12 Best Restaurants in Ljubljana, 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.

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.

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.

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.

An ode to modern design and inventive tastes, Valvas'or will first woo you with their stylish remodel of an old arched tavern and then amaze you with little pleasures like a sorbet between courses. Between ample and excellently prepared dishes, take note of the gold-perforated metal wall that details the city plan of Ljubljana.