Best places for lunch in Ljubljana, according to local recommendations
Tina KovačićekJanuary 31, 2026
Food
Last weekend I was in Slovenia. After Kranjska Gora and Nordic running, which I tried there for the first time, I stayed an extra day and planned to spend it in Ljubljana. It was a beautiful sunny Sunday, a walk along the river and a mandatory item crossed off my to do list: visiting the exhibition of Marina Abramović and Ulay at Cukrarna! It was also an opportunity to finally see what the former sugar refinery looks like today, now redesigned as a center for contemporary art. After that, it was time to eat, and it was the perfect moment for lunch in Ljubljana. I got recommendations from friends, acquaintances, and dear collaborators, who shared with me the addresses where they like to go for lunch. From traditional gostilnas (homestyle cooking always suits me!) to modern bistros and Asian cuisine, the choice is vast. Although I could not, of course, visit all of these lunch spots in Ljubljana, let the following list stay saved in your bookmarks, because I will definitely be returning to Slovenia.
Related: Gastro Hot Spots: The most talked-about restaurants of 2025
Azur Trattoria
Address: Cesta na Brdo 33
This well known Ljubljana pizzeria has been around for more than 20 years, and its loyal local audience knows it well and keeps coming back. That is why I got a recommendation from Tijana, our copy editor, that the daily lunch offer here is very good. The name itself suggests that pizzas and pasta are the stars here. Among the signature dishes, Pizza Azur stands out in particular, their most recognizable version, combining San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, smoked prosciutto, sausage, and an egg, a combination that sounds unexpected but has proven to be an absolute favorite among guests. The tomato soup should not be missed either, and the menu is often complemented by seasonal gems such as stuffed peppers.
Gostilna Vida
Address: Gornji trg 15
One of the places people often go to for lunch in Ljubljana is Gostilna Vida, and one of the reasons is that the restaurant is open all seven days of the week, starting at noon. It is located in one of the most beautiful and oldest parts of the city and offers an interesting blend of Mediterranean, Asian, and fusion cuisine. It has good vegetarian and vegan options, and Tijana recommends it if you want local food with an innovative approach and a relaxed atmosphere.
Slovenska Hiša Figovec
Address: Gosposvetska cesta 1
Another restaurant right in the center of Ljubljana that offers traditional Slovenian dishes in a refined setting, Tijana tells me. Locals love this Hiša, and the fact that the restaurant dates back to 1879 gives it a special charm compared to more modern places. From beef soup with noodles, through roast pork with roasted potatoes and cracklings, to raw štruklji and other specialties, everything is on the menu, and the atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant. You get Slovenia on a plate in the most charming surroundings.
Ljubljančanka
Address: Knafljev prehod 2
IG @ ljubljancanka.si
A relatively new restaurant in Ljubljana, opened in March 2025, but it has already proven itself as ready to start a new chapter dedicated to traditional food in the city center, located right next to Prešeren Square. When it comes to homestyle cooking, everything here smells of comfort. From beef soup and žlikrofi to stuffed peppers and štruklji, if you want tasty food that feels like home, Tijana advises choosing Ljubljančanka for lunch in Ljubljana.
Zanoodle
Address: Rimska cesta 21
For lunch, the very popular Asian fusion bistro Zanoodle is on the go to list of our collaborator Ivana Franka, as well as photographer Matjaž Tančič. Homemade noodles and a creative approach to the menu stand out, masterfully prepared with Asian inspiration in mind, while the atmosphere is very relaxed and casual. We take fast food and elevate it to a higher level through playfulness, creativity, and the serious execution of our team in order to create something special, Zanoodle chef Toni Strnad told me recently.
Sato Bento
Address: Kotnikova 5
Authentic Japanese cuisine awaits you in this small, understated, yet excellent bistro, and it is one of Matjaž Tančič’s recommendations. The story is led and created by chef Shin Sato, a Japanese chef who built his career in London and now lives in Slovenia. One of his signature dishes, which should not be skipped when you are here, is homemade ramen with miso or tonkotsu broth, served with fresh noodles, eggs, vegetables, and marinated meat or shrimp. They are also known for their sushi combinations and bento boxes, where the chef plays with local ingredients.
Trappa pizzeria & bar
Address: Koprska 94
In the western part of the city, if you are in the mood for pizza, Trappa is a favorite lunch spot for many locals, says Matjaž. Sourdough is at the heart of the story here, and in addition to classic pizzas, creative versions with burrata, mortadella, or seafood are offered. Besides pizza, there are also lasagnas, salads, and burgers, and the place is known for a good balance of price and quality.
Patrón Tacos & Bar
Address: Gornji trg 23
Patrón is known as the first true taqueria in the city, focused on authentic Mexican tacos and homemade corn tortillas, and one of the favorite spots among locals, Matjaž says, when it comes to a quick, tasty, and informal lunch or dinner in the old town. The menu features various tacos, quesadillas, and burritos, along with fresh salsas and classic Mexican sides. The atmosphere is relaxed and lively, inspired by Mexican street food culture.
SarrBing
Address: Nazorjeva ulica 10
A true hidden gem for locals was revealed to me by Ivana Franka, who says she adores the Korean bistro SarrBing, where she is a regular. They are known as a lunch spot offering a three course menu from Monday to Friday. The menu is small but very good, with three versions of Korean ramen, dumplings in two or three combinations, and Korean desserts such as the famous bingsu or rice cakes tteokbokki, a complete hit this year. The atmosphere is very relaxed and casual, as if you were visiting someone’s home, and the wine list is also extensive, making the combination of lunch and a good glass of wine an excellent choice.
Vito Maccheroni
Address: Pokrita tržnica BTC, NEU Residencies
If you are in the mood for good Italian pasta, Ivana Franka recommends another place she herself visits often, Vito Maccheroni. A very good Italian pasta bar that works on the principle of building your own favorite combination. It is known for fresh, homemade Italian pasta and sauces prepared in a traditional way using durum wheat flour. The generous portions deserve special praise.
Georgie Bistro
Address: Čufarjeva ulica 5
Chef Gregor Jelnikar leads his gastro story with elegance, and his Georgie Bistro in the center of Ljubljana is one of Slovenians’ favorite lunch addresses, especially for business lunches, Ivana Franka tells me. The Michelin Guide has consistently followed it for several years with a recommendation, praising not only the food but also the atmosphere, which, although more sophisticated, is very relaxed. They have a large wine selection, with an emphasis on fresh and local, and the author driven creative dishes invite you to a different lunch experience. During the daytime slot from 12:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday, they offer a three course lunch set menu, usually priced at a very accessible 30 euros.
Dobro jutro Vietnam
Address: Štefanova ulica 5
IG @dobrojutrovietnamljubljana
As someone who loves Asia, receiving another recommendation, this time for a Vietnamese restaurant in Ljubljana, is a true joy. Photographer Nik Erik Neubauer highlights Dobro jutro Vietnam as a place with excellent food at very affordable prices. At lunchtime, you will almost never find a free table here, and the location is quite hidden despite being in the city center, tucked away in a passage between high rise buildings. Here you will find pho, bun, goi cuon, bun nuoc cha, and other delicacies from that part of the world.
Pizzeria Parma
Address: Trg republike 2
A traditional pizzeria in the center of Ljubljana, known for classic pizzas and a long history in the city, which is why I am adding this recommendation from Nik Erik to the list of good lunch spots. Open since the 1970s, it is one of the oldest pizzerias in Ljubljana and is considered one of the city’s cult places, full of nostalgia and legendary pizzas. Nik Erik says that blueberry juice with pizza is a must.
Gostilna Pri Stricku
Address: Kodrova ulica 8
Although it is not in the city center, this homestyle gostilna is worth hopping on a bike for, says photographer Jaka Teršek, who loves this place for lunch. He points out that the atmosphere is very homely, like being at home, and that here you can try authentic Slovenian cuisine in an equally original interior. The top combination according to Jaka’s advice is a glass of cviček, a light red wine, with liver and fried potatoes.
Tabar
Address: Center ROG, Trubarjeva cesta 72
The restaurant is located in the center of Ljubljana, in the revitalized space of the former bicycle factory Center Rog, and is defined by fine casual gastronomy. Tamir Grays, co founder of .raw lab and Bagel Embassy, highlights it as one of his favorite lunch spots. It is led by chef Nikolaj Pintar, who creates a creative, seasonal cuisine with an emphasis on local ingredients and sustainability. The restaurant offers tasting menus and small plates in two spaces, the bar and the restaurant, combining Slovenian and Mediterranean flavors with innovative fusion elements. Alongside the food, TaBar stands out for its rich wine list, including organic and biodynamic wines.
AFTR
Address: Nazorjeva ulica 2
A relaxed, lively atmosphere combined with good cocktails and food makes the modern bistro AFTR an excellent choice for lunch, agrees Tamir, who also recommends it and highlights the cocktail list. The menu is seasonal and creative, after all it is designed by Jorg Zupan, so that point is clear, with an emphasis on sharing plates, giving you the opportunity to try different dishes at once. AFTR is very much a thing in Ljubljana!
Gostilna Šestica
Address: Slovenska cesta 40
And finally, another homestyle recommendation from our Tijana, referring to the tavern Gostilna Šestica in the center of Ljubljana. A classic gostilna with soul and tradition, as locals describe it. The menu focuses on traditional Slovenian cuisine, including homemade soups, schnitzels, goulash, game, steaks, various meat and vegetarian options, as well as popular štruklji and other local specialties. In the newer part of the gostilna, pizzas from a wood fired oven and lasagnas are also served.
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