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Don't let the secret out, but Ljubljana is quietly becoming one of Europe's most engaging gastronomic experiences. The surrounding hills supply the capital with first-class meat and game, dairy produce, fruit, and vegetables. At some of the more modern restaurants, the menus may verge on nouvelle cuisine, featuring imaginative and beautifully presented dishes. The portions, however, are almost always more ample than their counterparts in other countries. Complement your meal with a bottle of good Slovenian wine; the waiter can help you choose an appropriate one.
A longtime favorite with coffee lovers across Ljubljana, Cafetino is a friendly place to stop for that all-important first cup of the day. The interior is tiny and getting a seat can be difficult, so it's best to stroll up early. Beans can also be bought to take home.
Every major city in the region is flooded with pizzerias these days, but only one gets to wear the crown of the oldest pizzeria in Eastern Europe. That honor falls to delightful Parma, a small pizzeria that opened in 1974 and still serves excellent pies today (from the same oven, no less). Don’t forget to order blueberry juice with your pizza, as is tradition.
This spot still stands out in Ljubljana, so imagine how imposing it was in the 1930s. This city center structure was Europe’s tallest residential building when constructed, and the top floor today is given over to a stylish café with the best views in town.
