It’s no surprise to anyone that 2016 was a good year for Split. Apart from shattering tourist records, the city was really beginning to feel like a true international travel destination, and one that finally had more on offer for their guests. Here’s a look at the food, drink, and entertainment offerings that were introduced in Split in 2016.
If one thing is for certain, this year was the year for new restaurants and drinking institutions in the city. Where do we even begin?
We can start off by saying that somewhat of a burger revolution evolved in Split this year with the opening of Toto’s Burger Bar and Mama Burger, both centrally located. In addition, the “pub” revolution also took form with the introduction of Fabrique Pub and Jazzbina. While burgers are big in all of these locations, the new Split pubs have taken "finger-food fare" even further with offers such as chicken wings and fish & chips, and you’ll find that their beer selections marry perfectly with that helping of macaroni and cheese you can’t find anywhere else in the city.
Image by Toto's Burger Bar
Another truly wonderful offering in Split this year? A wider selection of international flavors. The first “Thai” inspired restaurant (Changs) opened on Bačvice this summer, and while one Chinese restaurant closed, we were given another (Restoran Asia). Mexican food even graced us in the city center with To Je Tako, who serves up burritos, tacos, and plenty of other Mexican street food staples. Artičok, a latecomer to the scene this year, crafted a menu with curries, sea bass tacos, and ceviche - and this winter, we hear they are even offering their version of a Vietnamese Pho. Torito Food Bar, a new tapas bar that opened this summer, offers Japanese pork buns on their menu - and it's safe to say that in addition to their international inspired offering, they have one of the best burgers in Split.
Image by Restoran Asia
Some quick and delicious on-the-go options also joined the list of newcomers this year. Misto Street Food Factory has sandwiches with beef tongue or pork cheek and dishes such as "šalsa" honor their “Dalmatian street food” concept. And Sexy Cow, even newer to the scene, has quickly become everyone's favorite place to go for wraps starring homemade tortillas, guacamole and pico de gallo, and their secret “Sexy Cow” sauce, which is truly an added bonus.
Image by Sexy Cow
And no, that’s not all. We can’t forget about many of the other city center restaurants that opened this year including O’Zlata, Pecado, Para di soto, Congo Wine & Dine, and Olive Tree, just to name a few.
While we've pretty thoroughly covered the food, how about drinks? Split this year also received some new drinking institutions, including Sanctuary Bar which opened in March as the first tried and true “craft-cocktail” bar in Split. The old Kino Central this year was transformed into what is now the most popular nightclub in Split, "Central," located just steps away from HNK.
Image by Central Club
While it may not be summer now, we can’t forget about the new beach clubs that also opened this summer. Joe’s Beach Lounge and Bar opened their doors just a short taxi boat ride away in Kašjuni, offering everything from food and drink to water sports and massages. Beach&Booze opened conveniently in the city of Split at the already popular Bačvice beach, and Zen Beach Club & Lounge opened in Žnjan as a deluxe beach club with a top quality gastro experience (and even a breakfast buffet), loungers, cabanas, and after beach parties.
Image by Zen Beach Club & Lounge
And let’s not forget the Mall of Split, which opened in March of this year. As the third addition to our list of malls in Split, this mall is also the second largest in Croatia.
Image by Mall of Split Facebook
While these new offerings made just a dent in the whirlwind of a tourist season for Split in 2016, we’re happy to see new businesses and new risks being taken in this thriving city. What were some of your favorite additions to Split this year?
