to affordable prices: a sound option for food all year round and a nice spot to sit outside and enjoy a summer pint.

From Kalvin ter, walk down Baross utca. It’s on the left as the path widens into Szabó Ervin Tér.