Gostilna Rakar

Rating: 15
Author: Gault&Millau

Gorenje Ponikve 8, 8210 Trebnje, Slovenia

15/20
Remarkable Restaurant

6 PHOTOS

Chef: Boštjan Rakar
Cooking: Creative | Gastronomic | Local | Modern
Style: Elegant

Gault&Millau's review 2026

The Rakar family seamlessly combines the warmth of a traditional inn and boutique hotel with the refinement of high-level gastronomy. Their philosophy is straightforward: seasonal ingredients, local provenance, and creative techniques brought together in creative and harmonious plates. During the summer months, evenings on the shaded terrace beneath the vines provide the perfect setting for exploring one of the restaurant’s tasting menus. Although firmly rooted in the culinary traditions of Dolenjska, the kitchen’s inspiration often extends all the way to the Adriatic Sea. One of the restaurant’s most recognisable signature dishes is the Rakar barley croquette - a crisp sphere filled with cottage cheese and thyme, served with mushroom sauce, dried porcini chips, and toasted buckwheat popcorn. It is a dish that perfectly illustrates the restaurant’s ability to elevate familiar local ingredients into something memorable. Alongside such creations, seafood also plays an important role, with dishes such as Adriatic prawn tartare showcasing the kitchen’s broader horizons. Among the main courses, the wild Dover sole fillet is particularly impressive. Dessert brings another delightful surprise. The house apple strudel may appear to be a familiar Slovenian classic, yet its true charm lies in the finishing touch: the pastry au gratin with a delicately seasoned sauce that adds depth, elegance, and a hint of mystery. The experience is further enriched by one of the most extensive wine cellars in the region. With around a thousand labels, the collection reflects the family’s passion for wine and their commitment to sharing that knowledge and enthusiasm with every guest who visits.