A roaring applause greets the joy of the 2025 Best of the Best
Among the playful confetti that flew into the air at the moment of celebration, the recipients of this year's special awards and the three and four Gault&Millau Slovenia 2025 caps stood proudly on the stage of the Festival Hall in Ljubljana. It is a pleasure to see how Slovenian catering is progressing year by year, how the creations are being perfected, which is also evidenced by the increased number of recipients of four (13 in total, 3 more than last year) and three caps (31 in total, 1 more restaurant than last year). There are also some fresh names among the recipients of special awards. Let's see which ones.
The best of the best gathered at the Gala Gala in the Festival Hall. At the climax of the evening, the Minister of Economy, Tourism and Sport Matjaž Han shook hands with the new Chef of the Year 2025, Tomaž Kavčič, Gostilna Pri Lojzetu, Vipava. This year's award ceremony clearly reflected the trend of refinement and truly cutting-edge skills, creativity and visionary Slovenian gastronomy, which is also evidenced by the strengthened group of four cap recipients, joined by 3 new restaurants compared to 2024, with Hiša Franko once again taking the lead with the most points.
I. SPECIAL MENTIONS:
Chef of the Year: Tomaž Kavčič, Gostilna Pri Lojzetu, Vipava
Chef of the Future: Jure Brložnik, Table for Four, 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: Gourmet & Bistro Kodila, Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje, Ljubljana
Best Sommelier: Nina Bratovž, JB Restaurant, Ljubljana
II. BEST RESTAURANT:
4 cap recipients:
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), Restauracja Milka (17,5/20), Restauracja Pavus (17,5/20), Restauracja Strelec (17,5/20), Galerija Okusov (17/20), Gostilna Mahorčič (17/20), Gostilna Repovž (17/20), JB restauracija (17/20) and Restauracja Mak (17/20).
Recipients of 3 caps:
DAM Restaurant, Linhart House, COB Restaurant, Špacapanova hiša, Danilo - tavern & wine bar, Krištof Restaurant, Rajh Restaurant, Štanjel Castle Restaurant & Lounge bar, Fink House, Raduha House, Table for Štiri, Majerija, Pen Klub restaurant, Restaurant Cubo, Restaurant Harfa, Restaurant Mangrt, Restaurant Rizibizi, Stara Gostilna, Bistro Štorja, Gostilna As, Gostilna Jež, Gostilna Rakar, Gostilna Vovko, HišKrasna, Pikol, Restaurant Calypso, Restaurant Dveri-Pax, Restaurant Marina Hotel, Restaurant Gjerkeš Estate, Restaurant Spargus, Restaurant Sophia.
The Slovenian Tourist Board has been the main partner of Gault&Millau Slovenia since its launch, this year for the seventh year in a row. Mag. "Slovenia is consolidating its position as one of the world's most exciting culinary destinations, where passion, creativity and sustainability are intertwined in exceptional gastronomic experiences. The Gault&Millau Slovenia 2025 Guide, in partnership with the Slovenian Tourist Board, once again highlights the top culinary masters, dedicated restaurateurs, winemakers and other creators who, with respect for local ingredients and an innovative approach, co-create our country's distinctive gastronomic identity. Slovenia stands out on the global culinary map for its clear commitment to sustainability, as marked by the Slovenia Green label. The guide also pays special attention to restaurants that preserve their rich heritage under the Gostilna Slovenija symbol. The Gault&Millau guide remains a valuable companion in discovering exceptional stories and an important promoter of Slovenian gastronomy at home and abroad."
The full list of those who have been included in the guide will be announced in April with the publication of its print edition.
Gault&Millau Slovenia would like to congratulate all the winners and all the others included in the guide.
