In the heart of Buda Castle, on Fortuna Street, the renowned Pierrot restaurant began its story in 1982, marking the start of a family legacy that has reshaped Hungarian gastronomy. The Zsidai family, led by Ilona and Péter Zsidai, has spent decades nurturing Hungarian cuisine, restoring its prominence on the global stage. They have created a thriving hospitality empire that spans restaurants, cafés, and boutique hotels. Today, Pierrot remains a symbol of their vision, dedication, and passion for food and service, a hallmark of Budapest's culinary scene.

Ilona Zsidai, the driving force behind the Zsidai Group, always dreamed of becoming a teacher. She initially pursued degrees in mathematics and physics at Kossuth Lajos University, yet fate had other plans. Ilona’s hospitality journey began in Budapest, where she found herself immersed in the vibrant world of gastronomy. Her career took off when she joined the InterContinental Hotel. Here she met Péter Zsidai, who would later become her husband and business partner. Together, they navigated the ups and downs of post-communist Hungary, always driven by their shared goal of putting Hungarian cuisine back in the international spotlight.

Ilona's career flourished but her ambitions grew beyond her roles at prestigious establishments like the InterContinental and HungarHotels. By 1982, with the winds of change sweeping Budapest and the promise of private enterprise opening up, Ilona and Péter decided to launch their own venture: Pierrot. Located in Buda Castle, this café-restaurant quickly became the place to be. Not only attracting locals but also an international crowd, including famous Hollywood stars, musicians, and political figures.

The name “Pierrot” was inspired by a poster Ilona saw at a tourism exhibition, a fitting reflection of the French café-bar atmosphere she aimed to create in Budapest. Pierrot opened with an intimate, stylish interior featuring live piano music, bamboo chairs, and marble-topped tables. From the very start, it was a place where culture, art, and gastronomy met. Live music plays a central role in its ambiance. Over the years, Pierrot evolved from a quaint café to a fully-fledged restaurant, offering exquisite Hungarian dishes with a contemporary twist.

One of the defining elements of Pierrot’s charm is its ability to adapt whilst maintaining its identity. The restaurant’s first major renovation took place in 1993, allowing it to expand its kitchen offerings and introduce a small, carefully curated menu. By 2004, on the day of Hungary’s accession to the European Union, Pierrot underwent a complete transformation. A larger kitchen, modern facilities, and an updated design emerged whilst preserving its 13th-century roots. This reinvention marked the restaurant’s golden era, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit culinary destination.

Ilona’s commitment to quality and creativity is evident in every detail of Pierrot. From sourcing the best ingredients to collaborating with internationally renowned partners like the Jamie Oliver Group, the Zsidai family’s dedication has never wavered. Today, under the leadership of Ilona’s son Roy Zsidai, the family business continues to thrive, with Pierrot as a shining example of what passion, perseverance, and innovation can achieve.

Zsidai Group establishments to visit and enjoy are as follows:
- Pierrot  www.pierrot.hu
- 21 Magyar Vendéglő  www.21restaurant.hu
- Pest-Buda  www.pest-buda.com
- Baltazár  www.baltazarbudapest.com
- Jamie Oliver’s Italian  www.jamiesitalian.hu
- Jamie Oliver’s Diner  www.jamieoliversdiner.hu
- Spiler Buda  www.spiler.hu
- Spíler Original  www.spilerbp.hu
- Spíler Biergarten  www.spilerbiergarten.hu
- Fekete-Holló Kisvendéglő  www.fekete-hollo.hu
- ÉS Bisztró  www.esbisztro.hu

For over 40 years, Pierrot has played host to a rich tapestry of guests, from intellectuals and artists to royalty and movie stars. It remains a symbol of Budapest’s rich cultural heritage, blending the old with the new, and offering an unparalleled dining experience that has touched the hearts of locals and visitors alike. The Zsidai family’s story is one of resilience and creativity, embodying the spirit of Budapest itself - vibrant, evolving, and steeped in tradition.

Prepared by a Chaîne News Online Staff Writer
Researched from various sources. E&OE

Zsidai Gastronomy & Hospitality Group
Nándor u. 9
1014 Budapest

Web: zsidai.com
Tel: +36 1 225 0022