The first six Slovenian Michelin Star Restaurants in history

The prestigious restaurant guide revealed six restaurants with Michelin Stars. Even more, six Slovenian Chefs and Restaurants got also the Michelin Sustainability Award that highlights the industry role models of sustainable gastronomy. 

After getting attention all over the world as a paradise for food lovers, Slovenia has reached the most significant culinary milestone.

The exceptional 2 Michelin stars were given to the chef Ana Roš, restaurant Hiša Franko, with the modern interpretation of traditional cuisine and extraordinary food experience, as stressed out by Gwendal Poullennec, international director of Michelin guides in Paris. Ana Roš was more than happy: "We will work even harder. This prize is not only for the two of us with Valter. This is for Leo and Ivonne, Alen, Manca and all the team, waiting outside. That can be only the start of an amazing story. Like I said in my book, after every rain, the sun comes out, and after this challenging time in gastronomy, we need it.”

5 excellent Slovenian restaurants received their first Michelin stars. Chef Tomaž Kavčič (Pri Lojzetu) thanked all his team and his family for their hard work in the last 20 years, as well as chef Uroš Fakuč (Dam Restaurant) who revealed that receiving a Michelin star was his childhood dream. Chef Gregor Vračko (Hiša Denk) was almost speechless, only saying that the first star belongs to everybody in Hiša Denk. Chef Jorg Zupan (Restaurant Atelje) emphasised the importance of using only local ingredients and the connection they have with small farmers, as well as Chef Uroš Štefelin (Vila Podvin) that is vitally connected to the local environment.  

The honorary Michelin Bib Gourmand was received by 9 Slovenian Restaurants: Etna, Ruj, Jožef, Na Gradu, Rajh, Gostilna Mahorčič, Gostilna Repovž, Gostišče Grič and Evergreen. 

The Michelin Plate highlighted 37 Slovenian Restaurants: Julijana, Ošterija Debeluh, Gostilna Vovko, Gostilna Francl, Dvor Jezeršek, Gredič, Hiša Torkla, Marina, Gostilna za Gradom, Gostilna Krištof, Pavus, As, B-Restaurant, Cubo, Harfa, JB, Maxim, Monstera bistro, Separé, Shambala, Strelec, Sushimama, Valvas'or, Vander, Mak, Sedem, Calypso, Pikol, Hiša Fink, Otočec Castle, Galerija okusov, Stara Gostilna, Rizibizi, Sophia, Hiša Krasna, Danilo and Kendov dvorec. 

A special Michelin Sustainability Award has been awarded to 6 Slovenian Chefs and Restaurants: Gostišče Grič (Luka Košir), Monstera bistro (Bine Volčič), Hiša Franko (Ana Roš), Gostilna Krištof (Uroš Gorjanc), Gostilna za Gradom (Davide Crisci) and Gostilna Mahorčič (Ksenija Krajšek Mahorčič). 

The country with a delicious blend of tastes between the Alps, the Mediterranean and the Pannonian Plain is proud to have received 6 Restaurants with Michelin Stars and its first Michelin guide. It is no secret that Slovenia has been gaining the prestigious red culinary bible's attention over the past decade with the scores of culinary awards it has earned. Many Slovenian chefs have already contributed to Slovenia's global culinary recognition. This land of authentic tastes and innovative cuisine is taking over the title of European Region of Gastronomy next year in 2021. Last week also a new gastronomy portal www.tasteslovenia.si was launched. 

The unique advantage of Slovenian chefs is their privileged access to local ingredients. Their culinary philosophy is based on the principle from the garden to table. The famous Michelin's inspectors are convinced that the nature and quality of the ingredients in 24 Slovenia gastronomic regions boost the creativity of the chefs.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director, MICHELIN Guides:
»As we see European borders gradually reopen, we are pleased to unveil the first edition of The MICHELIN Guide Slovenia. This new selection was one that our inspectors really enjoyed making and highlights a destination that shines in so many ways. Our inspectors' selection showcases the exceptional quality of the Slovenian culinary scene, the creativity of its talented chefs, the high quality of the local ingredients and also the commitment of the chefs to a more sustainable approach to gastronomy. Our inspectors were truly delighted to unearth the restaurants that make Slovenia such a fascinating and exciting international destination and one that all foodies should discover or rediscover.«

Maja Pak, the director of the Slovenian Tourist Board:
»Today's revelation of the first Slovenian Michelin Star recipients is proof that Slovenian gastronomy has been ready for Michelin's arrival for a while. For Michelin to award stars to 6 restaurants in the very first year is an extraordinary success. I am particularly happy that recipients come from all parts of Slovenia.  Today, Slovenia is in the international spotlight, thanks to its gastronomy, which is among the finest in the world. The success story of Slovenian gastronomy comes right at a time when tourism is facing one of its biggest crises to date; Michelin's arrival, therefore, offers great encouragement and motivation on Slovenian tourism's path to recovery and an excellent opportunity to raise the country's profile and the profile of its cuisine. 

I am delighted that 6 restaurants also received the Michelin Sustainability Award, as it is an award that is not always presented. Sustainability is at the core of all our tourism activities. Slovenia has earned international recognition as a sustainable destination through the Green scheme of Slovenian tourism, the Green Cuisine label for restaurants which is being developed and the Green & Safe standards that have been established to adapt to the current safety needs in tourism. The Michelin Sustainability Award will further strengthen our position in this regard, realising our vision of a green, boutique destination for five-star experiences.«

Each awarded Michelin Star has an incredibly positive effect on the local environment. On the other hand, every star-rated restaurant gets a place on the most prestigious culinary map in the world, praised by foodies who plan their next destination visits according to the constellation of Michelin stars.

Follow the Michelin Stars in Slovenia

More photos taken by Marko Ocepek

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