33 Best Restaurants in Slovenia

A longtime favorite with coffee lovers across Ljubljana, Cafetino is a friendly place to stop for that all-important first cup of the day. The interior is tiny and getting a seat can be difficult, so it's best to stroll up early. Beans can also be bought to take home.

The gorgeous Stari trg location and a hearty menu filled with Slovenian classics would be enough to justify a festive lunch at Druga Violina. Still, there is more to this spot than initially meets the eye: the restaurant doubles as an initiative to help people with disabilities in the region, a talented group of people who help grow the ingredients on a nearby farm and work as the waitstaff in the restaurant itself. The food is good enough to recommend alone, but the entire concept is to be celebrated.

This minimalist bistro on Poštna is as perfect for a romantic dinner as it is for a quiet afternoon coffee or beer, thanks to its focus on local products no matter which menu you are looking at. Poštna is Maribor’s best street for eating and drinking, and Isabella might be the best of both.

Every major city in the region is flooded with pizzerias these days, but only one gets to wear the crown of the oldest pizzeria in Eastern Europe. That honor falls to delightful Parma, a small pizzeria that opened in 1974 and still serves excellent pies today (from the same oven, no less). Don’t forget to order blueberry juice with your pizza, as is tradition.

Tucked away near the bus station, this little patisserie is easy to miss yet worth every effort to find. Specializing in homemade ice cream and desserts from the Prekmurje region, this charming café will tempt you and keep you coming back for more. Try the prekmurska gibanica, a harmonious medley of upmarket bread, and the cream pudding for pure bliss. They also know how to make a mean cup of joe.

Meticulously prepared meals, perfectly paired wine, and homemade ice cream are all offered at a premium price for these parts. However, the setting and experience make that excellent value for your money. Elegant yet not intimidating, 1906 facilitates romantic moments and family outings. The hotel also offers wine tastings in its private cellar, organized cooking classes, and theme evenings. The impressive view, knowledgeable staff, and on-site sommelier make this dining experience memorable.

This cute laid-back place is just off the main square, and it's perfect for a morning coffee and a light roll or sandwich. It is a splendid spot for a little bit of morning people-watching with your espresso.

Here you'll find brilliant plant-based cuisine that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, made from locally-sourced ingredients. Smoothies, soups, sandwiches, and rice bowls dominate the menu, but don’t be surprised to see something out of the ordinary here.

Once a waiting hall for those hoping for an audience with the king (and designed by Plečnik, no less), Cafe Belvedere is now a gorgeous café offering the most exquisite views of Bled. The prices reflect that (expect to pay upwards of €2.60 for an espresso), but finding a better view of the beauty below is downright impossible. The history of the building itself is fascinating, with plenty of nods to Tito. The café is located deep within the grounds of Vila Bled and is only open on weekends.

Not to be confused with the restaurant of the same name, Caffe Neptun is a delightful little café located directly next to the bus station. It's a friendly spot that focuses as much on sustainability and ethics as on good coffee and a warm atmosphere. The coffee is the best on the coast, giving some of the more lauded cafés in Ljubljana a run for their money, too.

The cafés and restaurants on the seafront in Piran are generally one and the same, ticking the same boxes with similar menus and offers. Cafinho stands out through its quality of service and attention to detail, not to mention its popularity with those lucky enough to call Piran home.

Ljubljana's caffeine mecca, Čokl is a postage-stamp-size café that serves up the best coffee in the city—at least according to those in the know. The terrace is a lovely spot to spend an afternoon, especially considering the interior's size. Quality over quantity is the name of the game here.

Wonderful smells waft from the kitchen of this affordable little eatery, which is an absolute must-visit for meat-lovers. With homemade beer to complement the savory menu, exposed stone interiors, and sturdy wooden tables, this cozy eatery makes for a welcome break.

Meat everything reigns supreme at this charming cuts-fueled bistro on Eipprova. Dežela Okusov is pub grub at an impeccably high standard: stacks of grilled and smoked meats mesh perfectly with any of Slovenia's impressive roster of craft beers. Throw in a homely interior and a sun-drenched terrace, and Dežela Okusov is always a great option.

The days of Bohinj’s one-dimensional eating options are over, and the excellent Foksner is leading the charge. The burgers are as good as anywhere else in Slovenia, and the beer menu is equally excellent. The lake is two minutes away, making this the perfect pit stop in Ribčev Laz. 

Don’t be deceived by this restaurant’s casual appearance at the Danica campsite, as delicious food lies within. Economically priced while still delivering a full plate, a good portion of the menu changes seasonally. In keeping with Slovenian tradition, soup is offered year-round, and the garlic soup is a standout. Be sure to sample the full regional wine menu as well.

Leave the crowds of central Piran behind and walk 10 minutes out of town to this mom-and-pop restaurant and its unique fusion of Italian and Slovenian cuisine. You will find top-quality fish offered at a fair price. Though other establishments mar the sea view, the atmosphere is cozy and service is friendly. Hours of operation can vary, so call ahead.

This traditional Slovene gostilna is known for its homely good cooking. Try the homemade sausages or a local favorite, telečja obara (veal stew).

With large portions at modest prices, this friendly spot is busy year-round. Rowdy farmers take advantage of the cheap beer at the front bar, and everyone loves the menu "for people who work all day": roast chicken and fries, steak and mushrooms, black pudding, and turnips. For dessert, walnut štruklji (dumplings) are served with cream.

Cavernous dining rooms and excellently prepared dishes provide an authentic ambience at Gostilna Prunk, a delightful surprise in the backwoods of Slovenia. The menu is simple and meat-centric (the family-owned butcher shop is attached) but enhanced by fresh ingredients and well-chosen spices—the homemade dessert plum cake pairs well with the homemade šlivovitz (a plum-based stiff brandy). Service is friendly, and prices are economical.

This family-run inn serves grill specialties and pasta entrées. There is attractive garden seating in the back, and the lively bar is known for sing-alongs toward the end of the day. Of the old-fashioned gostilna options in Bovec, it may be the best.

Small but perfectly formed, HiKoFi is the best of Maribor’s roster of modern coffee shops. The decor bridges the divide between minimalism and homeliness, while various brews are on offer, covering everything from standard flavors to fruity notes and more. Pastries and sweet bites are also available.

This pension is primarily a hotel but also has a decent restaurant. The pizza is undoubtedly worth the money, but if you're in the mood for local food, opt for the ješprenj (pronounced yesh-preny), an old-school Slovenian farmers' dish centered around barley and smoked meat. Lipa is located directly next to the bus station.

Creating a homey atmosphere in the center of town isn't the most straightforward task, but Istrska Klet Slavček more than pulls it off. Everything Istrian is embraced on the menu, highlighted by a tremendous seafood selection straight from the port to your plate. This place fills up as the day goes by, so it's best to get there early.

If you are a celebrity looking for a bite to eat in Bled, Julijana is where you will likely end up. This restaurant is the top of the region's gastronomic scene, a high-class experience that combines incredible food with equally stunning views of the lake and the castle. Getting a table is challenging, but it is worth the effort.

A hugely personable café, Tam Tam is focused on flavor while refusing to skimp on extras, serving snacks along with its coffees, beers, and wines. It has a tranquil authentic atmosphere and an outstanding selection of beverages.

Located in the basement of the Museum of Modern Art, Kavarna Moderna is an excellent place to reflect on the creativity upstairs or to enjoy a quality cup of coffee. An obvious hangout for Ljubljana's artistic types, the café also serves up some delicious breakfast and brunch options.

Expect exceptional food and service at this pleasant well-known eatery just three minutes from the city center. Every dish on the menu is sure to please, and there's an excellent wine list. Enjoy the array of outdoor seating: in the garden, along the lively promenade on Eipprova, or in the back of the house on the funky summer terrace.

This spot still stands out in Ljubljana, so imagine how imposing it was in the 1930s. This city center structure was Europe’s tallest residential building when constructed, and the top floor today is given over to a stylish café with the best views in town.

Attention to healthy local food and vegetarian cuisine will quickly win over any traveler who has had their fill of pizza or mediocre meat-and-potato dishes. The picnic area is a lovely place to enjoy the primary specialty of local river fish, and the barbecue is set up for children to help prepare their meals over a campfire.