The restaurants below have been grouped into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (more than 2,000SKK)
$$$ (1,000SKK to 2,000SKK)
$$ (500SKK to 1,000SKK)
$ (up to 500SKK)
The prices above are for a three course meal for one, including a half bottle of wine or equivalent, plus tax and tip (usually 10% of the total bill).

Paparazzi Cocktail Bar and Restaurant
One of the city's most popular upmarket places is set in a 19th-century building and famed for its superb northern Italian fare, including charcoal grilled steaks - don't miss the spinach with ricotta.

Laurinska 1
Tel: (02) 5464 7971.
Website: www.paparazzi.sk  
Price: $$$$

Slovenska Restauracia
Slovak traditional cuisine raised to gourmet standards, offering a 'stroll through Slovak gastronomy', a five-course meal of traditional Slovak favourites such as smoked trout, garlic soup and goose liver with apples.

Hviezdoslavovo namestie 20
Tel: (02) 5443 4883.
Website: www.slovrest.com
Price: $$$$

Roland Restaurant and Café
Carnivore's heaven - the house speciality is the Brazilian barbecue (churrascaria de rodizio), an all-you-can-eat special of grilled beef, lamb, pork, chicken, fish and fruits (pineapple and others) for a fixed price, Italian grappa on the drinks list.

Hlavne namestie 5
Tel: (02) 544 31374.
Website: www.bestintown.sk
Price: $$$

Prasna Basta
Lighter European take on traditional Slovak cuisine in this 16th-century underground bastion, once part of the city fortification; there is a garden at the back.

Zamocnicka 11
Tel: (02) 5443 4957.
Website: www.prasnabasta.sk
Price: $$

Steam & Coffee
This former TGI Friday's offers quality Slovak and international fare with a few specialities left from the older franchise, such as buffalo wings. Extra large cocktails at the best price in town.

Hviezdoslavovo namestie 3
Tel: (02) 5920 4060.
Website: www.steamandcoffee.sk
Price: $$ 

Umag
This is the place to head for those after a decent slice of pizza or a filling meal on a budget. Cheap and cheerful, this Croatian-run pizzeria seldom disappoints.

Zilinska 2
Tel: (02) 5249 2830.
Price: $