Slovenia Shines in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide: Hiša Franko Retains Three Stars, More Awards Celebrate Culinary Excellence and Sustainability
he 2025 MICHELIN Guide Slovenia celebrates 72 exceptional restaurants, showcasing 12 MICHELIN Stars, 9 Green Stars, and, for the first time, 3 Special Awards for Young Chef, Sommelier, and Service.
This isn’t just an acknowledgment – it’s a tribute to Slovenia’s vibrant culinary spirit, deeply rooted in tradition, sustainability, and innovation.
👏 A heartfelt congratulations to all the awarded chefs and their teams, with a special mention to Ana Roš and Hiša Franko for retaining the prestigious honour of three MICHELIN Stars and a Green Star.
⭐⭐⭐ Hiša Franko
⭐⭐ Milka
⭐ Pavus, Dam, COB, Hiša Linhart, Grič, Gostilna pri Lojzetu, Hiša Denk
We are particularly proud to welcome the new recipients of the Green Star, including Hotel Plesnik in the Logar Valley, along with chefs Janez Bratož and Tom Čopar, for their outstanding commitment to sustainable, locally-sourced cuisine that reflects the core principles of responsible gastronomy.
Hiša Franko, led by acclaimed chef Ana Roš, has once again secured the prestigious distinction of three MICHELIN stars in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Slovenia, along with the Green Star for sustainability. This honor reaffirms its position at the pinnacle of global gastronomy.
Hiša Franko’s achievement is remarkable on both a regional and international scale. It is now one of only 153 restaurants worldwide (140 at the time of announcement) to hold three MICHELIN stars. Even more exclusive is its dual recognition: it is among just 37 establishments globally (previously 32) to combine three stars with a Green Star. Ana Roš herself joins an elite group as the eighth female chef in the world to be awarded three stars, and one of only two women to hold this unique combination.
Outstanding Results Across Slovenia
Other Slovenian restaurants also delivered outstanding performances. For the third consecutive year, Restaurant Milka, led by chef David Žefran, retained its two-star rating.
Seven restaurants maintained or earned one MICHELIN star, impressing inspectors with their creativity and consistency:
- COB – Chef Filip Matjaž
- Dam – Chef Uroš Fakuč
- Gostilna pri Lojzetu – Chef Tomaž Kavčič
- Grič – Chef Luka Košir
- Hiša Denk – Chef Gregor Vračko
- Hiša Linhart – Chef Uroš Štefelin
- Pavus – Chef Marko Pavčnik
New MICHELIN Special Awards in Slovenia
For the first time, the MICHELIN Guide Slovenia introduced three individual awards celebrating talent and service excellence:
- Young Chef Award: Filip Matjaž (COB), recognized as an emerging force shaping the future of Slovenian cuisine.
- Sommelier Award: Anže Kristan (Gostilna pri Lojzetu), for his expert wine knowledge and refined, guest-centered approach.
- Service Award: Jan Sinčič (Salicornia), praised for his warmth and hospitality that “truly makes guests feel at home.”
Green Stars Highlight Sustainability Leadership
Nine Slovenian restaurants have been honored with the Green MICHELIN Star, recognizing commitment to sustainable and responsible gastronomy. A new addition this year is the restaurant at Hotel Plesnik, led by chefs Janez Bratovž and Tom Čopar.
Other Green Star recipients include:
- Galerija okusov – Chef Marko Magajne
- Gostilna Krištof – Chef Uroš Gorjanc
- Gostilna Repovž – Chef Grega Repovž
- Grič – Chef Luka Košir
- Hiša Franko – Chef Ana Roš
- Hiša Linhart – Chef Uroš Štefelin
- Gostilna Mahorčič – Chef Ksenija Krajšek Mahor
- Špacapanova hiša – Chef Ago Špacapan
Bib Gourmand: Great Food at Great Prices
The Bib Gourmand distinction, awarded for excellent cuisine at moderate prices, was given to 12 Slovenian restaurants this year. New additions include:
- Lesnika
- Etna
- Gredič
Returning honorees include:
- Gostilna in vinoteka Faladur
- Gostilna Rajh
- Gostilnica Ruj
- Restaurant Jožef
- Kodila
- Lalu Bistro
- Gostilna Mahorčič
- Restaurant Majerca
- Restaurant Triangel
Slovenia’s Culinary Landscape Expands
The 2025 MICHELIN Guide Slovenia features 72 restaurants, with 51 selected in the “Recommended” category. Among them are 9 exciting new entries, including:
- Dveri Pax
- Grad Štanjel Restaurant & Lounge
- Hiša Raduha
- Jaz by Ana Roš
- Old Cellar Bled
- Plesnik
- Salicornia
- TaBar
- The Restaurant
MICHELIN 2024
Hiša Franko with chef Ana Roš has also managed to retain its three Michelin stars this year, which it received last year. Thus, in 2024, Slovenia boasts one restaurant with three stars, one with two stars (Restaurant Milka), and eight with one star. The restaurants with one star are COB, Dam Restaurant, Gostilna pri Lojzetu, Gostišče Grič, Hiša Denk, Restaurant Strelec, Hiša Linhart, and Restaurant Pavus.
The presence of the ‘red bible’ in Slovenia in recent years has significantly contributed not only to increased visits and enhanced quality of selected Slovenian restaurants, but also to the broader development of Slovenian cuisine and the strengthening of destinations. The guide also opens up new opportunities for local communities.
Hiša Franko retains its prestigious three stars.
Milka Restaurant earns two stars.
Eight other restaurants awarded one star each: Grič, Dam, Strelec, Gostilna pri Lojzetu, Hiša Denk, COB, Hiša Linhart, Pavus
This year, 63 Slovenian restaurants are highlighted in the Michelin Guide, marking an increase of four from last year. Slovenian culinary excellence continues to soar.
Gwendal Poullennec, the international director of the MICHELIN guide, comments: “Every year, the MICHELIN guide inspectors have the privilege of observing the persistent progress of the Slovenian culinary scene. They are led by restaurant owners who strive to promote their region and culinary identity at the highest level, excelling with their commitment to an increasingly demanding offering. Today, June 18, on International Sustainable Gastronomy Day, we present our Slovenian selection, which includes a new MICHELIN Green Star, illustrating the growing concern of local experts to envision the contours of ‘more virtuous and sustainable gastronomy’.“
For decades, the Michelin Guide has set standards in the world of gastronomy. Its presence in Slovenia confirms the quality and diversity of our culinary offerings. Chefs from across the country have the opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity on a global scale through independent inspectors, which promotes innovation and elevates the culinary scene. This positions Slovenia among desirable culinary destinations, attracting food enthusiasts from around the world.
Restaurant Pavus has been awarded one MICHELIN star
Recommended by inspectors some time ago for its exceptional cuisine, Restaurant Pavus has received its first MICHELIN star this year, reflecting a significant improvement in its culinary offering. Located in a 13th-century castle in Laško, this establishment is led by the talented Marko Pavčnik. It offers a unique cuisine that reinterprets Styrian culinary traditions and emphasizes the best local produce. Among the dishes highlighted by inspectors is trout with elderflower sauce, enriched with aromatic herbs and fresh strawberries, which is particularly characteristic of the chef’s culinary style. The excellent wine list features top wines from across the country, with a strong emphasis on white wines from the region.
Pavus is the eighth restaurant to receive a MICHELIN star in 2024; all seven restaurants awarded one star in 2023 retained this recognition this year. In the categories with two and three stars, Michelin inspectors have once again recognized the excellence of Hiša Franko and Milka. Their consistency and high level of refinement are exceptional, as evidenced by their maintaining the highest level of excellence.
Slovenia now boasts a total of ten restaurants with MICHELIN stars across all categories, confirming its status as an important European gastronomic destination.
An exceptional dedication to sustainability rewarded with one new restaurant receiving the MICHELIN Green Star
The MICHELIN Green Star in the MICHELIN guide is awarded to establishments that stand out for their exceptional approach to sustainable gastronomy. In this year’s selection, eight Slovenian restaurants have received this prestigious recognition for their exemplary combination of culinary excellence and ecological responsibility, serving as inspiration for both food enthusiasts and the entire industry.
Among these eight recipients of the MICHELIN Green Star for 2024 is the newcomer restaurant Galerija Okusov in Petrovče. Inspectors highlighted the restaurant for its commitment to collaborating almost exclusively with artisans operating within a 50 km radius, using ingredients grown on their own estate, and implementing a no-plastic policy.
The MICHELIN Green Star is an award presented by the MICHELIN guide to restaurants that make exceptional efforts in sustainability. This star recognizes restaurants that practice sustainable methods, reduce waste, care for the environment, and use local and seasonal ingredients. It complements the traditional MICHELIN stars, which assess culinary excellence, and emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices in gastronomy.
Best Restaurants in Slovenia
Top 10 Restaurants from Ljubljana & Central Slovenia
Slovenia capital, Ljubljana and its surroundings offer their visitors numerous opportunities to spend their holidays, explore, and enjoy. This region borders on all other main Slovenia regions which are represented even in gastronomy. On the north and west, you can feel Alpine and Mediterranean influence while on East gastronomy is influenced by the Thermal Panonina region. Find out which top 10 restaurants from Ljubljana & Central Slovenia are the finalists at The Slovenia Restaurant Awards 2020!
Top 10 Restaurants from Mediterranean and Karst Slovenia
While the Mediterranean towns of Piran, Izola, and Koper entice visitors with their medieval town centers, Portorož invites them with its holiday attractions. Salt harvesters can be seen hard at work on the Sečovlje Salt Pans, and the Karst with Postojna Cave, Škocjan Caves, and Vilenica cave boasts the most stunning underground worlds on the planet. This region is also home to the noble Lipizzaner horse. Find out which top 10 restaurants from the Mediterranean and Karst Slovenia are the finalists at The Slovenia Restaurant Awards 2020!
Top 10 Restaurants from Thermal Pannonian Slovenia
Eastern Slovenia is a land of wide, open fields and rolling landscapes, storks, wind-rattles, floating mills, healing waters, energy points, picturesque rolling vineyards, unique traditions and dialects, and, most importantly, it’s home to warm and hospitable people. This landscape is rich in natural thermal spas that will strengthen and re-energise you. Discover the friendliness and hospitality of tourism farms, where you can taste local delicacies or enjoy in high-end restaurant and spoil your senses. Find out which top 10 restaurants from Thermal Pannonian Slovenia are the finalists at The Slovenia Restaurant Awards 2020!
Michelin Guide and Michelin Stars in Slovenia, but what do Slovenian chefs think about them?
Gastronomy has always been one of the key elements in promoting Slovenian tourism. As such, it has been recognized by various stakeholders in the Slovenian tourism industry, who have united themselves in the vision of the development of Slovene tourism in the direction of unique sustainable boutique 5-star experiences.
Recently we have set down with Slovenian chefs to talk about the arrival of Michelin in Slovenia.
We asked Tomaž Kavčič, Ana Roš, Janez Bratovž, Luka Košir, Črt Butul, Bine Volčič, Marko Pavčnik, Grega Repovž, Igor Jagodic, Mojmir Šiftar and Matej Tomažič about the arrival of Michelin in Slovenia and with kind of an impact, the famous French guide named after a tire – Michelin will have on Slovenian gastronomy.
All of these Slovenian chefs and their Slovenian restaurants have been recognized as creme de la creme at this year’s The Slovenia Restaurant Awards 2020. Learn more about this year’s winners of The Slovenia Restaurant Awards 2020 here.
Slovenian Michelin Stars and those across the Slovenian border
With all the talk about the first-ever Michelin stars in Slovenia, we must not forget there is an amazing chef who lives just a short drive away from the Slovenian border with Italy you will find a Michelin starred restaurant La Suibida, where our fellow Slovene Joško Sirk holds the prestigious honor that is the Michelin Star. Read more about the first Slovenian Michelin Star across the Slovenian border.
There are currently over 2000 restaurants around the world, who are the proud recipients of (one, two,or even three) Michelin star(s).
While we just received our first Michelin Guide in Slovenia, countries around Slovenia already have a few Michelin starred restaurants. Slovenia is the last one to receive the famous red restaurants guide Michelin. Discover which restaurants across the Slovenian border have Michelin stars and were featured in Michelin Guide.
The Michelin Guide just unveiled the new selection for the fourth edition of the MICHELIN Guide Croatia 2020 in March.
Best Slovenian restaurants
Two weeks before the Michelin Guide in Slovenia reveal, we hosted the fourth annual The Slovenia Restaurant Awards 2020. Due to the restrictions on public gatherings this year’s The Slovenia Restaurant Awards were held online in the form of a virtual ceremony together with amazing chefs like Ana Roš, Tomaž Kavčič,and Uroš Štefelin. Make sure you check out the best Slovenian restaurants and the winners of this year’s The Slovenia Restaurant Awards 2020.
