Bratislava boasts a large number of Italian restaurants, with the total amount increasing each year as more and more pasta and pizza venues open for business. To help you select from the large selection, The Slovak Spectator has compiled a list of some of our favourite Italian restaurants in Bratislava.
Pizzeria Saranda-Ristorante
Saranda is about as close as Bratislava gets to authentic Italian cuisine, which is very close indeed - both owners and the kitchen staff are from Calabria. Situated opposite the YMCA cinema near the train station, the restaurant looks uninspiring from the outside, but its plush red carpets and spacious layout set the stage for a long, quiet dinner. Aside from the 20 thin-crust pizzas on offer, have a stab at the scampi alla griglia or the filetto con broccoli. The kitchen is more than willing to make whatever kind of pasta you are in the mood for (they do a very creditable spur-of-the-moment arrabbiata sauce), while the service is quick and urbane. Several varieties of Italian wine are on offer, but nothing more exciting than the Masi Valpolicella and a nondescript Chianti.
Saranda prides itself on making its own pasta in the original Italian style. Povraznícká 18. Tel: 5249 7751. Open daily 24 hours a day.
Spaghetti & Company
Located about 50 metres from the National Theatre, this place is ideal for a post-opera or post-symphony meal. It's a regular ex-pat dining spot as well, even though the Italian fare isn't quite as authentic as it should be. A sure bet is the lasagne, and the tiramisu isn't bad either. Seven types of Italian wine are on offer, along with the local vin du pays. The menu also offers various types of Italian sandwiches as a hearty breakfast or a light lunch.
Gorkého 1. Tel: 5443 2303. Open daily 10:30 - 1:00.
La Dolce Vita
While the owners and chefs are all Yugoslav in origin, the menu is 'European', ranging from Balkan to Czech to Italian to Serb specialties; the main item on offer is seafood, which is selected live by the customer and prepared to order. Wines include French, Italian, Argentine, Chilean and Slovak vintages, and go from 300 Sk from the cheapest local offers to 19,000 Sk (almost $500 US, or 300 pounds) for the best burgundies.
Panská 1. Tel: 5443 2148. Open Mon-Fri 12:00-15:00, 18:00-24:00, Sat-Sun 18:00-24:00
La Trattoria
Great place for quick lunches and friendly dinners, visited by most Italian and Spanish nationals in Bratislava. Located near the beautiful Medická záhrada and the less exotic Mamut Pub. Great Italian food, friendly wait-staff, and a cozy atmosphere.
Ferienčíkova 32. Tel: 5296 1620. Open daily 10:30-23:00.
Sole Mio
Quick service, a clean and smoke-free atmosphere, reasonable prices with a great variety of tasty pizzas available define the dining experience at Sole Mio. Try the klobása (home-made sausage) pizza and treat yourself to a spicy rendition of the pepperoni pizza famous in the states.
Gröslingová 31. Tel: 5296 7646. Open Mon-Fri 7:30-22:00, Sat 10:00-22:00.
La Mamma
Start with the fresh pasta-salad bar, then try a pizza, ravioli formaggi e panna, or spaghetti bolognese. Easily accessible behind Istropolis.
Škultétyho 10. Tel: 4437 1938. Open Mon-Sat 11:00-22:00.
