Slovenia may be small, but in recent years it has become one of Europe’s most exciting fine dining destinations. While the country is famous for hearty stews, sausages, and festive pastries, it is also home to a new generation of chefs who combine tradition with innovation, sustainability with creativity. Their work has brought Slovenia into the international spotlight, earning Michelin stars and other prestigious awards.

For cousine travelers, exploring Slovenia’s Michelin restaurants is not just about tasting dishes—it’s about discovering how a country at the crossroads of Europe has reimagined its culinary identity.

The arrival of the Michelin guide in Slovenia
In 2020, the Michelin guide published its first edition for Slovenia. This was a milestone: for the first time, Slovenian restaurants were judged alongside Europe’s best. The results confirmed what many cousine lovers already suspected—Slovenia had quietly become a fine dining destination.

Since then, multiple restaurants have been awarded stars and green stars for sustainability, and the list continues to grow.

👉 Did you know? Slovenia now has more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than many larger European countries.

First edition of Michelin guide for Slovenia was issued in 2020. Source: The-slovenia.com

Hiša Franko – The global pioneer
At the heart of Slovenia’s culinary revolution is Hiša Franko, located in the Soča Valley near Kobarid. Run by chef Ana Roš, it has become the country’s most famous restaurant.

Awards: Two Michelin stars and regular placement on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

Philosophy: Dishes that reflect the wild landscape—fermented dairy, foraged herbs, alpine flowers, and trout from the emerald Soča River.

Experience: Dining here feels like tasting the valley itself, transformed into art on a plate.

Ana Roš, named the World’s Best Female Chef in 2017, has become Slovenia’s culinary ambassador, showing the world that this small country can compete at the very highest level.

👉 Traveler’s tip: Reservations at Hiša Franko must be made months in advance. Plan a visit to the Soča Valley around your dining experience.

Ljubljana’s Stars – JB, Atelje, and Strelec
The capital Ljubljana is home to several fine dining institutions, each with its own personality.

JB Restaurant (Janez Bratovž): One of Slovenia’s earliest pioneers of modern gastronomy. Blending French techniques with local ingredients, Bratovž has inspired generations of chefs.

Atelje (Jorg Zupan): Known for creativity and playfulness, Atelje offers modern interpretations of Slovenian classics. Menus change frequently, showcasing seasonal produce.

Strelec (Igor Jagodic): Located in a medieval tower of Ljubljana Castle, Strelec combines history with haute cuisine. The setting is as unforgettable as the cousine.

These restaurants reflect Ljubljana’s growing role as a cosmopolitan culinary hub.

Grič – Farm-to-table innovation
Outside Ljubljana, in the town of Horjul, lies Grič, run by chef Luka Košir.

Michelin green star marks high quality cousine combined with sustainability. Source: Guide.michelin.com

Award: Michelin Green Star for sustainability.

Philosophy: Košir raises his own ducks, grows herbs, and sources nearly everything from local farms. He is deeply committed to reducing waste and honoring nature’s cycles.

Experience: Dishes are elegant but grounded—proof that fine dining can be both innovative and ethical.

Other rising stars
Beyond the most famous names, Slovenia’s Michelin guide also highlights a range of restaurants across the country:

Dam (Nova Gorica): Chef Uroš Fakuč creates refined seafood dishes influenced by the Mediterranean.

Hiša Denk (Zgornja Kungota): Chef Gregor Vračko focuses on seasonal, locally sourced menus with creative flair.

Monstera Bistro (Ljubljana): Chef Bine Volčič blends global influences with Slovenian ingredients in a casual yet refined setting.

Each of these restaurants demonstrates that Slovenia’s culinary excellence extends well beyond one or two locations.

Michelin Green Stars – A commitment to sustainability
One of the unique aspects of Slovenia’s Michelin success is its focus on sustainability. Several restaurants have earned Green Stars, awarded to establishments that prioritize eco-friendly practices.

Hiša Franko and Grič lead the way, supplying from local farmers, reducing food miles, and embracing nose-to-tail and root-to-leaf cooking.

Tourist farms and boutique inns also often follow similar principles, even if they are not officially rated.

This reflects Slovenia’s broader cultural values: living close to nature, respecting resources, and valuing quality over quantity.

The broader cousine scene
Michelin stars are just one part of Slovenia’s cousine story. Fine dining here does not stand apart from tradition but grows out of it. Chefs often reinterpret peasant dishes like jota, štruklji, or žlikrofi with refined techniques. They use local cheeses, wild herbs, and ancient grains, showing that Slovenia’s heritage is a source of innovation, not limitation.

For travelers, this means that Michelin dining is not about elitism—it is about experiencing Slovenian flavors in new and exciting ways.

Practical tips for fine dining in Slovenia:

• Reservations: Book early, especially for Hiša Franko and other starred restaurants.

• Budget: Tasting menus range from €60 in casual fine dining spots to over €200 at top restaurants.

• Pairings: Don’t miss wine pairings—Slovenia’s diverse wines enhance every course.

• Dress code: Most restaurants are elegant but not overly formal; smart casual is usually appropriate.

• Exploration: Combine fine dining with traditional meals at inns or tourist farms for a full culinary experience.
  
  Slovenia on the world map of gastronomy
  Michelin recognition has placed Slovenia firmly on the international cousine map. Culinary lovers now travel specifically to the country for dining experiences, just as they do for Paris or San Sebastián. Combined with Slovenia’s natural beauty—mountains, lakes, vineyards—this makes it a dream destination for culinary tourism.
  
  But perhaps the most important lesson of Slovenia’s Michelin success is this: world-class cuisine does not have to come from big cities or wealthy nations. It can come from small valleys, family farms, and creative chefs who respect their land and traditions.
  
  👉 Whether you dine at Hiša Franko in the Soča Valley, enjoy a playful menu at Atelje in Ljubljana, or savor farm-to-table innovation at Grič, you are tasting more than fine cousine. You are experiencing Slovenia’s journey from tradition to modernity, from local to global. And that is what makes Slovenian Michelin restaurants truly unforgettable.