Calling itself ‘the cousin of the Budaors fish market’ The Big Fish is trying to recreate the laid back relaxed market atmosphere by providing a choice of dining inside (72 seats) or on their Andrassy terrace. The Big Fish is the brain child of a passionate fishmonger Peter Palotas and a group of friends who have created vibrant dining experience.

As you walk your eyes are drawn to the fresh fish counter. Here you can choose your oysters, tuna, lobster or even shark and have it cooked by their passionate head chef Janos. They also have a great variety of meals to choose from the classic Fruit De Mare Spaghetti (2890 Huf) to Moules Frites with a white wine, cream or tomato sauce (1890 Huf). They also serve a range of hearty fish soups and salads.

The reason I was originally drawn into The Big Fish was the lure of fish and chips. This classic British dish is often tried in Budapest but has never succeeded, until now. At 1890 huf (eat in) or 1390 Huf (take away) you can sample fresh cod prepared to Heston Blumenthal’s recipe served with a caper, mayonnaise, cucumber dip. Although no malt vinegar was available I have been reassured that this will arrive soon. I was not disappointed in my meal, the fish flaked beautifully out of its crisp batter and it truly was an authentic taste of British fish and chips.

Your freshly cooked dish can be washed down with a wide range of drinks from their delightful Aperol Spritz made with fine Italian Prosecco to Russian vodkas, French champagne and of course Hungarian wines.

The Big Fish can be found at Andrassy 44 or www.facebook.com/thebigfish.hu and certainly adds to the richness of restaurants Budapest has to offer. One to try.

Words and photos by Chris Russel for XpatLoop.com