An 11m long living wall is the centerpiece at Mercado, the latest health food restaurant in Bratislava by local restaurateur, Peter Štecko. Rows of potted herbs and crates of fresh produce decorate the dining room before making their way into dishes and beverages.

The interiors are a mix of earthy and industrial, with cushioned grey banquettes and quirky chairs in burnt orange, apple green and dark olive. Natural light floods in through floor-to-ceiling windows, and an outdoor pavilion offers unobstructed views of the River Danube. Chef Peter Petráš' menu is one quarter vegetarian and gluten free, comprising a tantalising mix of local Slovakian, Mediterranean and Eastern specialties such as the potato pancakes with fried chicken livers and rye bread and gluten-free bruschetta with beetroot, horseradish, apple and ricotta cheese. Meanwhile the similarly ambitious drinks list includes such inventive creations as honeybush iced tea with sea buckthorn, mint, mullein flowers and agave syrup.