Much like traditional Bulgarian food, Slovakian food is also hearty and filling—dumplings, wholesome soups and schnitzel feature heavily. And many restaurants in Bratislava reminded me of places I'd eaten at in Timisoara and Budapest, not surprising when you look at a map, Hungary sits just below Slovakia, with Romania one more border away.
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| A light lunch at Fach |
With its compact size, photogenic buildings, and good food, the city is perfect for a weekend getaway. I filled my days wandering cobbled streets, working up an appetite by the Danube and visiting the impressive white and terracotta colored Bratislava Castle. It’s worth finding the Art Nouveau style Blue Church in the Eastern part of town, and the Pink Baroque style Holy Trinity Church in the Old Town too, religious or not, they're both striking inside and out.
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| Holy Trinity Church in Bratislava Old Town |
Where to eat & drink in Bratislava—5 great options if you're short on time
1. Koliba KamzikThis relaxed restaurant serves traditional Slovak food with specialities like slow-roasted leg of lamb and venison steak on the menu. For my visit I ordered wild boar ragu with cheese-stuffed pierogi, while my friend opted for pork ribs—both were super filling, tasty, and not too expensive.
2. Spin Cocktail Bar
For an after-dinner drink, Spin is the only place to go on account of their creative blends that seriously rival some of the best cocktails in London. It’s a small but cosy bar with joyful staff that really know their stuff. The fun menu is full of delightful concoctions, but they’ll happily mix you a bespoke drink if you want a surprise.
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| Don't miss Spin cocktail bar |
3. Bistro St. Germain
Wooden tables and chairs, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and patterned floor tiles make Bistro St. Germain feel more Parisian than Slovakian. Locals gather here during the week to order mini jugs of lemonade. I opted for an americano which arrived with a small cookie on a silver tray, this place is a great spot for people-watching too.
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| Coffee break at Bistro St. Germain |
4. Dolnozemská Krčma
This super traditional Slovakian restaurant has a menu full of hearty ‘family style’ dishes. My friend and I tried a starter of smoked thigh, pork belly and sausage from the woolly mangalica pig (a Hungarian breed), and a chicken pancake that sounded weird but was actually really good. After, we ordered pork schnitzel, and duck breast with gooseberries and fried dumplings, both were so filling that we had to skip dessert.
5. Fach
Once you’ve filled up on Slovakian food, try Fach for lighter options, or breakfast. They have a good range of homemade pastries, all made at the onsite bakery, and some gorgeous cold-pressed juices. I enjoyed avocado and cream cheese on toast and went back the very next day for a cardamom bun and coffee.
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