Slovakia - Eastern Europe - page 640

Orlia 6. & 055/728-9820. www.penzionslovakia.sk. 4 units. 1,350 Sk ($45/£25) double. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities:
Restaurant. In room:TV.
WHERE TO DINE
The restaurant scene in Ko s ice is improving rapidly. As in Bratislava, the number of
eateries is growing and the range of cooking is slowing starting to expand beyond the
beef, pork, and chicken trilogy. Most of the best places to eat, and to go out for that
matter, are not along the main Hlavná street, but just to the east of the main square,
along Ková c ska.
Very Expensive
Rosto STEAKHOUSE Local version of an American-style steakhouse, but less for-
mal, featuring excellent aged beef imported from South America. This place gets
crowded, especially at lunch. The grilling extends to chicken, pork, lamb, and what-
ever else can be cooked over an open flame. They also have a full range of Middle East-
ern-style shawarma sandwiches, essentially shaved lamb, chicken, or pork served in a
pita pocket.
Orlia 6. & 055/728-9818. Lunch and dinner items 180 Sk-420 Sk ($6-$14/£3.30-£7.70). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily
11am-10pm.
Expensive
Camelot SLOVAK Newly opened in 2006 and already claiming its spot as one
of the best tables in the city for Slovak and international specialties. The handsome
decor mixes the best of the dark woods and high-backed chairs of traditional Slovak
restaurants, with a modern emphasis on clean lines and cleanliness. The “Camelot”
theme extends to the menu, and the main courses are named for the Knights of the
Round Table. Some combine the traditional Slovak emphasis on grilled meats with
international, especially Asian, spices and sauces.
Kovácska 19. & 055/685-4039. Lunch and dinner items 180 Sk-360 Sk ($6-$12/£3.30-£6.70). AE, DC, MC, V.
Tues-Sun 11am-10pm.
Le Colonial CONTINENTAL This popular place, just off the southern end
of Hlavná, never fails to impress. Maybe it's the inviting 19th-century “colonial-era”
decor, the impeccable service, or the creative turns on traditional Slovak cooking that
make it so special. Try the “escalope panee,” a chicken breast that's stuffed with sharp-
sour sheep's cheese and lightly breaded and fried, served with little bunches of green
beans wrapped in bacon. And that's just the start. Like lots of restaurants in Ko s ice, to
find it, you'll have to first walk through a rather uninviting little doorway off the main
street. Your anxieties will be relieved once you walk into the warm and inviting inte-
rior. Good choice for a business meal or a romantic dinner for two.
Hlavná 8. & 055/729-6126. Lunch and dinner items 240 Sk-360 Sk ($8-$12/£4.40-£6.70). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily
11am-10pm.
Moderate
Villa Regia SLOVAK A local favorite and reputed to be the best place in town
for bryndzové halu s ky and other typical Slovak dishes. If you've come from the High
Tatras or from one of the outlying areas, you'll recognize the dark woods and heavy
tables and chairs as the hallmark of a traditional Slovak restaurant. At their best, and
this is certainly one of the best, these spaces run to the cozy and intimate, with the
emphasis on food, drink, and close conversation. While the halu s ky come highly rec-
ommended, the full range of pork, beef, and chicken specialties are done well.