The story
Galerija okusov sits within the Novo Celje Baroque park, a calm backdrop that informs the restaurant’s approach. The environment – from morning to evening, winter to autumn – inspires the kitchen to prepare what they yearn for. It is a place where modern cuisine draws closer to tradition, building a global story on local foundations.
The team at Galerija okusov describes their work as “naturally and honestly” surrendering to the urban while staying true to the land. Taste, authenticity and genuineness matter most. Ingredients are chosen with gratitude, according to what nature dictates, and the hands of local suppliers shape the stories told on each plate. This commitment to seasonality and provenance earned the restaurant a Michelin Recommended distinction, a recognition that aligns with their belief in responsibility for the environment and sustainable living.
The degustation menu is described as a modern culinary experience that enhances local and traditional touches with the chefs’ own inspiration. Each dish builds on the next, creating an original arc of flavours. For those who prefer to choose, the à la carte selection offers cold starters such as Beef & Yolk – a beef tartare with fried yolk, pickled red onion, and black garlic mayonnaise – or Trout & Sweet Potato, a lightly smoked trout ceviche with sweet potato cream and wakame seaweed. Warm starters include a chicken ragout with chive pesto and potato foam, and a beetroot risotto with blue cheese and hazelnuts. Main courses range from trout fillet with beurre blanc and orzo pasta to veal loin with parsnip sauce and miso, or chicken thighs fried in panko with pickles and anchovies. Desserts like Quince & Cottage cheese mousse with walnut “soil” and spruce needle powder, or a chocolate brownie with orange sorbet, round out the meal.
Galerija okusov also caters to shorter visits with curated lunch formats. The simple lunch includes two amuse bouches, a main course and a sweet treat – designed for a business meeting or social get-together. The business lunch offers a healthy, discreet dining experience, while the family lunch blends tradition and modernity, with a children’s menu available. A “connected table” option lets couples or groups share cold, hot and sweet courses served simultaneously, encouraging conversation and discovery.
Every meal at Galerija okusov reflects a dedication to honest cooking, where local traditions meet contemporary technique in a setting that feels both historic and fresh.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
Galerija okusov needs little introduction. One look at the first plate is enough. Set within the elegant surroundings of Novo Celje Mansion, the setting is not merely a backdrop but an integral part of an experience that unfolds as a carefully composed story of flavours. The cuisine is technically accomplished yet remains vibrant and expressive. Ingredients come together in harmonious, multilayered compositions where seasonality is not a marketing phrase but a guiding philosophy. Through a range of modern techniques, the kitchen pays tribute to seemingly ordinary ingredients, elevating them from supporting roles to centre stage. Wild garlic, kohlrabi, leek, egg, and Jerusalem artichoke are treated with the same respect and creativity as more luxurious products. The dishes maintain a strong connection to their surroundings - to the garden, meadow, forest, and river - without becoming nostalgic. What makes them memorable is their contemporary character, precision, and depth, whether the focus is trout, game, or lamb. Service is polished yet relaxed, striking a balance that makes guests feel both cared for and comfortable. The wine list showcases an extensive selection. The non-alcoholic pairing deserves equal praise. House-created beverages and cocktails follow the rhythm of the kitchen, complementing each course with the same imagination, freshness, and balance found on the plate. During the warmer months, the garden transforms into a stage for themed culinary events. It is then that Galerija okusov reveals another side of its character: more relaxed, more vibrant, and perhaps even more enchanting.
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