Are you looking for the perfect combination of top cuisine and sophisticated ambience? Then, you have to visit one of the Slovenian castle restaurants. From local ingredients, renowned chefs will conjure up gourmet masterpieces on your plates that even the most demanding noblemen could not resist. And that’s not all. They have also convinced the world-renowned gastronomic guides, such as Gault&Millau and the prestigious Michelin. The castle ambiance further adds to the charm, which is particularly appreciated by true romantics. So, will you be joining us at the castle table?
In the embrace of the Vipava Valley, rich with diverse flavours and wines, you can catch a glimpse of a wonderful Renaissance manor situated on the hill between the vineyards above the village of Zemono. This is the home of world-class cuisine embellished with a Michelin star. The cuisine of Gostilna pri Lojzetu is based on the authentic flavours of the Vipava Valley, which the chef Tomaž Kavčič masterfully combines in cosmopolitan creations that evoke a sense of nostalgia in his guests while also providing a trendy gourmet experience.
Ljubljana Castle, which towers above the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, offers experiences of history, culture and superb cuisine. Gostilna na Gradu caters for lovers of traditional cuisine that is served in a new, trendy way by the team led by chef Luka Jezeršek. Welcome to a gourmet journey through 24 Slovenian gastronomic regions to learn about the dishes made from local ingredients.
Architect Boris Kobe is responsible for the present-day appearance of the 16th century Archers’ Tower at Ljubljana Castle. Together with painter Marij Pregelj, Kobe designed wall paintings using the sgraffito technique. Motifs from Slovenian folk songs and tales served as the inspiration for the wall decorations. Today, it’s possible to enjoy supreme cuisine in the Strelec Restaurant, which combines all four worlds of the Slovenian territory and serves as an intersection between the past and the present. The creativity of chef Igor Jagodic transforms all the ingredients into a top-notch gastronomic experience that was awarded four Gault&Millau toques, and the restaurant can also be found in the Michelin Guide.
Tabor Castle once served as a hunting manor of the Counts of Celje, and it had an important defensive function at the time of the Turkish invasions. This fortress, which towers above Laško, now houses the Pavus Restaurant, where the aroma of wild ingredients fills the air. These are some of the trump cards of chef Marko Pavčnik, the Gault&Millau Chef of the Year 2022. A combination of local ingredients and his creativity tell a unique gourmet story that you will find hard to resist.
The fairy-tale image of Slovenia’s only castle situated on a river island certainly ticks the first box for those expecting an unforgettable (romantic) gastronomic experience. Once you enter the castle restaurant, you will be immersed in the gourmet spirit. Talented young chef Nejc Ban and his team create dishes from local ingredients and those growing in the Castle Garden, symbolising the character and beauty of the surroundings in which they are located. After treating your taste buds, you can rest in one of the castle rooms.
The 14th century manor towering over the Idrijca River valley has now been converted into a unique hotel which, despite its contemporary level of comfort, reflects the spirit of the past. The hotel restaurant follows the same pattern, as ancient recipes are nowadays presented in a modern fashion. The house menus reflect the changing seasons, but the famous Idrija žlikrofi dumplings are a regular feature. Chefs Klavdij Pirih and Franci Pivk create the perfect gourmet experience and the manor’s gastronomy was also noticed by the famous Michelin Guide.
The Goriška Brda Hills are known as the Slovenian Tuscany or Provence. Since ancient times, the romantic landscape with vineyards, orchards and olive groves overlooked by small, scattered Brda villages attracted noblemen who chose to build their residences in the Brda. One of the castles found in the Brda is Gredič, transformed today into a hotel where visitors can enjoy first-class lunches or dinners. The Gredič dishes reflect values that combine a love for cooking, respect for their Brda roots, local customs and tradition, responsibility towards nature and excellence in the preparation of food.
Štanjel is the gem of medieval Karst architecture. The old town centre, the Ferrari Garden and the medieval castle create a fairy-tale image that visitors are not likely to forget anytime soon. A pleasant bistro is hidden between the massive walls of the castle and the aroma of genuine Karst cuisine presented in a modern style drifts from the kitchen. Its dedication to local Karst flavours and traditions sets an example for sustainable gastronomy, and its gourmet potential was also recognised by Gault&Millau, which included the bistro in its guide and awarded it three toques.
In addition to the most prestigious and world-renowned castle restaurants, you can also enjoy an unforgettable castle culinary experience at other Slovenian castles.
Slovenia has more than one hundred castles and mansions. Unfortunately, many haven’t escaped the ravages of time, while others have been renovated and new life breathed into them.
Slovenia is rich in castles, manors, fortresses and fortification systems. These were built at various times during the medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods, and the first traces of their construction date all the way back to antiquity. Time got the better of many of them, but dozens now serve interesting functions.
MoreSlovenia is rich in castles, manors, fortresses and fortification systems. These were built at various times during the medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods, and the first traces of their construction date all the way back to antiquity. Time got the better of many of them, but dozens now serve interesting functions.
MoreSlovenia is dotted with castles, mansions and forts. Many have suffered the ravages of time, but dozens of them now play interesting roles. Some have been converted into hotels or offer accommodation for anyone who’d like to feel some of the romance of days gone by. Create your own fairy tale about princesses and knights and spend the night protected by castle walls.
MoreSlovenian historic towns are a treasure trove of tales from medieval and modern times alike. They are hidden behind the walls of mighty castles and manors, carved into town fortifications and walls. If you listen carefully, your mind can wander off to the times of noblemen and serfs, and experience life in towns and castles.
MoreYou should feel like a prince and princess on the day of your dreams, so choose one of the romantic castles or mansions for your wedding. You can find them surrounded by lush greenery accentuating the romantic ambience, or on town hills from where you can enjoy magnificent views of the surroundings. Add to this the superb cuisine and comfort and you will know that you have chosen the right location to say, "I do".
MoreDo you know where the highest concentration of castles is in Slovenia? The most castles and mansions can be found in Posavje, the Slovenian region of castles. There are nine well preserved castles in the region, as well as some that are now only ruins, although these are also of interest due to their exciting past. Listen to their stories, you will be fascinated.
MoreWelcome to a country where people eat well. Taste the typical dishes of 24 gastronomic and three wine-producing regions. Visit top restaurants included in the world-renowned gastronomy guides Michelin and Gault&Millau.
Do you know the typical flavours of the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Karst and the Pannonian Plain?
Where to taste wines from Slovenia's three wine-growing regions?
Enjoy cuisine that is devoted to the local environment and people.
Meet Slovenia's gastronomic stars that are now shining on the Michelin sky.
If you’re unsure of where to eat, open the latest Slovenian edition of the Gault&Millau guide.
Enjoy the most special gastronomic experiences in Slovenia!
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