High above Pest, where the spires of St. Stephen’s Basilica meet an open sky, there’s a place where two distant culinary worlds collide in the most delicious way possible. This is ISSEI Skybar & Restaurant, one of the best rooftop bars in Budapest. It might just be the most exciting rooftop dining experience the Hungarian capital has seen in years.
A Rooftop With a Story to Tell
Perched atop the Radisson Collection Hotel, Basilica Budapest, ISSEI Skybar & Restaurant sits at the very heart of the city on Szent István tér. From its atmospheric rooftop terrace, guests are treated to exclusive panoramic views of Budapest — the kind of skyline moments that make you reach for your phone, then put it down again just to take it all in. As the restaurant itself puts it, Budapest looks better from ISSEI.
But the view is only half the story. ISSEI thoughtfully blends Peruvian geo-architecture with Japanese design, creating a space that feels both grounded and transportive. It’s the physical embodiment of what’s happening on the plate.
Taste the Story: The Magic of Nikkei Cuisine
At the core of ISSEI is Nikkei cuisine: a genuine fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cooking. And this isn’t a marketing buzzword. It’s a tradition with real history.
Executive Chef Jánosi Zsolt explains the origins beautifully. Centuries ago, Japanese travelers, much like the Vikings, journeyed far across the seas by boat and eventually reached Peru. They settled there, lived alongside the Peruvian people, and shared their Japanese cooking techniques. Over time, the two culinary traditions intertwined, and a new cuisine was born. They called it Nikkei then, and we still call it Nikkei today.
So when people ask what kind of restaurant ISSEI is — Asian? International? — The honest answer is that it doesn’t fit neatly into any single box. It’s not simply Asian, because it’s half Japanese and half Peruvian. It’s not quite international, because international cuisine implies a broad mix, while Nikkei is something far more specific and intentional. It’s unique in the truest sense of the word.
ISSEI is also part of a small global family. As Chef Jánosi shared, ISSEI is a franchise with four other locations worldwide (Tallinn, Copenhagen, Milan, and Dubai), all within Radisson properties, and all built around Nikkei cuisine. While each location shares the same foundation, every ISSEI has its own distinct menu and kitchen, giving Budapest its own special character.
A Chef Shaped by the World
What makes ISSEI’s kitchen so credible is the man leading it. Chef Jánosi Zsolt brings a global résumé to the rooftop. He spent a year cooking in Japan — an experience that’s central to why he was chosen to lead this Nikkei concept. He’s also worked for twelve years in Austria, along with stints in America and Germany.
His Budapest roots run deep, too. Before joining ISSEI, he served as sous-chef at the renowned Gundel, working there right up until COVID forced its temporary closure. His connection to ISSEI is also personal — he’s a longtime friend of the hotel’s General Manager, with whom he had worked previously. That blend of world-class technique and genuine local connection gives the kitchen both authenticity and heart.
The Dish to Order: Pork Anticucho
If you’re wondering where to start, let the chef guide you. Chef Jánosi’s personal favorite, and his top recommendation, is the anticucho, a traditional Peruvian grilled dish given the signature ISSEI twist.
Here, it’s made with pork belly, grilled and basted in anticuchera, a classic basting sauce built around chili and oregano that lends the meat its deep, characteristic flavor. To finish, it’s crowned with a pineapple sauce, layering bright, fruity sweetness over the smoky spice. The result is a dish that’s both fruity and spicy — a perfect snapshot of what Nikkei does best. And the chef’s pairing tip? Skip the wine and reach for a cold beer.
A dish I tried and recommend is the Grilled salmon with hijiki seaweed and rocoto-teriyaki. Perfectly grilled with beautifully balanced flavours, it will satisfy any palate.
More Than a Meal: The Skybar Experience
ISSEI is, after all, a Skybar — and it knows how to bring the energy. On weekends, one of the best rooftop bars in Budapest comes alive with DJs and lights, transforming dinner into something closer to a celebration above the city. The crowd leans roughly 60% tourists to 40% locals, creating a vibrant, international atmosphere where Budapest visitors and city dwellers mingle under the stars.
Guests consistently echo the same praise: stunning views, excellent food and cocktails, attentive and professional service, and an atmosphere that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable one. Many call it one of the best rooftop bars in Budapest, and a perfect setting for everything from a friendly toast to a romantic night out.
Why ISSEI Belongs on Your List
In a city with no shortage of rooftop bars, ISSEI sets itself apart by refusing to be just another place with a pretty view. It’s a destination where centuries-old culinary history, a globally seasoned chef, thoughtful design, and genuine Budapest hospitality come together on one unforgettable terrace.
So whether you’re a visitor chasing the perfect skyline dinner or a local in search of something genuinely new, the invitation stands: come up, settle in, and taste the story. Because Budapest really does look better from ISSEI.
