Food and drink

Si sapis, sis apis – if you are wise, be like a bee, says a Latin proverb that Slovenians follow almost unconsciously every day. However, it often seems that we focus only on one aspect of bee behaviour - diligence and docility, the main attributes of the indigenous Carniolan honey bee, which was classified as a separate subspecies in the zoological classification of honey bees as far back as 1879. After almost 150 years, has the time come to adapt this definition (and our own mindset) and focus on qualities that move away from the concept of humility and modesty? To proudly raise our heads and proclaim that the Carniolan honey bee – just like us – is committed, determined, adaptable and, above all, resilient? Isn't it time we internalized another virtue of the Carniolan honey bee – its excellent sense of orientation – and set off on a new path?

We spoke with Špela Šuc and Rene Šuc, the third generation to carry on the story of the family-run Gostilna pri Mari in Kamnik pod Krimom. They shared their approach to blending traditional Slovenian cuisine with contemporary hospitality and sommelier expertise, finding inspiration for new interpretations of age-old recipes, and maintaining a balance between family and business life.
We learned how each of their independent career paths eventually led them back home, where, together with their family, they welcome guests who know that a roughly 30-minute drive or 15-minute train journey from Ljubljana will be rewarded, time and again, with a slightly refreshed, carefully considered and complete culinary experience.

Slovenian cuisine is colourful and diverse. Get to know the typical dishes and restaurants where you can taste them.

Visit Open Kitchen (Odprta Kuhna) each Friday at the Ljubljana Central Market and enjoy the diversity of tastes. Typical of Ljubljana's street food scene are also a strong Balkan influence and, of course, the ever present burgers.

Get to know Slovenia’s excellent wines at restaurants and wine tastings in Ljubljana. Then set off from Ljubljana to explore the treasures of wineries across Slovenia.

Ljubljana has a huge amount to offer beer lovers. Its range of places to eat is complemented by a rich choice of taverns, pubs, and other catering outlets and specialized shops offering beer.