MoNIKa's Wine Bar — Attraction in Grad Split

My partner and I dropped by MoNika’s for a glass of local wine because it was so highly recommended on Google Maps. We’re extremely glad we did.

But first - this place is CASH ONLY. And they DO NOT SERVE BEERS.

Matko really made our experience in Split. He’s definitely quite eccentric - there’s a super chaotic energy but he’s fun and friendly, and he makes sure all the guests are tended to. If you’re someone who likes to be left alone, I’d suggest you prepare yourself for an eventful night before you enter.

Starting off with the wine - Matko asked us to throw out the window any considerations we had from reading the menu. It can be a little startling but trust the process. Depending on if you want white or red, he asked a list of questions to recommend a wine he thought you’d like best. We were happy with all of his recommendations, we let some of the wines air and the flavours were really to our palette.

The inside of the bar is a little small and quaint, and warm if you’re going in the summer. The seats outside are the best and we were lucky there were people performing in the square the evening we were there. We stayed for more glasses of wine because the music was so good. We saw a glimpse of Matko’s kindness and generosity as he ran to deliver them glasses of drinks to thank them for performing for hours.

Throughout the night, Matko kept introducing his customers to each other for conversations. He would come in and out depending if his service was required.

Overall, we really enjoyed our drinks and felt the Southern European hospitality. We not definitely will be returning to Split for an evening at MoNika’s and Matko in the...

MoNIKa's Wine Bar (fyi cash only) deserves more than 5 stars! I loved my experience here and here are some of my highlights and tips: The entire staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. Tihana made the "Sea Tale" platter I ordered and it was very good (specifically the marinated mussels) and pairs nicely with their white and orange wines. Really good white and orange wines (if you want a funky orange wine, you're at the right place) I told Matko (resident wine expert :)) what wines I liked and the white and two orange wines I ordered based on his suggestion were delicious. Matko is warm, generous with his time, and a hard worker. It's evident when you interact with him that he takes pride in his work and wants his customers to enjoy their wines. MoNIK'as is CASH ONLY. There are multiple signs outside and inside the bar but in the off chance you didn't see it, there is a reputable ATM literally 5 steps away. Friendly reminder that cash-only is common with small businesses in Croatia. I understand it can feel like an inconvenience but paying cash helps businesses save money on high credit card fees, which allows more special businesses like MoNIKa's to exist :) As tourists, we're lucky to be welcomed by locals into their special country and the least we can do is to follow...

I visited this bar with my wife, who is Serbian, and we had an extremely regrettable experience. One of the staff, with long hair, and his colleague with a short black beard, behaved entirely inappropriately. My wife was waiting for me while I was getting our luggage from the taxi. She was approached by these two men in a way that I can only describe as harassment. They invited her to sit down to chat, stating they would serve her very well.

The problem escalated when my wife decided to walk away from the bar, and one of them loudly said that she “didn’t understand English because she’s Serbian.” I saw this as an unjustified prejudice against foreigners and disrespectful behavior towards women.

I confronted the staff about what happened and told them I would share our experience so others would know how this establishment treats its customers, especially tourists and women. Unfortunately, some people believe they can take advantage of tourists and act inappropriately without facing any consequences.

If you value respect, equality, and fair treatment for everyone, regardless of their origin, I strongly recommend...