Can you imagine dining in a real castle? Sitting in the main dining room of a beautifully preserved medieval castle while tasting dishes from the best chefs and award-winning wine is a once in a lifetime experience.
Fortunately, it is one that you can have over and over again across Slovenia. Below I am sharing some of the most beautiful settings; castles, villas, manors, and chateaus that you can dine at with some of Slovenia’s top chefs and premiere dishes.
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Ljubljanski grad
Originally a fortress in the 11th and 12th centuries, today Ljubljana Castle is the centerpiece of Ljubljana. The castle houses exhibitions, incredible views of the city, and not one, but two highly-rated restaurants.
Gostilna Na Gradu
Located in the courtyard of the castle is Gostilna Na Gradu. Perfect for a lunch out with an old friend or for a romantic dinner date. Na Gradu comes from the minds of Ana Roš and Valter Kramar from Hiša Franko and Svetozar Raspopović from Gostilna As. The menu is full of seasonal traditional Slovenian dishes, including Fonda sea bass, Tolmin cheese, štruklji, and žlikrofi.
Restavracija Strelec
Located in the Shooters’ Tower of the Ljubljana Castle is Restavracija Strelec. Chef Igor Jagodic and Slovenian ethnologist Janez Bogataj have prepared a menu that pays homage to medieval cuisine with a modern Slovenian touch. Be sure to book a reservation in advance!
Contact information
Grajska planota 1, 1000 Ljubljana
www.ljubljanskigrad.si/en/
+386 (0)1 306 42 93
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Hotel Gredič
Castelletto Gredič was built 400 years ago and has since been renovated. Today it boasts seven private rooms, all decorated beautifully with stunning views, a vinothèque (wine library), culinary workshops, a pool, and a restaurant.
Located in the heart of Goriška Brda, the menu has Mediterranean and Slovene influence with local products. They have options for tasting menus as well as a modest al la carte menu. Dishes can be complemented with Slovenian or international wines. But I will let you in on a secret, go for the Slovenian wine.
Contact Information
Gredič, Ceglo 9, 5212 Dobrovo v Brdih
www.gredic.si/en/contact
+386 (0)5 828 0120
Grad Mokrice
Mokrice Castle is a medieval castle near the southeastern border of Slovenia with Croatia. It was first mentioned in 1444 and rebuilt in the 16th century and again in 1941. The hotel has an 18-hole golf course and a 200-year-old park with 70 different species of trees on the grounds. Mokrice Castle is owned by Terme Čatež so guests can include an entrance pass with their stay.
Restavracija Grad Mokrice
The restaurant in the castle is a lovely setting for a true castle experience. The menu is a tribute to local cuisine and products with a modern perspective. I had a delicious four-course meal here for my birthday last year and still daydream about it.
Contact Information
Rajec 4, 8261 Jesenice na Dolenjskem
www.terme-catez.si/en/mokrice-resort
+386 (0)7 493 67 00
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Grad Otočec
Grad Otočec (Otočec Castle) sits on an island in the middle of the Krka River. The castle dates back to the 13th century and today it houses a luxury hotel and restaurant. Grad Otočec is one of two Relais and Chateaux members in Slovenia (the second is also on this list!). An exclusive association of luxurious hotels that satisfy a set of criteria. Many of which are historic landmarks that offer haute cuisine.
Castle Restaurant
The restaurant offers fresh local ingredients and cuisine suited for a castle. There is a castle garden where almost everything served is grown. Each week it is determined what is available and a menu is created. Guests can also arrange to see the gardens, fruit trees, and beekeeping.
A castle winery is housed in one of the towers to accommodate the ideal settings for wine storage. You will find not only Slovenian wines, such as the locally adored Cviček, but also wines from across the world.
Contact Information
Grajska cesta 2, 8222 Otočec ob Krki
www.grad-otocec.com/en/us/home/
+386 (0)8 20 50 310