20 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.