Traditional Slovak food, being rich and filling, is perfect for storing up for the long cold winter ahead. Try the national dish - bryndzové halušky - tiny potato dumplings with sheep cheese or go for the delicious vypražaný syr - fried cheese.
The restaurants below represent a selection of previously reviewed restaurants, but remain some of our favourites.
Price Guide
$$$:Over SK 1,600 SK ($40)
$$:600 SK-1,600 SK ($15-$40)
$:Under 600 SK ($15)
Malý Františkáni $
City Centre. Námestie SNP 24, Tel: 5443 2535
Cheap, downscale eatery for people watchers. There's nothing particularly noteworthy about Františkáni's food or atmosphere - it's a standard Slovak cellar restaurant opposite McDonald's on the main SNP square. However, as a late-night eating spot, it can't be beat. Open until 6 AM in a city where every other eatery shuts at 11 PM and located near the main downtown pubs, Františkáni sees it all - as will you if you visit at 3 in the morning after dancing the night away at Charlie's disco, about 500m away.
Pod Baštou $$
Old Town. Baštová 3, Tel. 5331 765.
When walking up Michalská ul. towards Michael's Gate, turn left down Bratislava's narrowest street. Then, descend from the cobblestoned alley into this classic wine-cellar where sipping on one of the 20-odd white or red cask and dessert wines is a must. Talk about ambience, soak in the vaulted brick ceiling, low lighting and soft live music. Top off your meal with the great palacinky pancakes.
Prašná Bašta $$
City Centre. Zámočnička 11, Tel: 5443 4957
Located in the upper Old Town, Prašna Bašta is a small, bustling restaurant which has become one of the most popular hangouts for arty types who want to spend an entire evening in conversation with dinner companions. Candles on the tables, jazz & blues in the background & good service are standard. Try the Armenian salad (garlic & shredded carrots), followed by the Edith Piaf chicken. Wash it down with a Slovak riesling or cabernet. Prašna Bašta occasionally has Slovak vintage wines for sale by the glass, but don't expect anything to knock your socks off.
Brit Restaurant $$
Near city centre. Novohradská 6, Tel: 53 41 10 07
Highest concentration of mobile phones of any restaurant in the capital. Brit isn't in the prettiest of locations (near the Bratislava Business Centre & the main bus station), but serves up some excellent pub-type fare in cheery, upmarket surroundings. Opened in 1998, Brit has some of the best service in town, and puts out an excellent range of sour soups, grilled fish & beef stroganoff. Don't sit on the couches at back: they're reserved for the owners, who are a set of short-haired bruisers.
