Posted on Posted onBy Miško

A Culinary Journey Through Slovenia’s Best Dining Spots

Slovenia, a small yet stunning country, is fast becoming one of Europe’s hottest culinary destinations. From cozy countryside inns offering traditional Slovenian dishes to award-winning fine-dining spots highlighting the country’s innovative spirit, Slovenia’s restaurant scene is an adventure in taste, creativity, and tradition. Join us as we explore Slovenia’s best restaurants, each offering a unique taste of this beautiful country we visited. 

Lajbah – Craft Beer Bar in Ljubljana

📍 Adress: Grudnovo nabrežje 15, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

This was the first restaurant we tried in Slovenia. We arrived in Ljubljana, and it started raining immediately as we stepped outside. We tried to find a good local restaurant nearby and ended up in Lajbah.  And it was a great choice. The location is great, a charming setting by the Ljubljanica River. There is a huge terrace outside and seating inside. If you are a craft beer lover, you can choose from 16 different beers on tap, sourced from local and international microbreweries. The extensive menu also boasts around 130 bottled beers from around the globe. If beer isn’t your preference, you can sample Slovenian wine from the Zgonik winery or BrinGin gin from Materija. The pub offers a diverse menu that changes seasonally. The pub offers a diverse menu that changes seasonally. They also provide a daily lunch menu and serve brunch on Sundays.

Additionally, the pub hosts various beer-tasting events and live music performances. We ordered a couple of beers and food from their menu, which sounded like an Asian fusion – Yakitori, Fried potatoes, and Espenadas. It was very delicious and worth every penny. And because it was still raining when we finished the main course, we also ordered dessert. It’s also worth every penny. This is the place to visit if you are looking for a nice sport with a local vibe. The only negative thing was the slow service. For two people, we paid 55.20€ for beers, food, and dessert. 

  • Location:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Price:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Food:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Service:  ⭐️⭐️
  • Overall vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dunajska Pekarna Belidrin d.o.o in Ljubljana 

📍 Adress: Krakovski nasip 10, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

This isn’t a sit-down restaurant, but it’s the perfect spot to grab a fresh, savory, or sweet pastry and take it with you. If you are looking for something small, Dunajska Pekarna (bakery) is the place to visit.

We tried various things from here, from sweet to savory, as we stopped there daily in Ljubljana. The quality is very high; they truly know how to work with gluten, creating bread with a perfect balance of chewiness and flavor that makes every bite irresistible. The best part is that the bakery is close to the Ljubljanica River, where you can enjoy your treats from a view. Overall we spend here 18.52€. 

  • Location:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Food: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Overall vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Nebotičnik – Skyscraper in Ljubljana

📍 Adress: Štefanova ulica 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Nebotičnik, Ljubljana’s iconic 1930s “Skyscraper,” is a unique dining spot that combines delicious food with stunning panoramic views. It is close to the city center, and at the top, there is a restaurant/bar worth visiting for the view. There is even a signature Nebotičnik cake, a layered chocolate, and a hazelnut treat, which you should not miss. As you dine on the open-air rooftop terrace, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Ljubljana, the surrounding mountains, and the Ljubljana Castle.

We came up just to have a drink and enjoy the view. The overall vibe is slightly older, with perks, as you will feel going back in time. Also, except for the wind, it was pretty strong. But the old glass was protective. And the service was on the lower end. But it was fun to go to the bathroom as you had to enter a secret code to open the door, which you got from the waitress. For two people, we paid 11.50€. 

  • Location: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Food:  did not have any
  • Service: ⭐️
  • Overall vibe: ⭐️⭐️

Slovenska Hiša Figovec in Ljubljana

📍 Adress: Gosposvetska cesta 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Being in a new country, we always seek a place to try out some local food. And when in Ljubljana you should visit Slovenska Hiša. It is conveniently located in the old town and close to the Nebotičnik, from where we came after having one drink.

We sat down outside but had to wait for a table to be available as it was quite busy. However, on the inside, there were plenty of tables. Here, you can try authentic Slovenian flavors in a cozy, rustic setting. They are known for their commitment to local ingredients and traditional dishes. You could get a hearty “štruklji” (rolled dumplings filled with cottage cheese or walnuts) or “bujta repa” (a comforting stew made with pork and turnips) and pair it with a refreshing glass of Cviček—a light, uniquely Slovenian red wine. 

We had several traditional dishes, like the gnocchi or the sausage, and desserts. For two people we paid 45.70€. Again, the only slow thing was the service. 

  • Location: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Food: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Service: ⭐️⭐️
  • Overall vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Restaurant Pension Mlino in Bled

📍 Adress: Cesta svobode 45, 4260 Bled, Slovenia

Restaurant Pension Mlino in Bled is a charming lakeside spot that brings the flavors of traditional Slovenian cuisine to life. The restaurant is right on the edge of Lake Bled, with stunning views of the iconic Bled Island. It’s an excellent place to try some Slovenian cuisine.

The menu features classic Slovenian dishes prepared with local ingredients, and some must-try options include the hearty žganci (a buckwheat porridge), savory kraški pršut (cured Karst prosciutto), and the rich jota (a traditional sauerkraut and bean soup). The restaurant has a nice outside seating area, but you can’t really see the lake as close. With its prime location, though, it gets busy. We had to wait a minute to get seated. The service was very pleasant, though, and faster than we had experienced before. The food was tasty, but nothing as unique. For two people we paid 46.60€. It was good, but there are better places in Bled, and we do not recommend it. 

  • Location: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Price: ⭐️⭐️
  • Food: ⭐️⭐️
  • Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Overall vibe: ⭐️⭐️

Izletniška Kmetija DORNK in Bled 

📍 Adress: Mlinska cesta 28, 4260 Bled, Slovenia

If you’re looking for an authentic Slovenian experience, look no further than Izletniška Kmetija DORNK. It is the most local pub you can find here. Family owned and run for decades. The warmth and friendliness of the owners are immediately evident. We highly recommend sampling all their food and beers. They have a handful of home-brewed beers, and their cold plates of homemade food are simply the best. Think fresh, local ingredients and traditional Slovenian flavors—all served with a smile.

This is our favorite place in Bled, as it felt like being invited into someone’s home. The location will take you a little higher, and you have to waddle up or come by car, but it is worth it. The prices are superb as well, considering all are homemade and making it delicious. It is not a restaurant per se but more of a snack bar. Read about our experience, see the whole menu, and more here – link. For a couple of homemade beers and the biggest plate they had, we paid 30€. Also, note only cash payments are available (or Paypal). 

  • Location: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Food: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Overall vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Vila Preseren in Bled – Cafe Vergano 1882

📍 Adress: Veslaška promenada 14, 4260 Bled, Slovenia

Restaurant Vila Prešeren or rather Cafe Vergano 1882 in Bled is a superb dining spot with a terrace offering one of the best views overlooking the enchanting Lake Bled. We were lucky to have a table to enjoy the scenic view.

The fresh salads were a perfect start—crisp, vibrant, and generously portioned. We paired our meals with a refreshing selection of wine, beer, and drinks, which the attentive and friendly staff quickly recommended. And, of course, no trip to Bled is complete without indulging in the famous Bled cream cake, a delightful dessert with layers of delicate pastry and creamy custard that lived up to its reputation. Vila Prešeren’s blend of excellent food, plentiful portions, and breathtaking location make it a must-visit if you are looking for a nice sit-down and chill. The service and the area were terrific, and the food was delicious. We recommend stopping here if it is for nothing more than at least a coffee. For two people who were having a salad, cake, and lemonade, we paid 55€, which is a little bit on the higher end here in Bled. But you pay for the location here. 

  • Location: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Price: ⭐️⭐️
  • Food: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Overall vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Restaurant and Pizzeria ČUK in Postojna

📍 Adress: Pot k Pivki 4, 6230 Postojna, Slovenia

Restaurant and Pizzeria ČUK in Postojna is a fantastic dining choice for anyone exploring the nearby caves and castles. We enjoyed pizza with a perfect thin crust that was both crispy and flavorful, but their menu offers much more than just pizza. Dishes like the seafood risotto, beef soup, and gnocchi showcase the kitchen’s versatility, with everything prepared to high standards. The restaurant’s cozy interior feels warm and inviting, making it ideal for families.

The waitstaff was attentive, quick, and knowledgeable about local wines, adding a personal touch that made our visit memorable. ČUK is also very reasonably priced, especially given the quality, making it a must-visit in Postojna for delicious food, a great wine list, and excellent service. Though the location is not in the city center, but a sports center, it was harder to find on foot, but you can also come by car and park in front, for two pizzas, a beer and a Hugo drink we paid 40€.

  • Location: ⭐️⭐️
  • Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Food: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Overall vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Okrepčevalnica Prepih in Predjama

📍 Adress: Belsko 1a, 6230 Postojna, Slovenia

Okrepčevalnica Prepih in Predjama is near the famous Predjama Castle and a short drive from Postojna Cave. This makes it a perfect spot for a hearty meal after exploring Slovenia’s top attractions or if you are in between them. It’s a cozy, wood-accented restaurant, which might be small in size but big on flavor and hospitality. It was also quite full, and we had to wait for a table to be freed up. The menu features a satisfying range of local Slovenian dishes and some burgers, sausages, pleskavica, or čevapčiči and fresh salads, which we got. It comes in generous portions at a wallet-friendly price.

You can taste the home-cooked quality. While the restaurant can get busy, leading to occasional slow service, the friendly and attentive staff make the wait worthwhile. One quirky feature is that the main dishes are served on paper plates, adding a rustic touch to the experience. For a quick, authentic taste of Slovenia, Okrepčevalnica Prepih offers value, comfort, and a touch of history with its charming wooden decor and display of antique objects from the area. For two people we paid around 30€. 

  • Location: ⭐️⭐️
  • Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Food: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Overall vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ribič Baja in Piran

📍 Adress: Gregorciceva Ulica 20, Piran 6330 Slovenia

Ribič Baja in Piran is a hidden gem that offers an authentic and intimate dining experience set along a quiet back street away from the bustling tourist crowds. This family-run restaurant is all about fresh, locally sourced seafood—often caught by the owners themselves. The food feels genuinely homemade, with recipes rooted in family tradition and passion. The local wine selection is fantastic, perfectly complementing the sea’s flavors.

The staff, including the owner, are warm, welcoming, and eager to share stories about the dishes and their family’s fishing heritage. Dining at Ribič Baja feels like being welcomed into a local family. We had one of the best fresh seafood here in a very long while. For drinks and two plates of the freshest seafood, we paid 31€. 

  • Location: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Food: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Overall vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Slovenia’s restaurant scene celebrates the country’s rich culinary heritage and innovative spirit. Whether you’re indulging in fresh seafood on the Adriatic coast, savoring local wines in the vineyards of the Vipava Valley, or trying unique dishes crafted from foraged ingredients in the Alps, the Slovenian restaurant scene invites you on a journey that blends tradition, creativity, and sustainable practices. Slovenia is for sure a country for food lovers. 

Enjoy the food and waddle on!

Share now