Slovakia - Eastern Europe - page 619

Slovenská Restaurácia SLOVAK The ideal spot if you're looking for bryn-
dzové halu s ky and other classic Slovak dishes in a highly traditional setting, complete
with waiters in folk costumes, folk music, and the whole 9 yards. If this sounds too
touristy, don't be put off. The food is excellent (this may be your only chance to try
wild boar) and the clientele includes not only the inevitable tour buses, but also Slo-
vak couples looking for good home cooking in their capital city.
Hviezdoslavovo nám. 20. & 02/5443-4883. Lunch and dinner items 210 Sk-270 Sk ($7-$9/£4-£5). AE, DC, MC, V.
Daily 11am-11pm.
MODERATE
Prasná Basta SLOVAK This well-concealed cozy little garden, just a
couple steps away from the St. Michael's Tower, is an oasis of mostly laid-back locals
who know good food at good value when they get it. Sit outside on the back terrace
in nice weather. There's usually a little combo band keeping things lively in the
evenings. Start off with the spicy “Armenian” salad, and then move through the mains
of mostly chicken and pork dishes, but more interesting and original than the usual
Slovak menu. There's also a nice selection of vegetarian meals. Reservations recom-
mended, especially for the terrace.
Zámocnicka 11. & 02/5443-4957. Lunch and dinner items 180 Sk-240 Sk ($6-$8/£3-£7). AE, DC, MC, V. Mon-Sat
11am-11pm.
Tokyo JAPANESE One of the few places in town that serves decent sushi. That
might sound like a strange claim, but after a week or more in the wilds of eastern Slo-
vakia, facing dinner after dinner of stuffed chicken breasts, you might welcome a
lighter change of pace. The sushi is pricey by the piece, but a decent range of sushi-
maki sets brings the price down to the affordable category. In addition to sushi, Tokyo
serves decent Thai food, including staple noodle dishes and some spicy curries
(though mild by Thai standards). The restaurant is light on atmosphere, so head here,
like many Slovaks do, for a quick lunch instead. Reservations not needed.
Panská 27. & 02/5443-4982. Lunch and dinner items 180 Sk-300 Sk ($6-$10/£3-£6). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily
11am-11pm.
INEXPENSIVE
The Dubliner IRISH A friendly Irish-themed pub that remains an expat anchor in
the Old Town. In nice weather, grab a street-side table, or head inside to the expan-
sive bar, complete with traditional cobblestone flooring. The food runs to pub sta-
ples—a kind of fusion between what you might actually see in Dublin and what
Slovak taste buds demand. The “Traditional Irish Stew” bears more than a passing
resemblance to Slovak “gula s .” A nice mix of hot and cold sandwiches, salads, and
standard appetizers like spicy chicken wings. If you're looking to meet up with com-
patriots, this is the spot to find them. Reservations not needed.
Sedlárska 6. & 02/5441-0706. Lunch and dinner items 90 Sk-150 Sk ($3-$5/£1.70-£2.75). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily
11am-1am.
17 Bar ITALIAN The place to go for pizza and beer in a casual student atmos-
phere. The pizza, served in typically thin-crusted, Slovak style, is some of the best in
town. Try the “Diavalo,” with spicy Slovak sausage and red peppers. Sit on the terrace
in summer or grab a wooden bench inside in winter. In keeping with the largely stu-
dent clientele, the service and presentation are casual. Reservations not needed.

Finds