Known for its high-end Japanese cuisine, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant has opened its first Central European location in Budapest. The setting is just as impressive: the recently opened The St. Regis Budapest, housed in the stunning Klotild Palace.
Budapest’s gastronomic map has been visibly redrawn in recent years — and now another international player enters the scene. 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant has opened its first Central European unit at The St. Regis Budapest, within the historic walls of the Klotild Palace, with a concept that reinterprets the precision of Japanese cuisine through a contemporary lens. Founded in Spain, the brand has spent the past two decades building its position from Madrid to Abu Dhabi and Monaco, becoming one of the defining names in contemporary Japanese gastronomy.
Precision, seasonality and composition
At the core of the Budapest restaurant’s concept is an obsession with detail. The menu balances tradition and innovation: alongside the à la carte selection, a 14-course, seasonally changing omakase menu guides guests through the brand’s culinary philosophy. Ingredient sourcing is uncompromising: bluefin tuna, Alaskan king crab and Japanese Kobe A5 wagyu form the backbone of the dishes, brought to life through precise techniques and refined presentation.
Signature dishes — such as the 99 Jewel, built on a combination of toro, akami, black truffle and gold; the texture-driven Dragonfly Maki; or the iconic 99 Golden Bricks — reflect both luxury and contemporary gastronomic aesthetics. Other standout items on the menu — including the truffle-yuzu Wagyu gyoza, Toro Tataki with passion fruit soy sauce, and the red miso 99 Black Cod — speak a culinary language where every element is intentional and every layer of flavor is meticulously composed. The experience is further elevated by a curated selection of sake, Japanese whisky and wines.
A global vision, locally interpreted
The creative direction behind the kitchen is led by Thinus van der Westhuizen, culinary director of Ninety Nine SB Investment L.L.C., the company behind the brand. His international experience — spanning South Africa, Europe and the Middle East — translates into a consistent approach centered on technical precision and deep respect for ingredients. Under his leadership, the flagship restaurant in Abu Dhabi has been awarded a Michelin star for multiple consecutive years — a benchmark of quality that is clearly felt in the Budapest location as well. At the same time, the concept is not isolated: it subtly responds to the local context while maintaining the brand’s global identity.
99 Sushi Bar: web | Instaram
The St. Regis Budapest: web | Instagram