Jaroslav Žídek, a culinary legend originally from Prague, has been shaping the fine dining scene in Slovakia for over two decades. As the head chef of RIVERBANK restaurant at Grand Hotel River Park, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Bratislava since 2017, he brings a refined combination of tradition and international style to every dish.
Jaroslav has honed his craft since the beginning of his career, working in prestigious kitchens in the Czech Republic, Spain and Scandinavia. In 2003, he moved to Bratislava to develop culinary concepts at Erdödy Palace. There, he founded the restaurants Camouflage and Flowers, which both received two "toques" from Gault & Millau and were named top restaurants in Slovakia. In 2012, he opened a restaurant in Hotel Albrecht. Since 2017, he has been managing the kitchen of the RIVERBANK restaurant, for which he has received prestigious awards including the Gurmán Award, Gault & Millau and Falstaff.
Inspired by his mother's cooking and childhood culinary traditions, Jaroslav Žídek brings simplicity, authenticity, and pure, vibrant flavors to every dish at RIVERBANK Restaurant in Bratislava—creating a dining experience that feels truly like home.
He also emphasizes mentorship—many young chefs have grown under his guidance, benefitting from his passionate leadership and dedication to nurturing talent.
