This article on Ljubljana was first published in Taste and Travel Magazine (January – March 2025) on Page 13.
Ljubljana’s Old Town feels like a mini Paris. Spend a few captivating days in Slovenia’s small fairytale capital filled with Medieval and Baroque buildings standing side by side and an illuminated river with a romantic stretch of outdoor cafes, restaurants, and bridges. Dine on local dishes influenced by neighboring countries and walk to the colorful Central Market at the foot of the early 18th century cathedral. Once just considered peasant food, Slovenia’s traditional taverns, inventive bistros, and Michelin-starred fine dining experiences wow with hyperlocal ingredients. This city of 300,000 is the most underrated gem in the heart of Europe.
Get High
Ascend to Ljubljana Castle in a glass funicular from the Old Town to admire the medieval chapel and ancient fortified walls with an inviting terrace café that boasts dazzling views. With Slovenia’s thousand-year-old wine history, pair your view with a premier full-bodied red from Goriška Brda region near the border of Italy.
https://www.ljubljanskigrad.si/en/
Taste the local ingredients
Stroll to cozy Breg Restaurant to sample local cheeses with housemade jams and cold cuts (air dried prosciutto and kranj sausage) plus Slovenian specialties like trout, homemade pasta with beef cheek, veal Wiener schnitzel, and clear beef soup with noodles and vegetables.
https://www.restavracijabreg.com
Elevated Slovenian cuisine
Arrive through sexy AS Boutique Hotel to Jaz by Ana Roš, known for her Chef’s Table appearance but also for popularizing Slovenian food in the global culinary world. Tantalize your senses with a wine paired dinner rich in surprising flavors such as white Adriatic fish ceviche with sour cabbage, pomegranate, sweet potato and puffed buckwheat, Ana’s Vitello Tonnato similar to shaved mortadella atop tuna mayo, and sliced beef tongue with figs, Mexican spices, and cacao nibs.
Michelin Recommended
To taste traditional Slovenian flavors with contemporary culinary techniques, gourmands will appreciate elegant JB Restaurant led by acclaimed chef Janez Bratovž. On the World’s 50 Best Restaurant list and Michelin recommended, don’t miss their ravioli stuffed with cheese doused with goose liver and veal au jus as a set menu includes a slew of 10+ dishes for around $130.
Sleep in the heart
Stay in the heart of the city at Occidental near Tivoli Park or on the river at design hotel Vander Urbani with 20 stylish rooms, a petit rooftop pool with city views, and charming riverside restaurant complete with heaters and blankets in winter.
https://www.barcelo.com/en-ww/occidental-ljubljana/
lalascoop.com 