Grand Restaurant

Grand Hotel Kempinski stands in one of Slovakia’s most iconic locations, directly on the shores of Štrbské Pleso. Lake views, majestic mountain peaks, and the serene Tatra landscape combine to create an atmosphere of tranquillity and exclusivity for travellers, gourmets, and admirers of alpine elegance. The hotel itself feels suitably grand, with details reminiscent of the great Alpine hotels. The interior is elegant and carefully considered, dominated by darker wood tones, numerous works of art and an atmosphere that balances modern luxury with classic style. Soft lighting and well-chosen table settings give guests the impression of being part of a private, secluded space. From the very beginning, service is attentive and professional yet pleasantly relaxed. We opted for the four-course “Specialities of the Chef” menu, which included a soup, sorbet, main course, dessert, and the Bentianna aperitif. As a starter, we would recommend the confit cherry tomatoes with an intriguing celeriac pesto and a Parmesan crisp, complemented by quark cheese, creating an appealing interplay of textures and flavours from relatively simple ingredients. For the main course, we chose the venison loin, which proved to be the clear highlight of the evening. The meat was perfectly tender, with a gently smoky flavour and a sauce that brought the dish together beautifully. We particularly appreciated that the sauce was left on the table, allowing guests to add more as they wished. Lightly sautéed red cabbage provided a welcome acidity, while the celeriac purée with foie gras added softness. Sautéed plums offered both a visual and a sweet contrast to the meat. A pairing that worked exceptionally well. Dessert came in the form of a Kempinski-style Horalky, which was a pleasing conclusion to the meal. If you are prepared for a rather demanding reservation process, which could benefit from some improvement, Grand Hotel Kempinski is an excellent choice for special occasions or romantic dinners.