In the past decade, specialty coffee culture has also seen significant growth in Slovenia. It refers to coffee of the highest quality, grown with great care, carefully roasted, and properly prepared to fully express its aromatic potential in the cup. An important role in the development of this culture is played by the Slovenian Specialty Coffee Association, which connects roasters, baristas, and coffee enthusiasts while promoting education and raising industry standards.
As part of the “Best Of Local” selection, where local residents and lovers of Slovenia vote for the best providers, they also cast their votes for the best coffee in Slovenia. This year saw a record-breaking response, with more than 150,000 votes submitted. Among the winners in the “Food & Drinks Slovenia” category are specialty coffee roasters that impress both locals and visitors with their quality and innovation.
STOW Coffee Roasters
A cornerstone of Slovenia’s coffee revolution, STOW operates from Kamnik, Ljubljana, and beyond, combining a full-scale roastery, café, and the country’s leading coffee academy. Under the guidance of licensed SCA AST trainer Peter Ševič, STOW Academy has educated hundreds of enthusiasts since 2016, offering everything from home-brewing to advanced barista courses. Their café at Gosposka 15 showcases rotating seasonal single-origin and blend offerings—espresso, filter, cold brew, even bespoke coffee cocktails—all roasted on-site for maximum freshness.
Escobar Specialty Coffee Roasters
Founded by Katja and Omar Escobar in Vrhnika, Escobar prides itself on roasting to order: no beans sit longer than necessary, ensuring each batch is day-fresh and flavourful. Their online shop features an extensive range of single-origin coffees, blends, decafs, and even novelty flavoured varieties (think marshmallow or tiramisu notes), all accompanied by detailed tasting profiles and brewing recipes. Escobar also hosts events like cuppings and barista trainings, fostering community engagement and coffee literacy across Slovenia.
Banibeans
Founded in 2018 by then-17-year-old Luka Banović, Banibeans specializes in light roasting to preserve vibrant acidity and origin flavours—ideal for pour-over and filter methods but versatile enough for juicy espresso shots. Though not open to the public year-round, their online store offers single-origin beans from Kenya, Costa Rica, Rwanda, and more, with free Slovenian shipping above €30 and EU shipping above €65. Banibeans regularly releases new microlots, inviting coffee lovers to explore diverse terroirs through clear tasting notes.
La Huella – Café de Panama
Operating as the EU arm of Panama’s Café de Panama farm, La Huella brings award-winning Geisha and other micro-lot coffees directly to Slovenia. Beans are hand-picked, processed (natural, washed, or honey), and roasted within 24 hours of order in Ljubljana’s Šentvid district, ensuring peak freshness and exclusivity. Limited seasonal batches reflect farm conditions, with CO₂-neutral packaging and optional Discovery Sets for sampling. They also host intimate tastings at Črno Zrno coffee shop in Old Town Ljubljana.
Pražarna
A dual coffee shop and roastery on Dunajska cesta, Pražarna ensures every cup is brewed from beans roasted moments before serving. Their menu spans espresso, white coffee, espresso tonic, filter coffee, and biodegradable Nespresso-compatible capsules—one of the few in Slovenia offering such eco-friendly pods. With indoor and outdoor seating, vegan options, and occasional educational events, Pražarna combines artisanal roasting with a warm, community-oriented café atmosphere.
R&B Café Roasters
In Ljubljana’s city centre, R&B stands for “Roaster & Baristas”—a café, roastery, and brunch spot awarded “Roaster of the Year 2025.” Specializing in single-origin coffees from top global farms, they pair each brew with house-made brunch dishes, from vegan bowls to cinnamon butterscotch lattes. Their loyal membership program, coffee roasting classes, and wholesale training for partner businesses underscore R&B’s commitment to cultivating a knowledgeable coffee community throughout Slovenia.
Hikofi
Hikofi is one of the more recognizable specialty coffee shops and roasteries that has significantly contributed to the development of third wave coffee in Slovenia. Their focus is on lighter roasts that highlight the complexity and natural sweetness of the coffee. With a modern interior and a strong emphasis on quality service, they have become a reference point for lovers of filter coffee and alternative brewing methods.
Lau Cafe
Lau Cafe is a space where urban culture and premium coffee come together. Their roasts are tailored to both espresso enthusiasts and those who prefer filter brewing methods. They place special emphasis on creating a pleasant customer experience and fostering a sense of community.
Rudys
Rudys is known for its recognizable brand and for making specialty coffee accessible to a wider audience. Their range includes different roast levels, with a focus on drinkability and balanced flavor profiles. They actively participate in coffee events and festivals.
From Kamnik to Tolmin, from high Alpine air to Panamanian micro-lots, these ten roasteries exemplify Slovenia’s dynamic specialty coffee landscape—where innovation, sustainability, and artisanal craftsmanship converge in every cup.
