Set along the gentle flow of the Ljubljanica River and surrounded by green hills and nearby countryside, the city lives in close connection with its surroundings. This proximity shapes its rhythm, lifestyle, and approach to food. Ljubljana feels like a world in miniature: equally suited to a romantic evening, a casual brunch, a lively dinner with friends, or a more refined gastronomic experience.

Character of the city

Ljubljana is defined by its human scale. Cafés and bars spill out along the riverbanks, while architecture from different periods – from Plečnik’s legacy to contemporary additions – creates a cityscape that feels coherent yet dynamic. Its culinary scene is confident and varied, ranging from simple, everyday spots to haute cuisine, from breakfast and brunch culture to long, thoughtful dinners.

Slovenian cuisine is rooted in high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, and Ljubljana reflects this clearly. Markets and small producers are part of daily life, but the city does not rely on spectacle. Instead, it is defined by continuity – by the fact that good food here is a given rather than a statement.

Local food and specialties

Ljubljana’s cuisine mirrors the country’s crossroads position. Alpine traditions bring hearty soups, dairy products, and buckwheat; the Pannonian influence is seen in breads and grains; Mediterranean touches add lightness, herbs, and olive oil. Dishes that developed through different periods of the city’s history now form the foundation of its recognizable culinary offering, thoughtfully adapted to modern eating habits.

The connection to the local environment remains strong. Both residents and top chefs seek out seasonal, locally grown ingredients, often sourced directly from producers. This relationship gives Ljubljana a sense of authenticity that visitors quickly notice.

Wine and drinks

Ljubljana is a natural meeting point for Slovenia’s wine regions. Wine lists feature bottles from Primorska, Štajerska, and Posavje, often from small, independent winemakers. Alongside wine, craft beers and contemporary interpretations of classic spirits play an important role. The atmosphere is relaxed and urban, focused more on enjoyment than formality.

Experiences for food lovers

A culinary day in Ljubljana might begin with breakfast or brunch, continue with a light lunch in the old town, and unfold into a more ambitious dining experience in the evening. The city offers a wide spectrum of possibilities, from simple flavors to multi-course tasting menus.

Throughout the year, Ljubljana hosts culinary events, festivals, and projects that connect chefs, producers, and visitors. It is no coincidence that the city even has its own annual magazine dedicated to gastronomy – a clear sign that food is a meaningful part of its cultural identity.

Experiences for food lovers

A culinary day in Ljubljana might begin with breakfast or brunch, continue with a light lunch in the old town, and unfold into a more ambitious dining experience in the evening. The city offers a wide spectrum of possibilities, from simple flavors to multi-course tasting menus.

Throughout the year, Ljubljana hosts culinary events, festivals, and projects that connect chefs, producers, and visitors. It is no coincidence that the city even has its own annual magazine dedicated to gastronomy – a clear sign that food is a meaningful part of its cultural identity.

JRE chefs in the Ljubljana region

Ljubljana and its surroundings offer a compact and diverse selection of JRE restaurants, each contributing in its own way to the contemporary image of Slovenian gastronomy.

JB Restavracija is a historic reference point and the first Slovenian restaurant to be listed among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Set within Plečnik-influenced architecture, it represents timeless elegance and a strong culinary identity.

TaBar combines a relaxed bistro atmosphere with ambitious cooking. The menu responds quickly to the seasons, guided by a chef who is also a hunter, forager, and fisherman, with a deep understanding of ingredients in their natural environment.

Restavracija Strelec, located in a tower of Ljubljana Castle, offers a refined dining experience defined by elegance, beautifully composed plates, and sweeping views over the city.

Aftr represents a younger, more playful approach to fine dining, marked by spontaneity, texture, and a sense of discovery.

Just outside the city lies Grič, a restaurant that naturally connects Ljubljana with its rural surroundings. Its cuisine is shaped by a kitchen garden, nearby forests, and the rhythm of the seasons, creating a strong sense of place.

Together, these restaurants position Ljubljana as a culinary destination defined by diversity, maturity, and a clear identity – a city where tradition, contemporary ideas, and international influences meet on the plate.