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Top culinary experiences in Slovenia

Slovenia has been building its presence on Europe’s culinary map thanks to its innovative chefs and top-notch restaurants.

The creators of new Slovenian cuisine

If you prefer getting to know the world through top-quality cuisine, you will likely wish to extend your stay in Slovenia. Slovenian chefs who rely on locally grown ingredients and genuine creativity will impress even the most discerning gourmets. Foodies can find something to tickle their taste buds in every corner of Slovenia.

Chefs who have conquered the world’s culinary Olympus

True gourmets know that everything depends on fresh and high-quality ingredients. What the most renowned Slovenian chefs have in common is that they have the best ingredients close at hand. Pairing their creativity with local ingredients, each chef creates unique dishes worthy of prestigious titles and awards on a global level.

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Ana Roš, Hiša Franko, Kobarid

Ana Roš, Hiša Franko, Kobarid

The master chef, who is the best female chef in the world according to The Best Chef Awards 2024, finds ingredients for her masterpieces in the valley of the Soča River. After finding love, she gave up her diplomatic career and devoted herself to the...

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Janez Bratovž, JB Restaurant, Ljubljana

Janez Bratovž, JB Restaurant, Ljubljana

Janez Bratovž is a pioneer of first-class Slovenian cuisine. He combines the elements of earth, water, air and fire with sweet, salty, sour and bitter flavours. He uses produce from his garden and field, as well as ingredients purchased at the famous...

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Tomaž Kavčič, Pri Lojzetu – Zemono Castle, Vipava Valley

Tomaž Kavčič, Pri Lojzetu – Zemono Castle, Vipava Valley

The most innovative European chef of 2017 according to the JRE, an association of young chefs and restaurateurs, is the only Slovenian recipient of the prestigious Italian Cuoco d'Oro award. He draws inspiration from traditional "poor man’s ingredients"...

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Gregor Vračko, Hiša Denk, Zgornja Kungota

Gregor Vračko, Hiša Denk, Zgornja Kungota

Gregor Vračko is a unique culinary rebel with no established style and predictable menus, preferring his work to be guided by intuition, which occasionally compels him to incorporate elements of his family’s traditions. He learned his skills from top...

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Igor Jagodic, Strelec Restaurant, Ljubljana

Igor Jagodic, Strelec Restaurant, Ljubljana

Early in his career, Igor Jagodic managed to become the head chef in the best hotels in Bled, and today he is devoted to creating innovative masterpieces in the restaurant at Ljubljana Castle. His dishes are inspired by colours and scents, which he skilfully...

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Uroš Fakuč, Dam Restaurant, Nova Gorica

Uroš Fakuč, Dam Restaurant, Nova Gorica

Uroš's kitchen is filled with aromas of the Mediterranean. His ingredients of choice are fish and seafood, which he skilfully combines with other quality local ingredients to create bold combinations.

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Jure Tomič, Ošterija Debeluh, Krško

Jure Tomič, Ošterija Debeluh, Krško

A national sommelier champion and world champion in pasta making, Jure Tomič continues his family tradition with determination and talent, enriching it with contemporary creativity. He presents the flavours of the Posavje region in a completely new way...

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David Vračko, Mak Restaurant, Maribor

David Vračko, Mak Restaurant, Maribor

What do art and gastronomy have in common? The answer is David Vračko. His innovative masterpieces look like real works of art, which can also admired by your taste buds. A real journey into the world of sophisticated flavours!

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Uroš Štefelin, Hiša Linhart, Radovljica

Uroš Štefelin, Hiša Linhart, Radovljica

Štefelin’s first culinary mentor was his grandmother. And what she taught him remained with Štefelin until today. He revives the traditional flavours of his childhood in his kitchen and showcases them in a new and innovative way.

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David Žefran, Restaurant Milka, Kranjska Gora

David Žefran, Restaurant Milka, Kranjska Gora

Being inspired by Alpine nature, his experience of Nordic fine dining and his exceptional respect for the environment are all qualities of Chef David Žafran, who transforms his dishes into unique works of art on the plate.

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Marko Pavčnik, Pavus Restaurant, Laško

Marko Pavčnik, Pavus Restaurant, Laško

Marko Pavčnik of the Pavus Restaurant at Tabor Castle is considered a proponent of wild food that he skilfully incorporates into his dishes, creating a harmony of natural flavours on the plate.

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Two carefully prepared gourmet dishes on decorative plates and a cup of beverage on a stone surface in a natural setting.

Michelin stars in the Slovenian culinary sky

Slovenian gastronomy is among the finest in the world. The arrival of the Michelin Guide, which only chooses destinations with distinct, well-defined cuisines of consistent quality and excellence, is proof of this. In 2020, the first prestigious Michelin stars appeared in the Slovenian culinary sky and are now being joined by even more shining examples. There are currently ten restaurants in Slovenia with these prestigious stars: one with three stars, one with two stars and the others with one star each. Other Michelin symbols offer additional proof that Slovenia is home to excellent cuisine.

Discover Michelin-starred restaurants in Slovenia

 

Michelin Guide logo.

Carefully prepared gourmet dish with a slice of meat, vegetable garnishes, and sauce on a ceramic plate while a chef adds the finishing touches.

Slovenia’s best according to Gault & Millau

Slovenians believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that every person has their own taste. Nevertheless, it is undoubtedly worth visiting the select few recommended by one of the world's gastronomic giants Gault & Millau. Its inspectors stopped by in Slovenia and selected the best Slovenian restaurants. Would you like to know which ones? Find out also who are the best chefs and which are the most popular gastronomic hubs in Slovenia.

Explore the Gault & Millau Slovenia selection

 

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Slovenian culinary scene in the world media

Slovenia has found itself on numerous lists of top European and world destinations, which have caught the attention of renowned world media. Many focus on its culinary image and commitment to sustainability. Discover what won over the world’s greatest media giants.

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Exploring flavours my way

Discover unique, boutique and authentic experiences where you will get to know the remarkable stories of Slovenian cuisine in an interesting and tailor-made way. Follow the signposts of the Slovenian Unique Experiences and go on an unforgettable journey into the world of flavours.

Logo Slovenia Unique Experiences.

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A person on an organic farm carries a basket of pumpkins while two other people harvest produce in a rural setting.

The commitment to sustainability is exhibited also in the culinary world

The basis of good dishes are high-quality ingredients – a fact that is well known by top Slovenian chefs. Good ingredients and full flavours are found in places where there is good cooperation between people and nature. This can only be achieved by having great respect for nature, perseverance and dedication, which is why a growing number of food producers are turning towards sustainable production. Sustainable practices are being implemented in more and more restaurant kitchens, which have been awarded various environmental labels and certificates.

Discover sustainability through cuisine

Green Slovenian restaurants

Discover restaurants, recipients of the national Slovenia Green label, which focus on sustainability when creating their specialities.

 

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Gostilna pri Lojzetu

Gostilna pri Lojzetu

At the idyllic Zemono Manor, renowned chef Tomaž Kavčič skilfully combines the local ingredients of the Vipava Valley. Culinary masterpieces worth trying out are created in an environment rich with diverse tastes.

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Hiša Denk, Zgornja Kungota

Hiša Denk, Zgornja Kungota

This Michelin restaurant in Zgornja Kungota follows the family culinary tradition rooted in the natural bounty of the Štajerska region and elevating it to a refined contemporary level.

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Galerija Okusov

Galerija Okusov

The restaurant Galerija Okusov offers the best of what the Savinja Valley has to offer and is dedicated to creativity inspired by the traditional. Dishes presented as works of art pay a unique homage to the environment where they were created.

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Gostilna Mahorčič, Rodik

Gostilna Mahorčič, Rodik

The family restaurant whose tradition is continued and upgraded by Ksenija and Martin Mahorčič is a home of contemporary Karst and Brkini cuisine, brimming with genuine local flavours. Do not forget to leave some room for Ksenija’s top-notch desserts,...

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Pizzeria Vinazza

Pizzeria Vinazza

Fancy a pizza? Then the environmentally friendly, family-run Pizzeria Vinazza at Deskle is worth visiting, where you can choose from a wide range of delicious pizzas topped with fresh ingredients.

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Štanjel Castle

Štanjel Castle

The medieval Štanjel Castle will dazzle you with its Karst authenticity. At Štanjel Castle, you will be charmed by the authentic scents and flavours of the Karst, which are woven into modern Karst cuisine.

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RG Bistro, Radgona Hills

RG Bistro, Radgona Hills

Enter this bistro in the embrace of the Radgona Hills, which have been the home of premium sparkling wines for more than 170 years, and you will be served delicious dishes made from local ingredients along with a glass of sparkling wine or wine.

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Blejski grad Restaurant

Blejski grad Restaurant

A restaurant for romantic souls, who can enjoy a sumptuous view of Lake Bled while enjoying a selection of traditional dishes with a modern twist.

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Na Gradu Restaurant

Na Gradu Restaurant

Experience a modern castle fairytale at Ljubljana Castle with selected flavours at Gostilna na Gradu, where Chef Luka Jezeršek and his team will provide a unique indulgence for your taste buds.

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Pivnica Union

Pivnica Union

Be among the first to be given the opportunity to taste the Union Selection of beers. You can only taste this beer at Pivnica Union in the centre of Ljubljana.

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Restaurant Cetin

Restaurant Cetin

This family-run restaurant in Dobova follows sustainable challenges both outside and in the kitchen. On the menu you will find popular dishes made with local ingredients.

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Stara gostilna

Stara gostilna

Don't let the name fool you. Stara gostilna (The Old Tavern) may be inspired by the culinary traditions of Piran, but the ambience and the creativity that goes on in the kitchen lend it a thoroughly modern edge.

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Baffi House of Pizza

Baffi House of Pizza

Treat yourself to an excellent Neapolitan pizza in the centre of Radovljica. Choose among a bevy of toppings to adorn your sourdough pizza, made from fresh ingredients. They also serve homemade drinks and an excellent craft beer.

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Nabucco coffee shop and confectionery

Nabucco coffee shop and confectionery

Although you’d expect sweet delicacies, Nabucco in Gornja Radgona also caters to all lovers of delicious burgers and meat salads prepared from local ingredients.

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Amor Restaurant and Pizzeria

Amor Restaurant and Pizzeria

What does love taste like? You might discover it at the Amor Restaurant and Pizzeria near Mokrice, where they add a hint of local spirit to every dish.

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Štefanič Restaurant

Štefanič Restaurant

If you swear by the most popular and common dishes, which, however, must have the full flavour, make a stop at the Štefanič restaurant in Brežice. In addition to the dishes on the menu, treat yourself to some delicious snacks of the day.

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Traditional Krulc inn

Traditional Krulc inn

This inn, located in the village of Mostec, not far from Terme Čatež thermal spa resort, boasts a long tradition, being opened way back in 1529. Their dishes are made with local ingredients from their garden and neighbouring farms.

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Restavracija Strelec, Ljubljana (Igor Jagodic)

Restavracija Strelec, Ljubljana (Igor Jagodic)

The romantic medieval ambience of the archers' tower at the Ljubljana Castle blends perfectly with the creativity and recognizable modern style of chef Igor Jagodic's elaborate dishes, full of details, colors, freshness and unusual combinations of flavors.

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Gostilna Javornik, Rakovnik

Gostilna Javornik, Rakovnik

Dishes cooked in a wood-fired oven have a special charm, something these fourth-generation restaurateurs know well. In the restaurant’s unique setting in Rakovnik, they create not only ordinary meals but delicious culinary experiences.

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Klub MC, Brežice

Klub MC, Brežice

Klub MC is a space for socialising, relaxation, entertainment and dancing. It offers a pleasant setting for chatting over coffee, playing board games, and reading magazines and newspapers.

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Gostilna Zeleni rob, Velika planina

Gostilna Zeleni rob, Velika planina

The only restaurant on Velika planina is synonymous with excellent mountain cuisine, with hearty stews and soups, buckwheat žganci (mush) and curd-filled štruklji (rolled dumplings) taking centre stage. Local flavours, gourmet delights.

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Gostilna Repolusk, Mislinja

Gostilna Repolusk, Mislinja

The former coaching inn in the Upper Savinja Valley continues the family tradition with a new, modern appearance. Try traditional dishes with a modern twist prepared from local ingredients.

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Homestead Belica

Homestead Belica

Homestead Belica is located in the village of Medana in the Brda Region. Their cuisine is based on local flavours. They are especially proud of their homemade meat products that they produce and cure at the homestead with experience, knowledge and a...

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Kunst Restaurant and Hotel, Krško

Kunst Restaurant and Hotel, Krško

Capon or Krškopolje pig? In the Kunst Restaurant you can enjoy traditional Posavje dishes prepared with great dedication to tradition while also embracing modern trends.

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Gostilna Marta, Osluševci

Gostilna Marta, Osluševci

Experience the richness of Prlekija cuisine in this inn with more than a century-old tradition. It is known for its smoked pork tongue. Another house delicacy not to be missed is the crackling potica.

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Gostilna Müller, Črnomelj

Gostilna Müller, Črnomelj

In this family-run inn with a long tradition, you will be taken on a unique journey into the world of Bela krajina flavours that will impress even the most discerning gourmets.

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Hiša Linhart

Hiša Linhart

The aroma coming from the kitchen of the renowned chef Uroš Štefelin in the premises of a former burgher house in the old part of Radovljica is a superb combination of Gorenjska tradition and modern creative spirit, which will seduce even the most demanding...

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Kavarna Park, Bled

Kavarna Park, Bled

The coffee shop in the idyllic location on Lake Bled has been the home to the original Bled cremeschnitte, a famous dessert prepared from local ingredients, for decades.

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Restavracija Milka, Kranjska Gora

Restavracija Milka, Kranjska Gora

In this two-Michelin-star restaurant by the iconic Lake Jasna you can enjoy a unique blend of Alpine and Nordic cuisine, seasoned with authentic local flavours.

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Pri Baronu

Pri Baronu

The dishes at the Pri Baronu organic farm, prepared with fresh ingredients right from the garden, will make you feel like a baron. Herbs from their organic herb garden also play an important role.

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Pr' Končovc Open Door Farm

Pr' Končovc Open Door Farm

This idyllic farm above Kranj offers an authentic journey into the world of traditional local dishes, to which a modern touch has been added while preserving the authentic flavour.

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Vita Restaurant, Ljubljana

Vita Restaurant, Ljubljana

At Vita Restaurant, the aim is not simply to satisfy guests' appetites, but to offer them healthy and balanced meals made predominantly from local and seasonal ingredients.

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Gostilna Murko, Slovenj Gradec

Gostilna Murko, Slovenj Gradec

Enjoy authentic Koroška cuisine with a modern gastronomic twist for an unforgettable culinary experience. Be sure to try the gins from the restaurant's own micro-distillery.

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Slovenia – on the crossroads of culinary worlds

Diversity, creativity, and the commitment to the principle "from garden to table" have been increasingly strengthening Slovenia’s presence on the European culinary map. Its gastronomic image enjoys additional prestige due to high-level events.

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Publication: Taste Slovenia

Original cuisine is delightful to taste and enjoyable to experience. Choose your experience from the 84 pages of the 2021 European Region of Gastronomy brochure, where Slovenia is presented not only a superb food destination, but also as a land of excellent wines and honey. Besides the authentic flavours of four Slovenian regions, you will get to know the best chefs, top-rated restaurants and inns, culinary events, delicious souvenirs and much more.  


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