The Top 10 Restaurants in Košice

Bring your appetite to Kosice to enjoy traditional Slovak favorites such as bryndza halusky!
Bring your appetite to Kosice to enjoy traditional Slovak favorites such as bryndza halusky! | @ SoniaBelviso/Flickr

Freelance Travel Writer

In eastern Slovakia, Košice is a culinary hub for new and innovative international restaurants. But the largest eastern city is also home to many traditional Slovak pubs and bistros serving local brews and wine, as well as national dishes, such as bryndzové halušky, pierogi, cheese, sausages and grilled meats. If you’re lucky enough to visit this undiscovered gem, you can take your pick between traditional Slovak cuisine or fancy fusion restaurants; all of which make for a lovely evening out.

1. Republika Východu

Restaurant, European, Slovakian, Dessert, Gluten-free

You have to try some traditional Slovak dishes while in Košice, and Republika Východu is a great place to try them! The menu is available in English, so you will know exactly what you are ordering. Gluten free options are also available. We recommend the mouthwatering pierogi and the strawberry and mascarpone pancakes for dessert.

2. Med Malina

Restaurant, European

Med Malina is a relaxed, cozy Slovak restaurant serving traditional dishes in Košice’s city center. No matter what you order, make sure to get a side of stewed cabbage – theirs is the best! The menu is quite large, so everyone in your group is sure to find something that they’ll like, from grilled meats to salads with locally produced cheese.

3. Le Colonial Restaurant

Restaurant, European, Fusion

On a date in Košice? Take your sweetheart to Le Colonial and enjoy the romantic atmosphere and top notch service. You will find a few Slovak favorites along with international cuisine, such as Indian curry chicken or lamb chops wrapped in prosciutto. Make a reservation, then allow the waitstaff to pamper you during a special night out.

5. Hostinec Pivovar

Restaurant, Pub, European, Pub Grub

This restaurant claims to be the “oldest in Slovakia” and dates back to 1542. We aren’t sure if that’s true or not, but we are sure that they brew great beer on their site. Order the “Hostinka 12” and pair it with the phenomenal dumplings or fried cheese.

6. Dobré Bistro

Bistro, Cafe, Restaurant, European

This adorable bistro makes a magnificent chai latte, but they also make a picture perfect avocado toast. Dobré serves breakfast, lunch and small snacks. Health conscious travelers will enjoy homemade granola, raw cakes and lactose-free options.

7. Burekas

Restaurant, Middle Eastern, Pastries

For a taste of the Middle East in Slovakia, head to Burekas. Falafel, hummus, tomato and cucumber salad, pitas and fluffy pastry bureks will draw you in and the backpacker-friendly prices will keep you there. For a flavorful, affordable lunch, don’t miss Burekas.

8. GESTO Cafe & Brunch

Cafe, Restaurant, European

As the restaurant’s name indicates, the best time of day to head to GESTO is for brunch. Imagine stacks of bacon and scrambled eggs. Their homemade cakes are also extremely popular. On weekdays during lunch, they have several set menu options, which are a steal. Plus, it’s a bit away from the main tourist route, so you’re sure to enjoy a local favorite!

9. Soup Culture

Bistro, Restaurant, European, Contemporary

Soup is certainly a staple in the Slovak diet and at Soup Culture you can try several different variations, served in warm edible cones. Most of the soups are also vegan. We highly recommend stopping into Soup Culture for lunch and ordering the garlic soup, as well as a freshly prepared coffee or tea.

10. Dobré Časy - Slovak Beer House

Gastropub, Bar, Pub, European

The main reason to visit Dobré Časy is for their enormous selection of Slovak and Czech draft beers and bottled beers from all over the world. However, they also serve great beer snacks and meals, including burgers, hot dogs, sausages, fries, chicken wings, and ribs. Come here hungry! The portion sizes are huge!

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
close-ad
Edit article