The story
At the heart of Ljubljana, on the corner of Cankarjevo nabrežje and Mestni trg, The Restaurant brings together the best of Slovenian and Mediterranean cooking. The kitchen works with fresh, domestic ingredients, turning them into “a fragrant harmony of unforgettable taste,” as they describe it. The approach is refined yet grounded, earning a Michelin Recommended distinction.
The menu is built around two pillars: classic European dishes and a robust charcoal grill section. Starters include beef carpaccio with Parmigiano Reggiano and truffles, or a beef tartare with bacon panna cotta and kadayif. For mains, there is a beef Rossini, venison backstrap with cranberry sauce and muhammara, and octopus grilled over an open fire, served with lightly smoked polenta and pumpkin oil emulsion. The grill selection features tomahawk steak, rib-eye, and beef tenderloin, priced per 100 grams, all accompanied by roasted vegetables and potatoes.
The wine list is carefully chosen, with a wide selection of Slovenian and international wines, acknowledging the importance of pairing wine with food. The setting is calm and central, with both air-conditioned indoor seating and an outdoor terrace. The space is wheelchair accessible.
The Restaurant is open daily from 7:00 to 23:00, welcoming guests for lunch and dinner in a space that feels both elegant and relaxed. It is a place where the flavours of Slovenia and the Mediterranean meet, cooked with precision and served without pretence.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
Just a few steps from City Hall - or from the banks of the Ljubljanica, depending on which street you take - The Restaurant immediately makes it clear that it intends to leave an impression. The beautifully renovated building feels contemporary and elegant while retaining its original character. The Restaurant builds its identity around open-fire cooking. Not through smoke or strong aromas, but through dishes prepared in full view of the guests. In this style of cooking, ingredients cannot hide behind heavy sauces, elaborate garnishes, or complex techniques. The meat must be excellent, the fish impeccably fresh, and the cooking precise. When steaks, lamb racks, wild white fish, or octopus arrive at the table, it becomes obvious that the focus is not on decoration but on the smoky notes and crisp edges created by the embers. The menu draws inspiration from both Slovenian and Mediterranean cuisine, while also incorporating international classics. Beef and prawn carpaccio, pasta, risotto, hummus, and other dishes are prepared with freshness and attention to detail. Yet the true theme of the restaurant remains fire. For guests looking for something special, the beef fillet Rossini is a standout choice. With its perfectly pink center, beautifully seared crust, and rich foie gras accompaniment, it offers more than just an excellent piece of meat - it delivers a sense of indulgence. The Restaurant does not aim for restraint. It is a place that celebrates bold flavours and the pleasure of dining well.
Location
