What is the Best Place to Eat in Ljubljana?

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is one of the most beautiful cities in Central Europe. With its gorgeous architecture, vibrant culture and stunning countryside, it is a wonderful place to visit. With its numerous restaurants, cafés and pubs, it is also a great place to eat. But with so many dining options to choose from, how do you decide which is the best place to eat in Ljubljana?

The answer depends largely on individual preferences and tastes. Nevertheless, it is helpful to get an overview of the high-quality dining options available in the city. Here are some of the best places to eat in Ljubljana:

Restaurants

When it comes to restaurants, some of the most highly-rated restaurants in Ljubljana include Gostilna pri Lojzetu, Strelec, Julija, Top Bistro and Četrtek.
Gostilna pri Lojzetu is a family-style restaurant that serves traditional Slovenian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. It features a traditional Slovenian fireplace and flourishes like wooden furniture, rustic handmade pottery and embroidered tablecloths. It has been praised for its excellent traditional food, its friendly atmosphere and its great value for money.
TripAdvisor reviews rate Gostilna pri Lojzetu 4.5/5 stars.

Strelec is another popular family-style restaurant in Ljubljana. It is located in the castle perched atop Castle Hill in the city center and offers fantastic views of the city below. The food is a great mix of both traditional Slovenian dishes and international favorites. Additionally, the restaurant has a spacious terrace with breathtaking views of the city skyline. TripAdvisor reviews rate Strelec 4/5 stars.

Julija is a modern bistro-style restaurant that offers contemporary Slovenian cuisine made with local ingredients. The menu changes seasonally and typically includes items such as salmon tartare with sunflower shoots, whole roasted quail and spaghetti with pumpkin cream sauce. TripAdvisor reviews rate Julija 4/5 stars.

Top Bistro is a small, cozy bistro that serves high quality European and vegetarian dishes using local, seasonal ingredients. From asparagus tartare to crispy duck breast with carrot purée, the menu has something for everyone. Additionally, Top Bistro’s wine list offers more than 200 wines from Slovenia, France and Italy. Top Bistro reviews rate Top Bistro 4/5 stars.

Lastly, Četrtek is a restaurant located in the heart of the old town that specializes in modern versions of traditional Slovenian dishes, as well as international specialties. The restaurant features rustic decor and a terrace overlooking the city’s streets and rooftops. The menu typically consists of favorites such as pork belly with pumpkin puree, beef tartare and beef carpaccio and the meal usually ends with a delightful selection of homemade desserts such as pear crumble or crème brûlée with lavender syrup. TripAdvisor reviews rate Četrtek 4.5/5 stars.

Cafés and Coffee Shops

When it comes to cafes and coffee shops, some of the most popular spots include Bellarosa Cafe and Bar, Diva Café, Kavarna KØB, Ona Daktari Café and Tugra Coffee & Chocolate Lounge.

Bellarosa Cafe and Bar is a cocktail bar and café that serves coffee from its own roastery in addition to all sorts of inventive cocktails and delicious snacks such as award-winning pizzas, sandwiches and salads crafted from fresh local ingredients. Facebook reviews rate Bellarosa 4/5 stars.

Diva Café is an internationally-oriented café located in the heart of Ljubljana’s old town that features an extensive menu of wines, beers, cocktails and coffee drinks made from beans sourced around the world, which are prepared by skilled baristas following strict standards. Additionally, the café’s menu includes savory dishes such as sandwiches and salads as well as sweet cakes, pastries and desserts made in their own bakery every day. Facebook reviews rate Diva Café 4/5 stars.

Kavarna KØB is a welcoming cafe located in the center of Ljubljana that specializes in single origin speciality coffees from local roasters as well as vegan treats like waffles and fresh juices served in an inviting atmosphere that encourages creativity and collaboration among guests. Facebook reviews rate Kavarna KØB 4/5 stars.

Ona Daktari Café is a vibrant cafe located in the center of Ljubljana that features a unique selection of locally roasted coffees as well as freshly prepared salads, sandwiches and desserts using only locally sourced ingredients from farms in nearby cities and villages according to seasonality and market availability. Facebook reviews rate Ona Daktari Café 4/5 stars.

Lastly, Tugra Coffee & Chocolate Lounge is a specialty café located near the banks of the Ljubljanica River that specializes in organic speciality coffees from around the world paired with exquisite chocolates from high quality producers as well as organic wines from local vineyards. Facebook reviews rate Tugra Coffee & Chocolate Lounge 4/5 stars.

Conclusion

While all of these establishments have their own unique charm, some stand out more than others based on individual taste preferences and budget considerations. Personally, I would recommend Gostilna pri Lojzetu or Strelec if you’re looking for a traditional but delicious Slovenian dining experience; Julija if you’d like to explore contemporary Slovenian cuisine; Top Bistro for high quality European dishes; Četrtek for modern versions of traditional Slovenian dishes; Bellarosa Café & Bar for coffee drinks and creative cocktails; Diva Café for wines, beers, coffee drinks and delicious snacks; Kavarna KØB for single origin coffee drinks; Ona Daktari Café for locally sourced ingredients; or Tugra Coffee & Chocolate Lounge for organic coffee drinks paired with exquisite chocolates from fine producers as well as organic wines from local vineyards. Whichever you decide to go for, you’re sure to have a memorable dining experience in Ljubljaňa!