Újváros Bisztró

good quality, good value cooking

Szarvas was not really on the contemporary gastronomic map until Újváros Bisztró put it there. The modern building is stunning both inside and out, with a view of the oxbow lake of Körös river, and in the summer, you can relax on the terrace shaded by sun sails that extend to the green surroundings. The interior features unique design, comfortable furniture, booths on the mezzanine, and an impressive wine fridge. The goal was to create an elegant yet comfortable vibe, not too stiff. The service is young, attentive, and spot-on, balancing between a laid-back and classy feel. The menu is well thought-out, concise, seasonal, and clearly builds on the high-quality local ingredients. Their wine selection is carefully curated with both Hungarian and international wines, and you will find plenty of choices by the glass. They also have a rich selection of other alcoholic drinks and an excellent coffee service as well. When we visited, the dry-cured and perfectly cooked duck breast from Orosháza stood out, paired with a creative honey-sake and cinnamon sauce. The plum dumpling dessert, enhanced with plum coulis to point out the fruit flavour, also performed excellently, and in an innovative twist, cinnamon was freshly grated over it at the table. The music selection felt a bit off compared to the vibe of the place, and there is still a bit of experimenting with the kitchen’s identity - some dishes might be trying to showcase too much culinary technique at once. Thanks to its thoughtful layout, the space works for everything from business lunches to family meals or a romantic dinner. Újváros Bisztró is definitely one of the gems of Békés county's hospitality scene.