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Best Dining Bets
The Best Local Dining Experiences
Ego (Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria). Bulgaria's medieval capital comes into its own when the sun goes down. In the languid light the narrow red-roofed buildings that rise precipitously from the limestone cliffs above the Yantra River start to turn a pale pink, while swallows ride the thermal waves at eye level. Bag a ringside seat on the terrace at Ego -- it's not the most atmospheric restaurant in town but food and service are excellent, and the views will have you mesmerized.
Krachma (Leshten, Bulgaria). The most charming restaurant in Bulgaria, Krachma's tables are covered in red-and-white gingham cloth and spread out under the canopy of a magnificent old tree. Beyond are the rolling forested hills of the Rhodope, backdropped by the snowcapped Pirin; behind are a quaint collection of 18th-century timber-and-stone houses, surrounded by lush fecundity. From the tree wine corks dangle; tug one and a tinkling bell summons the waiter. The "Kofte Leshten Style" is superb -- a single tender cut of pork rather than the usual patty, delicately flavored -- order it with Ljutenitza (mashed red peppers, leek, and spices) and hand-cut potato chips -- all "hand-reared" on owner Misho's farm.
Kampa Park (Prague, Czech Republic). This is the best bet for summer outdoor dining in Prague. The restaurant has a riverside view, where you can dine in the shadow of Prague's most famous bridge during the high season.
Kavárna Obecní Du[ao]m (Prague, Czech Republic). This reinvigorated Art Nouveau cafe at the Municipal House has re-created the grandeur of Jazz Age afternoons.
Kisbuda Gyöngye (Budapest, Hungary). The huge branches of a wonderful old tree create a canopy under which guests dine by candlelight in an interior courtyard.
The Aristocratic Atmosphere at Cafe Pushkin (Moscow, Russia). Plunge into the refined opulence of 19th-century Russia as you spear a bite of suckling pig or sip fine tea from a silver samovar.
Fresh Fish at Staraya Tamozhnya (St. Petersburg, Russia). The spare stone arches of this restaurant evoke the building's history as an 18th-century Customs House. The fish is so fresh you can forget any fears and indulge.
Karczma Jana (Olsztyn, Poland). You'd expect to find excellent food in Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdansk (and you do), but one place you wouldn't necessarily expect it is in the small city of Olsztyn. Karczma Jana is the best of a new breed of distinctly Polish restaurants, with traditional decor and local specialties done very well -- all at a fair price. The riverside location doesn't hurt.
Le Colonial (Kosice, Slovakia). There's something to be said for a traditional restaurant that's willing to experiment a bit with the classics. Too many Slovak chefs still follow the old recipes by rote, but here they mix it up a bit, to good effect. For example, the lightly battered and fried chicken breast is a staple on every Slovak menu, but here it comes stuffed with some of that tart sheep's cheese instead and served with freshly cooked string beans. The interior and atmosphere are perfect for a romantic meal or a fun group night out.
Plansar (Slovenia). This is a delightful little pension and restaurant in the bucolic village of Stara Fuzina, not far from Slovenia's magnificent Triglav National Park. Renata Mlakak serves real, traditional Bohinj cuisine, so you can try such delicious down-home specialties as farmer's soup and Bohinj cheese with mashed corn with sour cabbage. But Renata's real talent lies with her perfect homemade struklji -- dumplings made with cottage cheese.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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