My name is Gábor Áron Kovács, and I am the owner and executive chef of The Castle Restaurant, the Saint George Palace event hall, the Murgo Garden event tent, and GADO Gourmet Bistro.

I studied at the Berde Áron Economic and Public Administration High School in Sfântu Gheorghe, specializing in waiter–chef training. My first workplace was at The Castle Restaurant. After one year, I felt the need to further develop my skills, so in 2011 I moved to Budapest, where I worked and trained at the Király Restaurant in the Buda Castle. Over the years, I regularly returned to gain experience in several renowned Budapest restaurants – Klassz Étterem, Déryné Bisztró, Seasons Bistro, and Fricska Gastropub – while also managing our own restaurant back home.

The Castle Restaurant was founded in 1996 by my father, Mihály Kovács, and became well known for its traditional local dishes, including the famous “Royal Pork Knuckle,” which remains on our menu today, slightly reimagined. In 2013, my father entrusted me with the leadership of the restaurant. At that time, we completely renovated the venue, giving it a fresh design, a new style, and a creative menu.

My goal has always been to raise local gastronomy to a higher level and to give people the opportunity to discover new culinary trends. In the long run, our ambition is to produce all of our own ingredients, ensuring naturalness and freshness in every dish.

We are proud to be part of the “farm-to-table” movement. On my brother’s farm, Mangaland, owned by Mihály Kovács Jr., we raise mangalica pigs, poultry, and other livestock, as well as grow vegetables and fruits. In our processing facility, we produce traditional, additive-free, noble mold fermented salamis and cold cuts. Among our specialties is the matured truffle salami. Additionally, we offer seasonal homemade syrups, fruit juices, and spice blends.

For us, hospitality is a true passion: naturalness, quality, and respect for the environment are at the heart of every dish. Our food not only supports the local economy but also offers our guests an authentic and unforgettable culinary experience.

Enjoy the harmony of simplicity and purity in every plate!

The Castle Restaurant – a little different!