Record-breaking night of Slovenian gastronomy: the best of Gault&Millau Slovenia 2026 announced
The smell of fine cuisine, the energy of the creators and the feeling of witnessing something historic. On 17 March, the Slovenian gastronomic scene gathered for an evening that set a new milestone. The Gault&Millau Slovenia 2026 Best of the Best Awards was not just an award ceremony, but a celebration of a generation that is redefining what it means to eat and create in Slovenia.
2026 will be remembered as a record year: for the first time ever, the 5th highest cap was awarded, while 51 restaurants achieved three or more caps. The evening was also marked by the strong presence of young talents who, with courage, respect for tradition and modern approaches, are shaping the future of Slovenian gastronomy.
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2026 SPECIAL AWARDS
Among the most anticipated moments of the evening were the Special Awards, which highlight individuals and stories that push boundaries:
Chef of the Year: Jure Tomič (Ošterija Debeluh, Brežice)
Chef of the Future: Davor Arnautović (Vila Muhr, Bohinj)
Chef of Modern Tradition: Martina Breznik (Hiša Raduha, Luče)
Young talent: Jurij Daolio (Doppler Estate, Kozjak nad Pesnico)
Best Patisserie: Lolita, Ljubljana
Best POP: Movia Wine Bar, Ljubljana
Best Sommelier: Simona Česen (Wine bar Šuklje, Ljubljana)
BEST RESTAURANTS 2026
5 caps: Hiša Franko
4 caps: Gostilna Pri Lojzetu, Grič, Hiša Denk, Ošterija Debeluh, Restauracja Milka, Restauracja Pavus, Restauracja Strelec, Galerija okusov, Gostilna Mahorčič, Gostilna Repovž, JB Restauracja, Restauracja Mak, newly ranked are DAM Restauracja and Vila Muhr
3 caps: Linhart House, Raduha House, COB Restaurant, Špacapanova hiša, Danilo - inn & wine bar, Krištof Restaurant, Rajh Restaurant, Štanjel Castle Restaurant & Lounge bar, House Fink, Majerija, Table for four, Pen Klub restaurant, Restaurant Cubo, Restaurant Dveri-Pax, Restaurant Harfa, Restaurant Mangrt, Restaurant Estate Gjerkeš, Restaurant Rizibizi, Bistro Štorja, Gostilna As, Gostilna Jež, Gostilna Rakar, Gostilna Vovko, Hiša Krasna, Pikol, Restaurant Calypso, Restaurant Hotel Marina, Restaurant Sophia, Restaurant Spargus, Stara gostilna, this year joined by Restaurant Julijana, TAbar, Restaurant Plesnik, Aftr, Doppler Estate and Gostilna Podfarovž
If in the past Slovenian gastronomy was mainly rooted in tradition, today it is this tradition that is becoming the springboard for something new. Young chefs are taking over family-run restaurants, reinterpreting and upgrading them, without losing their identity, but with a clear ambition for excellence.
The result? A scene that is not only diverse, but also confident and increasingly recognised internationally.
Slovenia as a gastronomic destination
The Gault&Millau Slovenia 2026 guide once again confirms that Slovenia is consolidating its position as one of the most dynamic culinary destinations in the region. The combination of local ingredients, authentic stories and modern interpretation creates an experience that goes beyond the plate.
Many thanks to our main partner, the Slovenian Tourist Board, for their long-standing cooperation, and to Tourism Ljubljana for supporting the project.
"Gault&Millau is one of the world's leading culinary guides, making an important contribution to the international visibility of gastronomy and placing destinations on the global culinary map. In Slovenia, it also promotes creativity, quality and the development of new talent, and helps us reach an audience of millions in key markets through media and digital publications. I sincerely congratulate all the chefs, caterers and other culinary storytellers included in Gault&Millau 2026, who, by respecting local ingredients and using innovative approaches, are co-creating a modern and distinctive image of Slovenian tourism," said Ms. M. M. M. K., Director of the Slovenian Tourism Agency. Maja Pak Olaj, Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board.
The full list of the restaurants assessed will be published when the guide is published in May. Until then - congratulations to all the winners and the creators who prove every day that Slovenia is a place of exceptional flavours.
