15 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This spot offers a quaint backdrop for a menu of alluring local food at a reasonable price. The staff is attentive and the atmosphere is warm, as are most of the dishes. Visitors can also purchase local products such as cheese, sausage, and liquor here.