Chops Grill Steak & Seafood, located in the center of Split just off of Marmontova, offers an incredible array of great steaks and seafood, pastas and salads, all paired with carefully chosen Croatian wines. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and are open 7 days a week.
Chops came to exist because there seemed to be an urgency for more international restaurants in the city center. There needed to be something with a spacious seating area unlike the crowded tables in the alleyways, and something with a new and innovative concept. Already having put together a highly experienced management team that had specialized in tourism, Chops was ready to join the ever growing restaurant scene in Split, and introduced Splićani to something a bit more international. Therein lies Chops, the first proper steakhouse in Split, and we’re definitely not complaining.
Over the weekend I sat down with Jasmina Garbin, known as “katica za sve” to her Croatian team (essentially translating to “maid of all work”) and manager at Chops. Jasmina, a bright eyed, cheerful blonde ordered us two glasses of their delicious Daruvar Chardonnay to start, hailing from the northeastern town of Daruvar in Croatia. From that moment on, I knew we were going to get along. Every table in the restaurant was full, patrons were laughing, excited, and blissfully in love with the food they had in front of them. “This restaurant is crazy for a Thursday night!” I said to Jasmina, and she assured me, “Oh, this is nothing.” And that’s when I found out why.
After a couple glasses of wine and some excellent conversation, Jasmina decided it was time to order. First of all, after having gone through this menu more than a couple of times before visiting Chops, there was nothing on it I didn’t like. I think I even had dreams of it the night before, and because of that, I asked Jasmina to order for me.
Here’s the order: 350g of the Black Angus Ribeye with a side order of the Prosciutto and Truffle macaroni. First off, I would like everyone to know that I am drooling while writing this, dreaming of a chance at this meal once more (I’ll end up booking a table this week). Secondly, what a meal of perfection! The meat, so tender, grilled to supremacy and not a hair over medium rare. Seasoned just right, with an exquisite amount of tenderness and the juiciness from a steak you only dream about (we know I did). I was more than pleased. The presentation was also stunning, with the chef’s placing decorative sauces and bites of potatoes on the edges of the serving platter to complete the full effect.
The pasta, oh the pasta, I swear I would eat it everyday if I ever remembered to exercise. Made with homemade macaroni from the island of Korčula, the creaminess of the truffle sauce married with the perfect bites of proscuitto created an absolute fairytale in my mouth. Jasmina had a feeling I’d like this one, and as it’s one of her favorites as well, we devoured it.
For dessert, something so near and dear to my heart: a chocolate souffle with vanilla ice cream. I can’t remember the last time I had a chocolate souffle, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was when I left the states two years ago. This melted, in all the right ways. The vanilla ice cream was rich and creamy, the perfect addition to the chocolate explosion happening in your mouth after each bite. I couldn’t actually believe I was eating something this good!
Stuffed, unable to move, and needing a wheelchair to stroll home in, we ended our dinner. We spent 3 hours together sipping wine with wonderful conversation and serious gluttony, but that made the Chops experience all the better. Jasmina and her team boast some of the best customer service in Split. They are innovative and take into consideration what is lacking, what is working, and work hard to remain one of the best restaurants in the city. When I saw that every table was booked as soon as I walked in, and that there wasn’t a frown in sight, I knew Chops was up to something. But this good? I encourage you all to start booking your tables for summer…today!
