Lokal at the Lake

One of 2025’s most welcome surprises has been Lokal at the Lake. Chef Richárd Csillag and restaurant manager Janka Gelencsér are one of the most inspiring couples in Hungarian gastronomy. After the closure of Lokal 47, their Lokalista in Nagykanizsa proved a worthy successor – and now they’ve opened an equally authentic spot in Fonyód. You’ll find the restaurant in Fonyódliget, on the ground floor of a newly built residential block. The couple remain passionately committed to local produce – as the name Lokal implies. For them, the phrase farm to fork isn’t just a trendy buzzword but everyday reality. They’ve carried over their small plate concept too, creating fresh and inventive dishes from the region’s treasures: filtered pheasant consommé with a pheasant dumpling; beetroot in three textures with cheese and roasted yeast from the Zala-based Míves dairy; wild hare stew; and breaded wild boar all appear on the opening menu. Even a seemingly simple dish – soft chicken liver pâté with a layer of duck fat, served with pickled red onions and oven-fresh sourdough – proves outstanding. This is a liberated, gourmet kitchen: bold and playful in its ingredient choices, with homemade cordials, craft beers, and local wines adding to the experience. Stylish, characterful plates are matched to each dish, and the young team is exceptionally kind and attentive. Dining here is a breath of fresh air – every single detail has been carefully considered and expertly executed.