Gourmet Split: Have You Checked-In at Terminal F?

Terminal F officially opened its doors on Saturday 3^rd June, 2017; another fabulous addition to the F-Group portfolio and Split gastronomy scene.

I swear, every time I turn around, I feel like there is a new restaurant, bar or café opening and I am definitely not complaining. The F Group, is a hospitality brand set to leave its mark on the Split Gastronomy scene. F Group opened its first café in 1999 and has since opened F-Maduro, F-Marine and F de mar on the west coast, Fabrique pub last year and now with the opening of Terminal F – it is stacking up to be a very impressive portfolio indeed.

Terminal F resides in the newly renovated Split tourist palace which was built in 1968 according to the plans of the architect Čede Rendić; in the middle of the site, there is an archeological site where it was discovered how Split had looked before Diocletian.

Photo Credit: Damira Kalajzić

“The vision for Terminal F, was to be a sort of ‘check-in’ point for everyone visiting Split. Terminal F is in the location F Café used to be and we know from past experience that it is a location most every guest walks past and is often in transit – waiting for their ferry, bus or train. So, we wanted to create something to accommodate these needs; a restaurant and atmosphere where people can come chill out and relax, have a quick bite or just enjoy having a drink. We also realised that there is nowhere (besides bakeries) that serve food late in Split, which is why we will serve food until 2am” explained Marita Kačunić from the F Group. Rather than going for the club scene that F Cafe used to have, the focus has shifted to the food and providing a unique atmosphere where people can eat, drink or dance along to live music.

Photo Credit: Damira Kalajzić

The space itself is industrial by design and inspired by an airport terminal – it is the first truly themed restaurant in Split. Every detail has been thought over, from the large iron bar with cargo-like fridges, the boarding announcement panel where you will find all information on the gastronomic offer to the staff who look super-slick in their pilot and stewardess uniforms – we all love a guy or gal in uniform right?

Photo Credit: Damira Kalajzić

Executive Chef for Emirates in Dubai, ‘Juan Pablo’, consulted on the menu, giving his recipes for the Mexican inspired tacos and burritos; while Chef Mario Srdelić added his flair to the international menu with Dalmatian inspirations. Marita went on to explain that some international ingredients are hard to source in Dalmatia, but they managed to find a local supplier for likes of coriander to fresh jalapenos, to ensure each recipe is executed as it should be.

The menu itself is very reasonable, they offer a breakfast menu from 7am, 75kuna (€10) with a juice and coffee. The rest of the day, the menu offers items such as – tacos, burritos, burgers, pizza… an array of unique starters and sides, from their ‘popcorn calamari’, ‘rosti rounds’ and even ‘mac & cheese’; for those wanting something a little more substantial, they also have a T-Bone Steak. What about desert I hear you ask – well, their ‘ice cream gate’ is bound to satisfy any sweet tooth, soft serve ice cream where you have the option to choose your toppings. Again, the average meal price is around 75 – 90 kuna (€10 – €12)

Photo Credit: Damira Kalajzić

The also have an extensive drinks and cocktail menu

Photo Credit: Damira Kalajzić

The opening itself was a huge success and saw an appearance by many including other restaurateurs; in such a small community, it is always great to see business owners supporting each other. Marita went on to say that while Saturday night was amazing to see it all come together, it was Sunday night that she was truly pleased with – “to see people in late at night, enjoying the food, music and just relaxing… this was fantastic, because this is exactly the atmosphere we were hoping to create.”