Italian cuisine is becoming increasingly more popular in Slovakia, and the Vulcano restaurant immediately evokes the charm of the small, bustling eateries found in authentic Italian streets. Checked tablecloths, wooden chairs, bottles of wine and the characteristic buzz of a lively dining room are all present in this restaurant, located in one of Žilina’s neighbourhoods. Vulcano impressed us from the moment we opened the menu, which was entirely in Italian with Slovak translations. In addition to an à la carte menu, there is also a daily set lunch menu on offer that also looks very appealing. The dishes we sampled were inspired by Italian cuisine, though in some cases the execution and flavour left us wishing for a touch more authenticity. For example, the spaghetti alla carbonara could benefit from a creamier texture, and the garlic would be best omitted entirely. On the other hand, the tomato soup was unforgettable, bright, and full of flavour, and the tiramisu stood out with its rich taste of authentic mascarpone and the perfect hint of coffee. For a delightful lunch or dinner with friends in a charming Italian-style setting, this spot is well worth a visit.
