Our Team
Spago by Wolfgang Puck
The name Wolfgang Puck is synonymous with the best of restaurant hospitality and the ultimate in all aspects of the culinary arts.
Explore our team, who is dedicated to sharing culinary pioneer Wolfgang Puck’s passion for culinary artistry and uncompromising quality.
TEAM
Wolfgang Puck
Master Chef
A master curator and trendsetter in cuisine, renowned Chef Wolfgang Puck is responsible for the culinary operation and success of the exceptional venues at Matild Palace.
His legendary name carries an undeniable cachet, synonymous with a bold, innovative school of cooking that redefined fine dining in America and around the world. His trademark dishes, coupled with his unmistakable panache and passion, have revolutionized the culinary industry.
The world-renowned master chef and restaurateur has carefully crafted a vast empire since the early 1980s which includes fine dining restaurants, premium catering services, fast-casual restaurants, cookbooks and licensed products run by three distinct companies: Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, Wolfgang Puck Catering and Wolfgang Puck Worldwide, Inc.
Puck’s fine dining restaurants, premium catering services, Express operations and quality kitchen and food merchandise celebrate a central philosophy of Wolfgang’s Eat, Love, Live ™ (WELL) and stand for culinary passion for eating and dining WELL. The Wolfgang Puck Companies strive to provide the freshest, natural and organic ingredients and celebrate local farmers, sustainable seafood and humanely treated animals. Additionally, The Wolfgang Puck Companies offer the most creative menus and innovative tastes, the finest in genuine hospitality, and supply quality products for the well-equipped kitchen. The brand is committed to providing leadership and “how to” information in the areas of nutrition, cooking, baking, dining and entertaining and nourishing children WELL.
István Szántó
Head Chef
“Good food brings people together,” says the internationally experienced Hungarian chef, who was selected by the world-renowned Wolfgang Puck to be the head of the culinary team of Spago Budapest. István developed his technical knowledge to perfection during his more than 15 years of professional culinary experience, among others in the Michelin-starred Costes Downtown restaurant and in renowned French restaurants.
Mastering the ins and outs of classic fine dining technology, István started leading the culinary team of the first European Spago in Budapest with lots of creative energy and a friendly smile on his face.
In harmony with Wolfgang Puck’s extremely direct, friendly personality, István’s culinary philosophy focuses on an excellent guest experience. For the Hungarian chef, the use of the highest quality ingredients and the most modern kitchen technology is essential. István’s goals are to create a family atmosphere in Spago Budapest and to support local producers, in addition to enriching the guests of the legendary restaurant with lasting experiences day by day.
Imre Rácz
Head Sommelier
“All wine (…) is social and reveals its true essence when drunk in community.” quotes Imre Rácz Head Sommelier, who is passionate about bridging the gap between the winery, guests and wine lovers. His journey in hospitality began with a deep interest in gastronomy, where the fusion of food and drink left a lasting impact on him. Imre started his career in the United States, and returning to Hungary he refined his skills as Head Sommelier at renowned establishments like MÁK and Essencia restaurants.His unparalleled passionate dedication and outstanding knowledge of fine wines were recognized, and he was honored as “Sommelier of the Year” by Michelin Guide Hungary in 2023. This prestigious accolade was followed by another in 2024, when Imre Rácz earned the Dining Guide’s “Sommelier of the Year” award. As a representative of Hungarian gastronomy and wine, his mission is to offer restaurant guests an outstanding wine experience, fueled by expertise and dedication.
