Dining Key:$ = 100-150 Sk/person, $$ = 151-250 Sk/person, $$$ = over 250 Sk/person. CC = credit cards accepted. Eng. menu = English menu. Res. = reservations recommended. Tel. = telephone number, open = hours open.
Arkádia
Among Bratislava's most elegant places to take out-of-town guests. The aroma of the food fills the cobblestone street, giving a preview of the excellent food served. The wait staff greets you promptly with fancy hors d'oeuvres, which you can nibble on from tables overlooking St. Martin Cathedral and SNP Bridge.
$$$, CC: yes, Eng. menu: yes, Res.: yes. Zámocké schody, tel.: 5443-0032, open 12:00-23:00 Mon.-Sun.
Červený Rak
The ultra-modern decor of color and light contrasts sharply with the 14th century Michael's Gate, the foundation of which serves as one of this subterranean restaurant's walls. During the summer months a wonderful outdoor patio sunk below the tower provides an excellent atmosphere on a cool evening. Venison filet, stag steak in red wine and mountain goat sauté are followed on the menu by shark steak and, of course, Červený rak, or red lobster. Prices are steep.
$$$, CC: yes, Eng. menu: yes, Res.: yes. Michalská 26, tel.: 5443-1375, open Mon.-Sun. 10:00-24:00.
Mária Terézia
Although one of the priciest places in the city, the food is worth it, as there are four specialty chefs cooking up some delicious dishes. The nouvelle cuisine includes tender grilled salmon and brisket of lamb. A businessman's lunch is available on weekdays for a better price.
$$$, CC: yes, Eng. menu: yes, Res.: no. Palisády 50, tel.: 325-590, open Mon.-Fri. 12:00-15:00 and 18:00-23:00, Sat. 18:00-23:00, closed on Sunday.
Modrá guľa
A quiet place for a business lunch and a well-stocked bar for a happy hour drink. The penthouse terrace has views of the Castle and Hotel Forum. Try the pork cutlet on dumplings with cheese sauce or the halušky stuffed with ham and cheese.
$$$, CC: yes, Eng. menu: yes, Res.: yes. Suché Mýto 6, tel.: 5850-4007, open Mon.-Fri. 11:00-23:00, weekends 12:00-23:00.
Parlamentka
The view from Parlamentka is one of the city's longest, if not necessarily one of the most gorgeous, given the endless housing blocks across the river in Petržalka.
$$, CC: yes, Eng. menu: yes, Res.: yes, Mudroňova 1, 811 01 Bratislava, tel.: 5441-8433, restaurant open 11:00-23:00, café open 8:00-20:00 daily.
Prašná Bašta
Located in the upper old town, Prašná Bašta is a cozy hangout for artsy types who want to spend an entire evening in conversation with dinner companions. Candles on the tables, jazz and blues music and good service are standard; in the summer, the courtyard patio is a great quiet nightspot. Try the Armenian salad (garlic and shredded carrots), followed by the Edith Piaf chicken. Wash it down with a Slovak Riesling or Cabernet.
$$$, CC: no, Eng. menu: yes, Res.: yes. Zámočnícka 11, tel.: 5443-4957, open daily 11:00-23:00.
Prešporská kúria
A complex of outdoor and indoor seating, including a cafeteria-style eatery, a nice restaurant and a pizzeria. Waiters in the restaurant wear traditional folk costumes and serve dishes such as aromatic mushroom soup, pirogi stuffed with sheep's cheese and carp with butter and walnuts. Load up on appetizers and your main course, because desserts are less inspiring.
$$, CC: yes, Eng. menu: yes, Res.: yes. Dunajská 21, tel.: 367-981 open Mon.-Sun. 11:00-23:00.
Rybársky cech
Expensive but worth it - you get to pick the fish you want out of a tank in the foyer. Cech is known throughout Slovakia, and many a famous personality can be seen wolfing down the excellent fish dishes on which this place has built its reputation. Fabulous service backs up the boneless Orly carp, which is done in a beer batter. French, Italian, Chilean, Czech and Slovak wines jostle for room in the cellar.
$$$, CC: yes, Eng. menu: yes, Res.: yes. Žižkova 1, tel.: 5441-3049, open 11:00-24:00 daily.
