Slovenia: A New Star is Born in the MICHELIN Guide Constellation

Cuisine by Ana Ros, slovenia.info, T. Jesenicnik
Cuisine by Ana Ros, slovenia.info, T. Jesenicnik

June 2020 will go down in history for the Slovenian culinary scene. The long awaited revelation of the first-ever Michelin guide for Slovenia took place and proved that the country is definitely the foodie-lover destination to pay attention to. It is something we have long been aware of, but the fact that Michelin now officially confirmed it, will definitely make the whole thing of promoting Slovenian culinary scene much easier. We are thrilled to have so many restaurants in the first edition and look forward to the new ones. 

Slovenia, a country that brings together different European cultures, is committed to developing sustainable and continental tourism. The “green heart of Europe”, as the country is nicknamed, is the latest addition to the list of destinations that attracted the MICHELIN Guide inspectors. 52 restaurants, including one two-starred and five one-starred restaurants, have been included in the new 2020 selection, reflecting the attractiveness of the Slovenian culinary scene. 

For more than a century, the MICHELIN Guide has been committed to promoting the gastronomic excellence of regions around the world by highlighting quality restaurants and the talented men and women who bring them to life. 

Gwendal POULLENNEC, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides, commented: “The publication of this new MICHELIN Guide confirms that Slovenia has a fine score to play in the concert of the world’s top gastronomic destinations. Indeed, during their tours through the country’s different regions, our inspectors were charmed by an authentic culinary scene of very high potential which promises to delight even the most demanding gourmets. With its many influences and varied terroirs, the talent and creativity of its chefs, the exceptional quality of its local products and the focus on sustainability, Slovenia is home to restaurants that fully deserve to be discovered“.  

From the wine-growing hills of the west to the magnificent lakes of the east, from the Adriatic coast to the lively streets of Ljubljana, teams of MICHELIN Guide inspectors have discovered a cuisine with a strong identity that oscillates between cultural heritage and innovation. 

Ana Roš’s cuisine is awarded two Stars in her restaurant Hiša Franko in Kobarid in north-western Slovenia, a restaurant surrounded by an exceptional natural environment. A self-taught chef with extraordinary creativity, she demonstrates the extent of her talent with precision, meticulousness and aesthetics in a friendly atmosphere. Her husband and sommelier Valter Kramar’s wine pairings extend the invitation to travel aready suggested by her fine cuisine. A tribute to nature, her unique menu gives pride of place to regional products and offers an exceptional dining experience of wonderfully balanced flavours. 

The MICHELIN Guide Slovenia 2020 also awards five restaurants their first Michelin stars:

It is in the heart of the town of Nova Gorica, in an atmosphere that is both urban and intimate, that Chef Uroš Fakuč at DAM guides his clients on a subtly modern culinary journey where the flavours of the world contrast with the chef’s culinary heritage. 

Chef Tomaž Kavčič from the restaurant Pri Lojeztu invites his guests to enjoy a gourmet getaway under the karst highlands of the Vipava Valley. His cuisine reveals all the beauty of the Slovenian terroir while highlighting Italian influences through dishes with authentic and surprising flavours.

In Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, Atelje is awarded its first Star. As dynamic and lively as the city, Chef Jorg Zupan makes the most of his years spent in kitchens all over the world. With a deceptively simple menu, he skilfully devises dishes based on local and international products that create a delicate and unforgettable dining experience. 

Northern Slovenia is home to two new one-star restaurants. In his restaurant Hisa Denk in Zgornja Kungota, chef Gregor Vračko is the perfect ambassador for excellence in Slovenian cuisine. Driven by the expectations of his clientele, the chef offers a secret menu that reflects a modern and creative approach to the culinary traditions of his region.  

While the atmosphere at Vila Podvin in Radovljica is decidedly intimate, chef Uroš Štefelin‘s cuisine is unique, with dishes full of flavour to stimulate the senses. 

Alongside these six starred restaurants, the MICHELIN Guide Slovenia has for the first time listed nine Bib Gourmand restaurants

Michelin, STB