13 Best Restaurants in The Alps and the Soca Valley, Slovenia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.