The owners of Adriatic Social Club, one of the most popular nightlife spots in Split, recently opened Bistro Parasol, where they've combined their interest in music and high-quality sound systems with simple yet intriguing Mediterranean food, wines, cocktails, and specialty coffee.
The idea and desire to open a place like Parasol had existed for a long time, but it also took a long time for all the conditions to come together and for a bit of luck to smile upon us so that we could finalize this project. The key in this case was the location. After a long search for the perfect spot, we managed to find a space that suited us in every way, in a perfect location on Adamova Street, not far from Peristil - right in the heart of Diocletian's Palace.
As with Adriatic Social Club, it was important to us that the music experience be at a higher level than what is usual and what most guests are accustomed to. Since Parasol is primarily a bistro/restaurant where the focus is on food, we wanted to go a step further, ensuring that guests experience music in all its details while it simultaneously doesn’t interfere with regular table conversation. We were inspired by jazz kissas, Japanese listening bars, as well as modern European bistros/bars that have elevated the combination of gastronomic and musical experiences to the highest level. Crucial to this was our collaboration with the small speaker manufacturer New Fidelity from Frankfurt, who built a sound system tailored to our needs and the specifications of the space. We are very pleased with the results and hope our guests will recognize this as well. Since Parasol opened, ASC DJs have been playing music every weekend that flawlessly complements the vibe of the space.
We serve food all day - in the morning, the emphasis is on specialty coffee (sourced from the renowned Split roastery D16) and healthy breakfasts and brunches based exclusively on local ingredients (cheese, vegetables, fruits, tomatoes...). For lunch and dinner, we opted for a simpler version of Mediterranean food that we ourselves enjoy the most, but with some unexpected and interesting twists, along with a few standout dishes (e.g., beetroot risotto or duck breast). Although the quality of ingredients, and therefore the dishes we offer, is extremely important to us, we want the food at Parasol to be a key element that drives socializing and the experience of quality living, rather than just serving to meet basic physiological needs. We would love for our guests, while socializing to music, to share more dishes from our menu and try our signature cocktails or some of the interesting wines we offer, mostly local, but also some Italian, Spanish, and French. In addition to a rich wine list, we also offer signature cocktails.
Our goal is for Parasol to thrive throughout the year, with occasional seasonal adjustments to the menu and wine offerings. We plan themed evenings based on connecting the music, food, and wines of Mediterranean countries that inspire us, as well as various other events such as guest chefs, international DJ appearances, and more.
A simple and honest approach to food and drink, along with an uncompromising commitment to musical taste and the experience of music in general, are the most important ingredients of what the owners of this bistro, somewhat playfully, call "the good life."