Which restaurant is exceptional, innovative, and offers impeccable service? The answer to this question was revealed at a gala event called the Falstaff Awards 2026. This culinary event took place on March 17, 2026, in Bratislava and was an evening of interesting discussions and ideas. But it wasn’t just about the gatherings. The second annual Falstaff Awards Slovakia ceremony recognized everyone who works daily to elevate Slovak gastronomy to a brilliant, modern level. The Sissi Restaurant at Hotel Lomnica also made a strong impression.
Awards for the Culinary Elite
The awards are not based solely on a single subjective opinion. It is a sophisticated system endorsed by the prestigious Austrian magazine Falstaff. It is well known among food and wine lovers throughout the German-speaking world. While Michelin stars are decided by anonymous inspectors, in the case of Falstaff, it is a combination of expert assessment and votes from thousands of members of the gourmet club. The criteria are strict: technical precision, quality of ingredients, originality, expertise, guest service, kitchen service, wine list, interior, and overall impression.
Awards The Falstaff Awards recognize the best with a seal of quality
What’s important is that this is a unique democratic decision-making system, in which the restaurant guests themselves have a decisive say. Restaurants must always achieve a certain number of points to earn an award in the form of forks. The more points, the more forks, and the higher the award. Restaurants can receive one to four Golden Forks from Falstaff. Four forks represent the master level—world-class status. The decision is based on a comprehensive 100-point rating, and a restaurant must score at least 80 points to be included in the guide.
The award for top restaurants and personalities also goes to Restaurant Sissi at Hotel Lomnica
The 2026 Falstaff Awards gala demonstrated that we have establishments of the highest caliber that rightfully rank among their European counterparts. The great news is that Restaurant Sissi, located in the historic Hotel Lomnica, has long been a part of this elite group. Its top-notch cuisine and originality have earned it four golden forks. Under the leadership of Chef Patrik Pokrývka, the kitchen masterfully blends Austro-Hungarian traditions with modern techniques and emphasizes local ingredients. Dining in a unique historic space adorned with works of art enhances the sense of elegance. Among the culinary personalities, Patrik Pokrývka stood out, having earned another award—this time in the Chef of the Year category. He secured a splendid third place. At the same time, he emphasized that providing guests with new experiences is a major commitment: “I cordially invite everyone interested to come to us at Hotel Lomnica to taste and see our dishes. I’m very pleased with the award, but it’s a reward for the whole team. I’m surrounded by truly great and talented people with whom I work in the kitchen. If we want to maintain quality, it’s impossible without discipline and cooperation. You know, a chef learns his whole life. If I told myself that I already know everything, that’s stagnation and decline. Our goal is to offer guests not only delicious food, but also to provide them with pleasant emotions that will resonate with them even after they return home.”
The historic Hotel Lomnica pod Tatrami has its own unique story, and its new accolade—four gold forks at the 2026 Falstaff Awards—serves as a mark of the highest quality and originality. After all, the Sissi restaurant was namedthe best hotel restaurant in Slovakia last year. Sir John Falstaff, who inspired both the name of Falstaff magazine and the awards, would certainly have appreciated it. This figure was not chosen at random; after all, in W. Shakespeare’s plays, he portrayed a nobleman who loved good food, wine, and all the pleasures of dining.
