Must-see restaurants in Slovenia

  • Špajza

    Ljubljana

    The 'Pantry' attracts as much with its homey decor as with its Slovenian cuisine, executed with a modern touch. Several rooms in an ancient townhouse…

  • Gelateria Romantika

    Ljubljana

    Some might say this isn't just Ljubljana's best ice cream, but some of the best in the world. We'll let you decide, but the diverse flavour combinations …

  • Gostilna Pr' Starman

    The Julian Alps

    This popular gostilna (inn-like restaurant) is about 1.5km from the bus station (a 15-minute walk) in the charming village of Stara Loka. It serves…

  • Ostarija Peglez'n

    Lake Bled

    Fish is the main game at the lovely, central 'Iron Inn'. Enjoy the cute retro decor with lots of antiques and curios, and choose from a tempting menu of…

  • Vino & Ribe

    Ljubljana

    This unsuspecting spot along Stari trg, looking something like a diner, focuses on a couple of things (hint: they're in the name) and does them very well…

  • Gostilna Avguštin

    The Julian Alps

    The huge portions match the big welcome at this delightful central restaurant (the name is often anglicised to Augustin). It serves excellent Slovenian…

  • JB Restavracija

    Ljubljana

    Old-world charm, a hybrid menu featuring Slovenian, French and Mediterranean dishes, a top-notch wine list and very stylish decor have made this…

  • Gostilna Pri Martinu

    The Julian Alps

    Ask a local where to eat and they'll invariably suggest here: it's an atmospheric tavern-restaurant with a country farmhouse vibe, and you will certainly…

  • Gostilna Murka

    Lake Bled

    This traditional restaurant set within a large, leafy garden may at first appear a bit theme-park-ish – but this is one of the first places locals…

  • Grajska Plaža

    Lake Bled

    Even the locals say that dining here feels like a summer holiday. It's built on a terrace over the Castle Lido and has a relaxed vibe, helpful service and…

  • Dobra Vila Restaurant

    Bovec

    Easily the best place to eat in town is the polished restaurant at Dobra Vila – preferably in the pretty garden in summer. A carefully constructed menu of…

  • Das ist Valter

    The Julian Alps

    One of the liveliest restaurants in town is this casual Bosnian affair that specialises in grilled meats, salads and fresh-baked bread. Eat on the crowded…

  • TaBar

    Ljubljana

    Seriously inventive (and borderless) tapas and an excellent wine list, in sleek postmodern surrounds. Check the website for the current list of cold and…

  • Gostilna Pri Hrvatu

    Lake Bohinj

    Get an eyeful of mountain views from the sweet creek-side terrace of this relaxed inn in Srednja Vas. Flavourful homemade dishes include buckwheat…

  • Pizzeria Trta

    Ljubljana

    This award-winning pizzeria, with large pies cooked in a wood-fired oven, is just south of the Old Town centre, across the river from Krakovo. They also…

  • Gostilna Lectar

    The Julian Alps

    Take your time to peruse the huge, multilingual menu of local specialities here. Some items may not immediately appeal (eg pickled beef tongue, sausage in…

  • Manna

    Ljubljana

    Splashed across the front of this canalside restaurant in Trnovo is the slogan ‘Manna: Božanske Jedi na Zemlji’ (Manna: Heavenly Dishes on Earth). Its…

  • Taverna Tatjana

    Ljubljana

    This charming little tavern on the far end of Gornji trg specialises in fish and seafood (though there's some beef and foal on the menu too). It's housed…

  • Uno

    Eastern Slovenia

    This glass-walled, contemporary restaurant mostly dishes up pasta and pizza (€5.90 to €8.60) with burgers, salads and a couple of more expensive grill and…

  • Gostilna Čad

    Ljubljana

    This place under Rožnik Hill, just downwind from the zoo in Park Tivoli, serves southern-Slav-style grills, including pljeskavica (spicy meat patties)…

  • Gostišče Loka

    Southeastern Slovenia

    This riverside spot with a huge outdoor terrace, just beyond the footbridge linking the two banks, is the most happening place in town. The short menu…

  • Hotel Bela Krajina

    Southeastern Slovenia

    This convivial place, which starts you off with belokranjska pogača (local flatbread, not unlike Italian focaccia), is the best place for a meal in…

  • Hot Horse

    Ljubljana

    This little place in the city’s biggest park supplies Ljubljančani (local people) with one of their favourite treats: horseflesh. It’s a little place – a…

  • Figovec

    Ljubljana

    The unfussy interior of plain wooden tables, white-brick walls and traditional floor tiles complement simple but delicious Slovenian dishes from around…

  • Okarina

    Lake Bled

    Expect a mixed bag of international flavours from this colourful, upmarket restaurant. The menu wanders confusingly from local classics (grilled calamari)…

  • Modrijan Homestead

    Southwestern Slovenia

    As you'd imagine, eating at the touristy complex surrounding Postojna Cave is not cheap, but here you'll get some very tasty grilled meats to fuel…

  • Restavracija Kaiser

    Eastern Slovenia

    Rogaška Slatina’s fancy-pants restaurant (part of Grand Hotel Sava) dishes up classic European cooking. Both smaller dishes, such as mushroom risotto with…

  • Gostilna Splavar

    Southeastern Slovenia

    This friendly gostilna has a cosy pub-like interior plus street-side terrace. Steaks and other meaty mains hold sway on the menu, all presented with…

  • Bunker

    Eastern Slovenia

    The last thing we were expecting when we moseyed into Murska Sobota was a dystopian steampunk styled bar-restaurant serving up good burgers and a vast…

  • Julija

    Ljubljana

    Arguably the best of several restaurants standing side by side on touristy Stari trg. The menu revolves around risottos and pastas, with plenty of…

  • Gostilna Oštirka

    Eastern Slovenia

    Casual-chic dining comes complete with charming service at this glass-walled restaurant across the road from the market. The menu here is stronger on…

  • Gostilna Vovko

    Southeastern Slovenia

    Head a couple of kilometres south from Otočec to Ratež village to feast on local flavours at this very fine gostilna (inn-like restaurant). The setting is…

  • Gostilna Jakob Franc

    Ljubljana

    This small place in Trnovo is great for lunch, particularly if you're in the mood for pork. Jakob Franc is a Slovenian wunderkind who's taken concepts…

  • Hotel San Martin

    Western Wine Regions

    With fine views from the terrace, a thoughtfully prepared seasonal menu and a commitment to local ingredients, the restaurant of the hotel of the same…

  • Špica

    Lake Bled

    If you don't mind the occasional tour bus filing through, this is a reliable standby for good grilled meats, pastas, burgers and the odd Mexican dish,…

  • Rožmarin

    Maribor

    Restaurant, cafe, vinoteka and shop; Rožmarin has its finger in many a pie, but the restaurant is where it shines. It's all about modern European cuisine,…

  • Gostilna Kunstelj

    The Julian Alps

    There's a fresh, appealing menu at this old-time gostilna (from 1873), and a great summer terrace with relaxing verdant views. Begin with an inventive…

  • Zbornica

    Ljubljana

    This student-friendly joint calls itself a burger bar, but it's more than that; it also serves delicious good-value Balkan-style grilled meats, salads and…

  • Fritolin

    Koper

    There’s an outdoor fresh-food market not far from the shore, and it's surrounded by cheap eating spots and cafe-bars popular with locals. We love tiny…

  • Gostilna Müller

    Southeastern Slovenia

    Črnomelj's eating options may be slim but at least what they do have is good. This local favourite – with timber interior, plants and a nice outdoor…

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