Apr 10, 2025

Bordel La Grotta Rijeka

Brothel turned bar

"Bistro-bar "Bordel La Grotta" once used to house the most popular brothel in Rijeka. The relevant decoration, like an old price list, goes back to 1944 ..."

When you pass by a place whose name literally translates to The Cave Brothel, it's impossible not to pop in for a quick look around. No, you won't find any scantily clad ladies entertaining the patrons - Bordel la Grotta is only a bar and bistro these days. However, it makes for a curious snippet of the local history, as the place once used to house the most popular brothel in the city.

There are quite a few remnants of the bygone era scattered around the place, such as a large price list from 1944 that's displayed on the wall: 35 lira for civilian clients, an undisclosed amount for the soldiers. That's just a small part of the captivating interior, a quirky mix of industrial chic and rustic decor that makes this place really unique.

Former services aside, Bordel la Grotta nowadays offers a range of quick and tasty meals at quite a reasonable price. It's a perfect place for brunch on those days when you don't have a lot of time to spare, and a nice plate of pasta or risotto will cost you around the same as a pint of good craft beer. The quiet café turns into a lively venue in the evening, with live music on most weekends.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

About this spot

Ulica Šime Ljubića 8A

Pasta dish:

30

958237437

Find your way with 75 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Rijeka guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Rijeka

Harat's Pub Rijeka

Ireland in Rijeka

"Harat's Pub Rijeka" is one of two Irish pubs in the city and one of my favorites in general. Try their marende and look out for their daily offers!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Iva

Sušić

Apr 10, 2025

Kazališni Park

City park with a theater view

"Kazališni park" is one of Rijeka's few parks. I'm very happy with it and like the flowers dedicated to music & theater, which is right across the square.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Iva

Sušić

Apr 10, 2025

Rakhia Bar

Croatian specialty

"Rakhia Bar" in Rijeka is obviously about the rakija. Here they have 84 types and you can try them all! Check out their affordable midweek student parties.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Iva

Sušić

Apr 10, 2025

King's Caffe Pub

Play chess and drink beer

"King's Caffe Pub" in Rijeka is a very comfy pub with a chess board and night lamp at every table. It makes me feel like I'm in my own living room...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Iva

Sušić

Apr 10, 2025

Portret Josipa Pičmana

Mural to a tragic death

"Portret Josipa Pičmana" is a mural on this stairway in Rijeka dedicated to a very innovative interbellum architect who had a tragic death...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Iva

Sušić

Apr 10, 2025

Grad Bar and Bistro

Eat, drink & mingle

"Grad Bar and Bistro" in Rijeka is a sleek, classy space for a g&t, a cheese plate or, my favorite, their heavenly desserts & the best ice cream in town!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Nikolina

Demark

Apr 10, 2025

The Beertija

Cold beer and good music

"The Beertija" is a lively, relaxed and informal mix of a bar and pub in Trsat in Rijeka. They currently have over 250 beers on their list!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Nikolina

Demark

Apr 10, 2025

Kvarnerić

Cool local student coffee place

I lov always-busy caffe Bar "Kvarnerić" in Rijeka; although it's located next to the road, it's quiet enough to read your fav book or chat w/ your friends.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Siniša

Arbanas

Apr 10, 2025

Priroda i Društvo

Healthy and taste food

"Priroda i Društvo" in Rijeka believes firmly in 'you are what you eat'. Here you will find fresh smoothies, vegetarian meals and great sugar-free sweets!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Siniša

Arbanas

Apr 10, 2025

Vidikovac

Piece of heaven

"Vidikovac" is a park in Rijeka that few locals even know exists I'm sure! It has the water reservoir, a turtle pond and cool high-rise terraces...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Iva

Sušić

Apr 10, 2025

Wellness 3 of Life

Relaxation in the centre

"Wellness Tree of Life" is an oasis of relaxation in Rijeka that is perfect for taking some time off from sightseeing or if the weather's not so good...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Iva

Sušić

Apr 10, 2025

RiHub Rijeka

Modern cultural centre

"RiHub Rijeka" is a coworking space where people can work on their projects while exchanging ideas. It's a hub for Rijeka 2020 European Capital of Culture.

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Siniša

Arbanas

Apr 10, 2025

Heading to Rijeka?

75 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

75 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Bars

Our team loves Rijeka

Get to know our other Spotters from Rijeka

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7319
Filters