Gault&Millau Slovenia Announces the Best for 2026; First-Ever 5 Toques Awarded; Jure Tomič Named Chef of the Year
The Gault&Millau Slovenia culinary guide has revealed its 2026 selection, marking a record-breaking year for Slovenian gastronomy. A total of 36 restaurants received three toques, 14 were awarded four toques, and – for the first time in Slovenia’s history – one restaurant earned the highest distinction of five toques. Seven special awards were also presented.
In this latest edition, anonymous inspectors evaluated more than 200 restaurants, extending their search to lesser-known destinations where new culinary stories are emerging. The 2026 selection is notably shaped by a new generation of young chefs who are taking over traditional Slovenian gostilnas, reinterpreting heritage, and raising the overall quality of the Slovenian dining scene. The Slovenian Tourist Board (STB) is the main partner of Gault&Millau Slovenia.
Slovenian gastronomy continues to attract strong international attention from experts, media, and travellers alike. It plays a key role in positioning Slovenia among top travel destinations, while contributing to strategic tourism goals such as seasonality diversification, dispersal of visitor flows, and the creation of higher added value. At the same time, it opens new opportunities for sustainable and innovative tourism products and offers an appealing career path for young talent.
Influential culinary guides such as Gault&Millau significantly enhance Slovenia’s global visibility, presenting it as a destination that impresses even the most discerning gourmets. Since the guide’s arrival in Slovenia, the STB has supported the project as a strategic partner.
The Chef of the Year award was presented to Jure Tomič by the Minister of the Economy, Tourism and Sport, Matjaž Han, and Mira Šemić, Director of Gault&Millau Slovenia.
MSc. Maja Pak Olaj, Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board, highlighted: “Gault & Millau is one of the world’s leading culinary guides, playing a key role in elevating the global profile of gastronomy and placing destinations on the international culinary map. In Slovenia, it encourages creativity, drives excellence, and nurtures emerging talent, while helping us reach millions across key markets through its media and digital platforms. The Slovenian Tourist Board is proud to partner with this esteemed gastronomic guide. I sincerely congratulate all chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary creators featured in Gault&Millau 2026, who, through respect for local ingredients and innovative approaches, help shape a modern and distinctive image of Slovenian tourism.”
The Young Talent award was presented to Jurij Daolio by the Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board, MSc. Maja Pak Olaj, and the director of Gault&Millau Slovenia.
A defining feature of this year’s guide is the strong generational shift driven by young chefs. By taking over family-run establishments or opening their own restaurants, they are creating a new chapter of Slovenian cuisine – grounded in tradition yet forward-looking in approach.
“In Slovenian gastronomy, we are witnessing an exceptional generation of young chefs who are elevating the tradition of Slovenian gostilnas while raising overall quality,” said Mira Šemić. “Although some excellent restaurants are closing, this reflects the current moment. Young creators are bringing fresh energy, and we expect many new success stories in the years ahead.”
Hiša Franko is the only restaurant to receive five toques.
Top-rated by Gault&Millau Slovenia 2026
I. SPECIAL AWARDS:
Chef of the Year: Jure Tomič, Ošterija Debeluh, Brežice
Chef of the Future: Davor Arnautović, Vila Muhr, Bohinj
Chef of Modern Tradition: Martina Breznik, Hiša Raduha, Luče
Young Talent: Jurij Daolio, Doppler Estate, Kozjak nad Pesnico
Best Pastry Shop: Lolita, Ljubljana
Best POP: Vinoteka Movia, Ljubljana
Best Sommelier: Simona Česen, Wine bar Šuklje, Ljubljana
II. BEST RESTAURANTS:
5 Toques: Hiša Franko
4 Toques: Gostilna Pri Lojzetu, Grič, Hiša Denk, Ošterija Debeluh, Restavracija Milka, Restavracija Pavus, Restavracija Strelec, Galerija okusov, Gostilna Mahorčič, Gostilna Repovž, JB Restavracija, Restavracija Mak, and this year anew: DAM Restaurant in Vila Muhr
3 Toques: Hiša Linhart, Hiša Raduha, Restavracija COB, Špacapanova hiša, Danilo – gostilna & wine bar, Gostilna Krištof, Gostilna Rajh, Grad Štanjel Restaurant & Lounge bar, Hiša Fink, Majerija, Miza za štiri, Pen Klub restavracija, Restavracija Cubo, Restavracija Dveri-Pax, Restavracija Harfa, Restavracija Mangrt, Restavracija Posestva Gjerkeš, Restavracija Rizibizi, Bistro Štorja, Gostilna As, Gostilna Jež, Gostilna Rakar, Gostilna Vovko, Hiša Krasna, Pikol, Restavracija Calypso, Restavracija Hotela Marina, Restavracija Sophia, Restavracija Spargus, Stara gostilna, letos so se jim pridružili Restavracija Julijana, TAbar, Restavracija Plesnik, Aftr, Doppler Estate and Gostilna Podfarovž
The Gault&Millau Slovenia 2026 guide reaffirms Slovenia as one of the most dynamic and compelling gastronomic destinations in the region, driven by a strong tradition, emerging talent, and growing international recognition.
The full list of rated restaurants and this year’s award winners will be published with the release of the new Gault&Millau Slovenia 2026 guide.
Gault & Millau is one of the world’s three most influential gastronomic guides, renowned for its distinctive toque rating system. Restaurants that meet its rigorous criteria are awarded between one and five toques and featured in the guide, signalling excellence on an international scale. Slovenia proudly publishes its own edition of this prestigious culinary benchmark.
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