September 20, 2019 – Just three days away from welcoming a new season, we thought we’d reminisce on another summer gone with some of the new establishments making a buzz in Split this year.
If you’re a Split local, you’ll most likely find it hard to do much of anything during the summer because a) you work in tourism b) you work in hospitality or c) you only feel safe in the comfort of your air-conditioned apartment away from the crowds.
However, unless you truly do live in a cave, you’re aware that Split is a continually evolving Dalmatian hotspot that has been milking the perks of its rebirth for almost a decade – and with each new season comes a swarm of new swanky establishments for Split citizens and tourists to enjoy.
Thus, we present some of the conversation-starting stations new to the Split scene this season.
MoNIKa’s Wine Bar: Located at the beginning of Varos in the Sperun area, MoNIKa’s Wine Bar opened in April to the delight of wine drinkers and charcuterie enthusiasts. Securing the number one spot on Tripadvisor more than a few times this summer, MoNIKa’s serves up Croatian wines, meat and cheese plates, seafood tapas and wine tasting evenings.
Brutal Bar & Kitchen: If there is one new place tourists are raving about in Split this summer, it’s Brutal. Also a TripAdvisor frontrunner, Brutal is a small alleyway charm that belongs on the streets of San Francisco or New York. Praised for its open kitchen, cool countertops, and a menu that ranges from roasted tomato carpaccio to pork belly lettuce wraps, eggplant ratatouille and monkfish ‘cigars’, how could one go wrong?
Pandora Greenbox: The sister to the already popular Split hotspot Corto Maltese, Pandora opened just in time to catch careful and clean eating tourists in Split. Priding themselves on plant-based meals, cold-pressed juices, cocktails, and gluten-free craft beer, Pandora’s nature-inspired interior design will make you feel as if you’re far away from Split – and most likely in the middle of a rainforest. With something for the vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free-ers, and clean eaters, Pandora is undoubtedly a new Split favorite.
Fig: Just around the corner from Peristyle is Fig, though you might already be familiar with the name thanks to the island of Hvar. A popular new breakfast spot in the center that boasts California toast and breakfast burritos, Fig is no stranger to the lunch and dinner crowd, either – with veggie or chicken korma, Mexican pulled pork and a BBQ and bacon house burger among your feasting choices.
Mini Bota Oyster & Sushi Bar: Because we know you remember Bota Sare, which said goodbye to its restaurant space last year. However, sushi lovers now get to taste Mini Bota, their new, smaller alleyway spot where you can get ‘direct access to the ingredients, the chefs and the preparation process’. Offering pick up or dine in, get your rolls, sashimi, and nigiri here!
Historic Downtown Grill: New to the Stari Plac area, Downtown Grill specializes in, well, you guessed it – grill. Said to have some of the best burgers in Split, seafood options and live music, Downtown Grill is also praised for their homemade lemonades and grappas.
Superfood Healthy Food Factory: The second Superfood location opened up just before the summer season near Prokurative. Known for their matcha lattes, raw cakes, protein platters, spelt pizza, gazpacho and seafood dishes, Superfood has something for everyone – even Split’s vegan guests.
Funky George: A new fast food joint can be found at the top of Bosanska – meet Funky George. Good for cheap and meaty sandwiches topped with grilled peppers and pickles, homemade pretzels, American pancakes, pumpkin and sweet potato fries, smoothies and craft beer, Funky George has become a staple for Split’s bar crowd.
Food Factory: Live and raw, that’s what you’ll find at this new Stari Plac spot. A ‘bistro takeaway concept and a retail store’, Food Factory is run by Darko Jurić who believes in bringing gourmet plant-based cuisine to Split. Things like cold brew coffee, smoothies, desserts, and a takeaway menu including wakame corn crockets or plant-based burgers are just part of the show.
Kava 22: If you’re into coffee, and we mean really, really into coffee, you’ll fall in love with Kava at first sip. Their second Croatian location after they opened Kava 37 in Hvar town, Kava 2 is a short walk outside of the city center by the President Hotel, and has been making waves in the Split coffee-loving crowd. From a perfectly poured flat white to piccolos, cold brew tonic and beans for sale, you’ll head to Kava if you know what’s good for you.
What are your favorite new places in Split this summer?
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