Gault&Millau Slovenia has revealed its highly anticipated list of the country’s top dining establishments for 2025. With the Slovenian Tourist Board as the main partner, the recognition continues to elevate Slovenia’s culinary scene on the global stage.
This year, three outstanding restaurants have ascended to the exclusive ranks of 4 toque winners, while 31 other exceptional venues have earned the 3 toque award. In recognition of his extraordinary culinary contributions, renowned chef Tomaž Kavčič has been named Chef of the Year.
The recipients of the esteemed Gault&Millau Slovenia awards for 2025 basked in the glow of flashing cameras at the Festival Hall in Ljubljana on Tuesday, March 18. The evening was a celebration of Slovenia’s finest culinary talents, where both seasoned experts and fresh names in Slovenian gastronomy shared the spotlight. At the pinnacle of the evening, Minister of the Economy, Tourism and Sports, Matjaž Han, extended his congratulations to Tomaž Kavčič of Gostilna Pri Lojzetu, named Chef of the Year 2025.
This year’s awards ceremony reflected the remarkable evolution of Slovenian gastronomy, showcasing a trend of continuous improvement, skill, creativity and visionary thinking. The ranks of 4 toque winners were bolstered by three new restaurants compared to 2024, with Hiša Franko once again leading the charge with the highest number of points.
“It’s truly incredible and enriching to shake hands with such top chefs, who represent the very pinnacle of Slovenian gastronomy,” remarked Mira Šemić, Director of Gault&Millau Slovenia. “Tonight, we celebrated the exceptionality of our restaurateurs and winemakers, who not only complement their offerings but also carry forward the rich Slovenian gastronomic heritage.” She continued: “Our inspectors return each year from restaurant visits across Slovenia, continually impressed by the innovations, dedication and pursuit of top-quality service in every establishment.”
Gault&Millau inspectors visit restaurants anonymously, evaluating every aspect of the dining experience – from arrival to departure, including the culinary, wine, aesthetic, service, atmosphere and management. Each restaurant is awarded a maximum of 20 points. This rigorous process ensures that every new edition of the Gault&Millau Slovenia guide offers fresh excitement, new experiences and hidden culinary treasures, unveiling Slovenia’s ever-evolving gastronomic scene.
For the seventh consecutive year, the Slovenian Tourist Board has been the proud main partner of Gault&Millau Slovenia. MSc. Maja Pak Olaj, Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board, commented on this year’s announcement: “Slovenia is solidifying its reputation on the global culinary stage as one of the most exciting destinations, where passion, creativity and sustainability converge to create exceptional gastronomic experiences. The 2025 guide highlights Slovenia’s top culinary masters, restaurateurs, winemakers and creators, whose innovative approaches and respect for local ingredients help define our country’s gastronomic identity. Slovenia stands out on the global culinary map with its commitment to sustainability, proudly represented by the Slovenia Green label. The guide also places special emphasis on traditional Slovenian restaurants, gostilnas, that honour and preserve the country’s rich culinary heritage under the prestigious symbol of Gostilna Slovenija. The Gault&Millau guide continues to be an invaluable resource for uncovering extraordinary culinary stories, playing a vital role in promoting Slovenian gastronomy both at home and on the international stage.”
The 2025 edition of Gault Millau Slovenia brings you over 200 exceptional dining establishments, alongside the recipients of seven prestigious awards, each offering a unique and enriching culinary experience that will continue to inspire and delight.
Awards
I. Special awards:
Chef of the Yearleta: Tomaž Kavčič, Gostilna Pri Lojzetu, Vipava
Chef of the Future: Jure Brložnik, Miza za štiri, Zgornja Polskava
Chef of Tradition: Primož Pintar, Gostišče Tolc, Spodnja Sorica
Young Talent: Jure Dretnik, GT19, Slovenj Gradec
Best Patisserie: Zvezda, Kongresni trg, Ljubljana
Best POP: Kodila Gourmet & Bistro, Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje, Ljubljana
Best Sommelier: Nina Bratovž, JB Restaurant, Ljubljana
II. Best restaurants:
Recipients of 4 toques:
Hiša Franko (18,5/20), Gostilna Pri Lojzetu (17,5/20), Grič (17,5/20), Hiša Denk (17,5/20), Ošterija Debeluh (17,5/20), Milka (17,5/20), Pavus (17,5/20), Strelec (17,5/20), Galerija Okusov (17/20), Gostilna Mahorčič (17/20), Gostilna Repovž (17/20), JB (17/20) and Mak (17/20).
Recipients of 3 toques:
DAM, Hiša Linhart, COB, Špacapanova hiša, Danilo – gostilna & wine bar, Gostilna Krištof, Gostilna Rajh, Grad Štanjel Restaurant & Lounge bar, Hiša Fink, Hiša Raduha, Miza za štiri, Majerija, Pen Klub Restaurant, Cubo, Harfa, Mangrt Restaurant, Rizibizi, Stara Gostilna, Bistro Štorja, Gostilna As, Gostilna Jež, Gostilna Rakar, Gostilna Vovko, Hiša Krasna, Pikol, Calypso, Dveri-Pax Restaurant, Hotel Marina Restaurant, Gjerkeš Estate Restaurant, Spargus, Sophia.
