Slovakia has a phrase which perfectly describes the national cuisine. Trochu Všetko: a little bit of everything. This is how food has developed in the Slovak Republic. The culinary influences here originate from the Eastern European nations of Hungary and Czechoslovakia as well as from Turkey, a result of the empires' wars over the region over the last millennium.
In Bratislava, most of the restaurants very much feel as if they have clung on to the nation's varied and colourful past. Some evoke the Communist era whilst some step back further in time to the kind of Medieval Europe many people perceive only to exist in history books: dark, candellit, wood beamed and with open fires. All the while, diners can appreciate the century-old splendour of the Old Town.
The national dish, Bryndžové halušky, is what much of the country's traditional cuisine is themed around. The dish was popular with shepherds across the country and involves potato dumplings, sheep's cheese and often bacon. In typical Eastern European style, the food is often quite heavy (although not by the standards of Poland or even the Czech Republic).
Prašná Bašta, the Ideal Slovak Food Experience
Quite simply put, this is Bratislava's best restaurant. It's a great, atmospheric place to try typical Slovakian food, which is served with style and panache. Step underground into a vaulted room full of candlelit booths. Austrian schnitzel and mushroom dumplings are among the foodie delights. It is a reasonably popular restaurant with locals and ex-pats, but surprisingly tourists rarely find it as it's tucked own a side street. Location: Zámocnicka 11.
Lahodky u Sherlocka
This restaurant is perfect for soaking up a touch of local life whilst guaranteeing good solid grub. Delicacies include beef with dumplings or the hearty lentil soup with a cucumber salad. The environment is that of an upmarket communist cafeteria but its local popularity is a good sign of its quality. Oh, and it's cheap. Location: Mileticova 71.
Modrá Hviezda
Students, journalists and poets used to gather in this classy joint, translating as "Blue Star" during the Velvet Revolution, which saw Slovakia finally separate from the Czech Republic. The place consequently exudes history, but does good Hungarian, Austrian and Slovakian food including good steaks and tasty smaller meals such as feta wrapped in parma ham. Location Beblavého 14.
The UFO Bratislava
Head down to the Danube River in Bratislava and you cannot miss the strange 1970's-style UFO suspended above it. The restaurant here might not be the city's most traditional and the service can be snooty but you can eat traditional Slovakian food with the best views in Bratislava to accompany your meal. The entrance is on the south side of the new bridge (Novsky Most).
Staroslovenska Krcma
The medieval theme (tapestries, wood panelling) is prevalent at this cosy pub/restaurant which serves up hearty traditional food and Slovak beer. Location: Michalská 14.
Traja Mušketieri
Enter a cosy, vaulted world where authentic Slovakian food is served at long wooden benches. Stuffed meats and dumplings are the best things to try. Location: Sládkovicova 7.
Author Sunil S.
In Bratislava, most of the restaurants very much feel as if they have clung on to the nation's varied and colourful past. Some evoke the Communist era whilst some step back further in time to the kind of Medieval Europe many people perceive only to exist in history books: dark, candellit, wood beamed and with open fires. All the while, diners can appreciate the century-old splendour of the Old Town.
The national dish, Bryndžové halušky, is what much of the country's traditional cuisine is themed around. The dish was popular with shepherds across the country and involves potato dumplings, sheep's cheese and often bacon. In typical Eastern European style, the food is often quite heavy (although not by the standards of Poland or even the Czech Republic).
Prašná Bašta, the Ideal Slovak Food Experience
Quite simply put, this is Bratislava's best restaurant. It's a great, atmospheric place to try typical Slovakian food, which is served with style and panache. Step underground into a vaulted room full of candlelit booths. Austrian schnitzel and mushroom dumplings are among the foodie delights. It is a reasonably popular restaurant with locals and ex-pats, but surprisingly tourists rarely find it as it's tucked own a side street. Location: Zámocnicka 11.
Lahodky u Sherlocka
This restaurant is perfect for soaking up a touch of local life whilst guaranteeing good solid grub. Delicacies include beef with dumplings or the hearty lentil soup with a cucumber salad. The environment is that of an upmarket communist cafeteria but its local popularity is a good sign of its quality. Oh, and it's cheap. Location: Mileticova 71.
Modrá Hviezda
Students, journalists and poets used to gather in this classy joint, translating as "Blue Star" during the Velvet Revolution, which saw Slovakia finally separate from the Czech Republic. The place consequently exudes history, but does good Hungarian, Austrian and Slovakian food including good steaks and tasty smaller meals such as feta wrapped in parma ham. Location Beblavého 14.
The UFO Bratislava
Head down to the Danube River in Bratislava and you cannot miss the strange 1970's-style UFO suspended above it. The restaurant here might not be the city's most traditional and the service can be snooty but you can eat traditional Slovakian food with the best views in Bratislava to accompany your meal. The entrance is on the south side of the new bridge (Novsky Most).
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Staroslovenska Krcma
The medieval theme (tapestries, wood panelling) is prevalent at this cosy pub/restaurant which serves up hearty traditional food and Slovak beer. Location: Michalská 14.
Traja Mušketieri
Enter a cosy, vaulted world where authentic Slovakian food is served at long wooden benches. Stuffed meats and dumplings are the best things to try. Location: Sládkovicova 7.
Author Sunil S.