Penzion Kmečki Hram

Atop the InterContinental Hotel, the broad windows offer a 180-degree view over Ljubljana and its castle, particularly captivating as evening falls. In a space of contemporary design with an open kitchen, B-Restaurant offers a cuisine that reflects the openness of the panorama: alongside reinterpreted Slovenian dishes, creations of international scope find their place. Drawing on tradition and celebrating high-quality local ingredients, the chef reworks them with technique and creativity in a modern spirit, guided by a philosophy of simplicity and taste. Before or after dinner, the B-Bar next

Housed in a renovated former Rog bicycle factory, TaBar extends over two floors: the lower level serves bar snacks, while the upper floor offers a surprise tasting menu. The industrial setting is the ideal backdrop for modern, unconventional cuisine that is mindful of waste and rich in creativity. Chef Jakob Pintar creates his dishes using seasonal produce from the land, water and garden, enhanced by carefully selected natural wines and cocktails.

In the heart of Ljubljana, tucked away on Nazorjeva Street, AFTR is a contemporary bistrot that enlivens the city scene with a lively evening atmosphere of music and mixology. The modern, colourful interiors are complemented by a pleasant terrace, more intimate than those along the riverfront. The kitchen unites Mediterranean and global influences in fresh and well-balanced dishes designed for sharing. In place of the traditional structure, the menu is divided into cold dishes, hot dishes and desserts. A modest wine selection, though many labels are available by the glass.

Just a few steps from the iconic Triple Bridge over the Ljubljanica River, you can choose between a dining room with a classic vaulted ceiling or, on milder days, a charming outdoor space surrounded by greenery, offering views of the castle. The menu stays true to tradition, featuring a wide selection of Slovenian meats − primarily grilled − along with fresh Adriatic fish and homemade pasta.

In the heart of Ljubljana, within the delightful AS Boutique Hotel, this establishment bearing the name of celebrated multi-starred chef Ana Roš presents itself as a contemporary, young and lively bistrot with a dynamic cuisine full of personality. The dishes move between Mediterranean suggestions and Italian echoes, as in the Adriatic white fish ceviche with fermented cabbage, pomegranate, sweet potato and puffed buckwheat, or the indulgent focacce filled with oyster mayonnaise, sardines, tomato salad and basil. All of this is accompanied by a sound wine selection, also available by the glass

The most scenic way to reach Ljubljana castle, which overlooks the city from the top of a hill, is by funicular – or by foot, if you like walking uphill. However you choose to get here, you’ll find this restaurant in the castle’s spacious inner courtyard, where it serves excellent local cuisine. Among the dishes that we enjoyed most, our favourite was the veal and curly kale – a superb fillet of veal served with the perfect accompaniment of curly kale and a fragrant mushroom cream.

Head up to the first floor to this retro-style restaurant, where you pass a welcoming lounge bar before moving into the main dining room adorned with an attractive fresco. The “culinary journey” offered by the chef here follows the rhythm of the seasons and showcases local traditions, enhanced by the occasional international influence. Although at lunchtime you can order à la carte, in the evening the choice is between three tasting menus (four, six or eight courses) with a wine-pairing option (labels from Slovenia and further afield) or a choice of non-alcoholic drinks. The tiny summer terrac