9 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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.